Regional Government reinforces sustainable water management with agreement between Environmental Fund and IROA
Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, has signed a technical and financial cooperation agreement between the Environmental Fund and IROA, S.A., aimed at supporting strategic projects in the areas of water collection, storage and supply in the Azores.
The agreement, amounting to one million Euros, aims to ensure greater water resilience in the archipelago by promoting innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. This funding will support the implementation of infrastructures and systems ensuring water availability for the agricultural sector, contributing to the competitiveness and sustainability of regional production.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, pointed out that "this protocol is a strategic investment in water security in the Azores."
“Water is an essential resource for agriculture and life, and this support will strengthen our response to the needs of our farmers. We are working to ensure that the Azores remain at the forefront of sustainability. This protocol demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile economic development with environmental protection, ensuring a more resilient future for all,” he said.
The Environmental Fund, represented by Maria do Rosário Gama Martins dos Santos de Sousa Sequeira, Member of the Board of Directors of the Climate Agency, and IROA, S.A., represented by Pedro Jácome de Carvalho e Cunha Hintze Ribeiro, President of the Board of Directors, and Marco José Freitas da Costa, Member of the Board, have formalised this commitment. It will remain in force until 2027, with termly reports on implementation and results.
With this initiative, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to the sustainable development of Azorean agriculture, ensuring that producers and consumers benefit from a more solid sector that is better prepared for the challenges of the future.
This protocol aims to promote the modernisation of farms, investment in agricultural technology, technical training for producers and initiatives to promote environmental sustainability, ensuring that Azorean farmers have the resources to face the challenges of competitiveness and environmental requirements.
“We are investing not only in financial support but also in knowledge and technology, as we believe that the future of agriculture in the Azores depends on our ability to adapt and make the most of our resources. This agreement represents a decisive step towards ensuring that our farmers have the tools they need to innovate and grow, while maintaining the quality that distinguishes Azorean products,” concluded António Ventura.
