Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
April 23, 2025
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action opens exhibition on macrophotography of Azorean endemic insects
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Tuesday the opening of the macrophotography exhibition of Azorean endemic insects, "LIFE BEETLES: Little ones in a Big Way" at the Lajes das Flores Municipal Garden.  On the day that marked two events of considerable importance for environmental awareness, World Earth Day and National Geological Heritage Day, Alonso Miguel highlighted "the importance of the LIFE BEETLES project" for its solid and consistent contribution to the conservation of the region's biodiversity. It also has the potential to raise awareness and bring communities closer to the natural values defining the archipelago's identity." The Regional Secretary stressed that "the macrophotography exhibition, now opened, plays an essential role in bringing the local community closer to insects, a group of living beings that often goes unnoticed and is not properly valued." The aim is to "deconstruct the negative perception often associated with these small beings, revealing their vital importance for the balance of ecosystems and the functioning of the nature surrounding us." Alonso Miguel explained that this initiative intends to disseminate the best of what is being done in the Region as regards research, conservation and environmental education. It is the second initiative of its kind in the Azores and has travelled to the three islands covered by the LIFE BEETLES project, having already been presented in Terceira and Pico. "The photographs on display, with technical accuracy and artistic sensitivity, allow us to see more closely, with detail and clarity, what normally escapes our gaze: the beauty, complexity and value of these great little inhabitants of our natural heritage," he added. The government official stressed the Regional Government's firm commitment "to valuing nature conservation, biodiversity and environmental sustainability as fundamental pillars for public policies in the environmental area, as materialised through the continued commitment to LIFE projects." According to Alonso Miguel, "these projects, which are heavily subsidised by the EU and directly coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, represent a unique opportunity to empower the Region in the protection of our natural resources. They are an essential lever for the implementation of excellent public environmental policies, helping to ensure that the Azorean natural heritage, which is unique and irreplaceable, is preserved, valued and passed on to future generations." The Regional Secretary acknowledged that the LIFE BEETLES - Bringing Environmental and Ecological Threats Lower to Endangered Species project is, in this context, an excellent example of what can be achieved with a coordinated and well-designed strategy based on a long-term vision. With a six-year span, from January 2020 to December 2025, this nature conservation project represents an overall investment of about 1.77 million Euros, with 55% co-financed by the European Union. It is mainly intended to increase the population and distribution area, and enhance the conservation status of three beetle species endemic to the Azores: the ironclad beetle, on Flores Island, the ground beetle (Pseudanchomenus aptinoides), on Pico Island, and the ground beetle (Trechus terrabravensis), on Terceira Island. He stressed that "the project's area of intervention on Flores Island covers around 182 hectares, spread over the areas of Ferros Velhos, Lagoa Rasa and Ribeiras do Fundão and Anel, in Lajes das Flores, where work has been carried out to recover and rehabilitate the habitat of the target species on this island: the ironclad beetle. This has been achieved, through the control and removal of invasive flora species, the planting of about 4,500 endemic specimens and the application of natural engineering solutions in highly degraded stream sections." Alonso Miguel revealed that "within the scope of the LIFE BEETLES project, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has invested more than 300 thousand Euros on Flores Island, creating three local jobs, which also represents a significant contribution to the local economy and the qualification of human resources in the environmental field." With a view to marking World Earth Day and National Geological Heritage Day, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has scheduled around twenty environmental awareness activities on all the archipelago's islands until April 30, including information sessions, interpretive tours, interpretive visits to Environmental Centres and educational activities aimed at both schoolchildren and the general public. They are intended to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation, knowledge of our geological heritage and sustainable management of natural resources.

Nota de Imprensa
April 23, 2025
Berta Cabral praises cooperation between Azores and Canary Islands under PRISMAC
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures the "decisive and fruitful cooperation between the archipelagos of the Azores and the Canary Islands under PRISMAC, part of the MAC 2021-2027 territorial cooperation programme." Berta Cabral spoke at the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC) auditorium during the public presentation of the PRISMAC project on Tuesday in Ponta Delgada. For the government official, "the mobility of people and goods in both archipelagos is one of the most complex tasks we have to face daily." "In the Azores, as in the Canary Islands, we are dealing with the permanent challenge of ensuring accessibility, securing connections, promoting territorial cohesion and protecting the population in the face of significant natural hazards," she said. "Extreme phenomena are increasingly frequent and jeopardise the integrity of infrastructures essential to everyday life. For this reason, in-depth and sustained reflection is needed on the planning, construction or maintenance and resilience of public infrastructures," she emphasised. According to Berta Cabral, this reflection "cannot be carried out in isolation or on the sidelines of the member states and the European Union. It requires funding, collaboration, sharing of experiences, knowledge transfer and, above all, highly rigorous scientific intervention." Firstly, "science has become a critical element of growth and competitiveness, with an undeniable geopolitical reach. Secondly, knowing the risks is insufficient: they must be converted into operational solutions, specific plans and effective management tools." In this regard, she defended the need to work to "improve knowledge, create and strengthen monitoring systems, invest in structural prevention and promote adaptation-based approach in our communities." She stated that PRISMAC represents precisely the commitment to "combining scientific knowledge with an understanding of the territory, promoting community literacy and providing responsible political decision-making under the European principle of subsidiarity." "Analysing vulnerabilities, studying risk scenarios and proposing innovative solutions are tangible steps towards a safer and better-prepared Region," explained the government official. She advocated the  need to strengthen cooperation ties with the Canary Islands to "promote the sharing of good practices, foster joint innovation and boost the international projection of Macaronesia as a region of knowledge, resilience and sustainability." According to the Regional Secretary, PRISMAC provides guidelines and conditions for this endeavour and produces a rationale for sustaining the differences as European Union regions.  "We must be attentive and follow developments on the European Union's new partnership agreement and subsequent post-2027 multiannual financial framework to ensure that the cohesion policy continues to play a key role in the development of Europe and its outermost regions," she stressed. In this context, she defended "greater flexibility in the use of funds, providing a more effective response to the specific needs of each region and greater focus not only on construction but also on infrastructure maintenance. This should take into account climate change and the increasingly frequent occurrence of extreme natural phenomena, which are fundamental aspects that must be established, preferably together." Regarding the case studies shared today, such as the embankments in general and the situation involving the access to the parish of Ribeira Quente and the town of Povoação, on São Miguel Island, she considered that they showed this reality and evidenced the path we intend to follow.  Berta Cabral also stated that the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Infrastructures, "renews its commitment to continue working side by side with the Government of the Canary Islands, the scientific community, our municipalities and civil society, so that what started here will not end but multiply." "We are certain that the path we want to follow is one of determination, collective intelligence and deep respect for the human, natural and built heritage entrusted to us," she concluded. The presentation of the PRISMAC project, which has the University of the Azores as a partner, was attended by the Vice-Chancellor for Infrastructures of the Government of the Canary Islands.

Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2025
Press release - Ordinances 37/2025 and 38/2025
Ordinances 37/2025 and 38/2025, published today, April 22, put the Government Council resolutions into practice. They stem from the need to increase the quantities of fibre, straw and lucerne, and the corresponding funds allocated to them, already used in 2024. They resulted from the compensation already granted to offset the increased costs incurred by livestock producers for feeding their livestock, due to the drought that affected the Region last summer and the heavy rainfall in the winter. Therefore, they do not concern new applications or new support measures.

Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2025
Azores brand participates in this year's SAGAL fair in Lisbon
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Azores Brand Management and Promotion Office, is taking part in SAGAL 2025 - Flavours of Portugal Export Fair, which is being held at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre  (FIL) between April 28 and 30. With the largest stand at the fair, 26 companies from various islands and different food production sectors will be present at this edition. With about 400 companies and 1,100 buyers from more than participating 95 countries, including France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates, among others, the Azores are, once again, taking part in one of the biggest annual meetings of leading export companies and entrepreneurs. It is an opportunity to meet important importers from the food industry from the five continents. SAGAL 2025 is an initiative aimed exclusively at exports and business development. As such, it is an important tool for establishing and gaining access to new markets as well as increasing the presence of participating regional companies on the international market. The Region will participate in this event with the following companies: ARCOA (Queijaria Ilha de Santa Maria); Azores Brewing Company; Azorfisk; Cássio Amarante (Genuínas and São Jorge do Meio do Mar); CD Lux Investment; Conseran - Conservas Do Atlântico Norte; Cooperativa Celeiro da Terra; Estufaçor; Fábrica de Licores Eduardo Ferreira & Filhos; Flying Fish Azores; Garcez & Santos; Insulac; Açoresmel; LactAçores; Lima & Quental; Loop Pursuit; Marta Tomé & Filhas; Plantações de Chá Gorreana; Prolacto Lacticínios de São Miguel; Promineral; Pronicol; Quintal dos Açores; RTM Lacticínios do Pico; Sicosta; Sociedade Conserveira Açoriana; and Sociedade Corretora. Currently, among 308 companies, there are more than 8,000 Azores Brand seals, 95% concern food products. This is a clear sign of the need to continue investing in the promotion of our products and companies in value-added markets, whilst also looking for others that will make the most of Azorean production and companies, leveraging our islands. 

Nota de Imprensa
April 21, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro stresses "strategic importance" of new Furnas bypass
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presented the new Furnas bypass today, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The work, included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), represents an investment of about 7.7 million Euros and is almost complete. Stretching 1.5 kilometres, this new road now connects the Estaleiro area directly and safely to the Ribeira Quente (Tambores) junction, avoiding crossing the parish of Furnas. It is an expressway designed to improve mobility, reduce travel times and enhance road safety. The head of the Azorean Government noted that this work is a specific example of the path the Azorean Government wants to continue following. "This bypass is important but it is just one step on the road we want to take. We intend to continue to improve access to Lomba do Cavaleiro, enhance safety as far as Ribeira Quente and upgrade the pavement as far as Água Retorta," he said. He also emphasised that this investment goes beyond the municipality of Povoação and is an asset for the entire island. "This intervention creates better opportunities for São Miguel. It adds value to our territory, serves the population and brings together communities that have been isolated for too long," he said. Regarding the financial effort involved, José Manuel Bolieir pointed out the importance of balancing political will with budget viability: "Political will is the starting point but without the necessary financial resources, no work can be carried out. It is this combination of wanting to do things and being able to do them that allows us to move forward, avoid postponements and turn commitments into reality. This bypass is also a good example of how European funds can be used with responsibility and vision." The works contract was awarded to the company Caetano & Medeiros, with the project being designed by Coteprol. It was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, receiving a favourable opinion and complying with the environmental constraints throughout its implementation.  The presentation was also attended by the Mayor of Povoação, Pedro Melo, the Regional Director for Public Works, Pedro Azevedo, the Regional Director for Planning and Structural Funds, Nuno Melo Alves, as well as the Presidents of Furnas and Ribeira Quente Parish Councils, Eduarda Pimenta and Ruben Melo.

Nota de Imprensa
April 21, 2025
Berta Cabral congratulates Clube União Micaelense for organising International Football Tournament 2025
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, congratulated Clube União Micaelense for organising the 2025 edition of the International Football Tournament, which took place in Ponta Delgada and brought new dynamics to the sports and tourism scene on São Miguel Island. Berta Cabral, who chaired the closing session of the tournament on behalf of the President of the Government, emphasised the high quality of the initiative. This year, it brought together over 90 clubs from 18 countries, involving 5 thousand participants, including players, coaches, family members and support teams. According to Berta Cabral, this significant mobilisation “demonstrates the growing importance of sport as a driving force for social and economic development, and the regional tourism sector." For the government official, "this combination of sport and tourism is particularly relevant in the current context, where the attractiveness of the Azores as a destination for diversified and quality experiences all year round is being reinforced." Although the tournament is taking place at the beginning of the IATA summer, Berta Cabral noted that "it is important to stress that this type of initiative does not compete with traditional tourism; on the contrary, it complements and improves it.  The event brings in new audiences, builds visitor loyalty and contributes to further consolidating the internationalisation of our destination." She also highlighted the crucial role played by Clube União Micaelense in structuring and running the initiative.  "The work carried out by this century-old institution is worthy of recognition. The organisational capacity, the involvement of the local community, the mobilisation of volunteers and the logistical excellence demonstrate that the Azores have the conditions to host international high-level sporting events," she said. Berta Cabral also offered a word of encouragement for this project to continue, emphasising its importance as an international benchmark. "As such, the International Football Tournament deserves our recognition," she said.

Nota de Imprensa
April 21, 2025
Message of Condolences - Pope Francis
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was a man who marked our time. A Pope who was approachable and simple, with an open and genuine smile that transmitted peace and hope. His life was an example of dedication to his neighbour - he lived to serve, guided by an unwavering faith and a true love for humanity. He was the People's Pope. He touched millions of hearts with small gestures and certain words. He always spoke with clarity and truth, seeking bridges where there were walls. His spiritual leadership will be remembered not only for the position he held but also for the way he exercised it - with humility, empathy and courage. I had the honour of witnessing, with great emotion, the presence of Pope Francis in Portugal during World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon. In his speech to the volunteers, he said: "Those who love do not stand idly by, those who love serve, those who love run to serve, run committed to serving others." These words define him. Francis loved, served and ran for the good of others. He has never turned his back on the adversities of this world, and he has challenged us to do the same. He defended a new humanitarian approach - more supportive, more fraternal, more humane. And it is this legacy that we must preserve. In this time of loss, we must not lose faith, hope, or the teachings he left us. May we all learn to continue on the path he showed us. To the Catholic Church, to the faithful around the world and especially to the Azorean Catholic community, I offer my deepest condolences.   José Manuel Bolieiro President of the Government of the Azores  

Nota de Imprensa
April 19, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights legacy of Ribeira Grande Fire Brigade on its 150th anniversary
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the 150th-anniversary ceremony of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, the oldest in the Azores and one of the oldest in the country. The ceremony, which coincided with Municipal Firefighters' Day, was also attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, and was marked by a profound recognition of the mission carried out over a century and a half by men and women at the service of the community. During the session, diplomas of recognition, decorations and promotions were delivered in a symbolic gesture honouring the merit, dedication and commitment of those who make up the corporation. The Association was honoured with the "Collar of Merit" by the League of Portuguese Firefighters, one of the highest decorations bestowed in the sector, highlighting the prestige and work carried out over generations. The head of the Azorean Government praised firefighters' role as essential partners in the well-being of communities. He noted that all those wearing the uniform do so with a spirit of commitment and sacrifice, often greater than any return, whilst making their best contribution. "All the men and women wearing this uniform give their best for this cause, where the sacrifice is often greater than the benefit. Even so, they continue to serve with courage and dedication," he said. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised the symbolism of the date and the institution. As he stated, the longevity of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters demonstrates not only its historical importance but, above all, the pride, solidarity and spirit of mutual help that have kept it alive until today. "This association is a symbol of pride and dedication, revealing the noble spirit of those who, generation after generation, have served and are serving the Azores with a profound sense of mission," he emphasised. The President of the Regional Government also took the opportunity to warn of future challenges, pointing out the growing need for training, but especially for prevention, at a time marked by increasingly frequent and intense natural phenomena. He praised the work carried out by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service in conjunction with all the organisations in the Region. In addition to the recognition, the ceremony also reiterated the Government's commitment to praising volunteer firefighters and safeguarding the sustainability of their associations. José Manuel Bolieiro recalled measures that have already been implemented, such as the salary and social status revision, the 50% reimbursement of after-school care costs for volunteers providing regular service, and the bonus on length of service for retirement purposes. He also stated that his Government intends to continue working "towards progress," a fairer funding model and effective recognition of those who carry out this mission selflessly. The session was also attended by the Mayor of Ribeira Grande, Alexandre Gaudêncio, the Vice-President of the Portuguese Firefighters League, Eduardo Correia, and the President of the Board of the Ribeira Grande Volunteer Firefighters, Norberto Gaudêncio.