Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
May 30, 2025
Maria João Carreiro recebeu em audiência Presidente da Associação Internacional de Lions Clubes
A Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, Maria João Carreiro, recebeu hoje em audiência, em representação do Presidente do Governo dos Açores, o Presidente Internacional da Associação Internacional de Lions Clubes, Fabrício Oliveira. A audiência para apresentação de cumprimentos, que decorreu no Palácio da Conceição, em Ponta Delgada, antecedeu a 56.ª Convenção Nacional do Distrito Múltiplo 115 dos Lions de Portugal, que decorre amanhã, sábado, no Nonagon – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia de São Miguel, na cidade da Lagoa, na ilha de São Miguel.  Na ocasião, a governante enalteceu a realização nos Açores de um evento que junta três centenas de participantes e dirigentes lionísticos dos Açores, da Madeira e de Portugal Continental, além de entidades lionísticas estrangeiras, nomeadamente, o representante oficial do Distrito Múltiplo 111 dos Lions da República Federal da Alemanha. Maria João Carreiro valorizou, também, as “causas e a ação concreta” dos Lions em prol do bem-estar das populações, em áreas como cancro infantil, diabetes, socorro após catástrofes, meio-ambiente, esforços humanitários, fome, visão ou juventude, sublinhando que estas são causas transversais à governação pública regional nos Açores. A Secretária Regional congratulou, ainda, o Lions Clube Lagoa-Açores, na pessoa do seu Presidente, Primitivo Marques, que integrou a comitiva recebida em audiência, pela “vontade e determinação em candidatar os Açores, e particularmente a Lagoa, à realização daquele que é um dos eventos mais importantes do calendário lionístico anual”. “Os Açores ficarão na história desta 56.ª Convenção Nacional não só pela reflexão interna que a Região vai estimular e incentivar, mas também pela riqueza social, cultural e gastronómica que a ilha de São Miguel, neste particular, tem para oferecer”, vaticinou.

Nota de Imprensa
May 30, 2025
Conference on impact of screens on children and young people takes place Tuesday in Ponta Delgada
The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood, will promote a conference on June 3, Tuesday, to celebrate World Children's Day. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the Domingos Rebelo Secondary School in Ponta Delgada. The conference will focus on "The Impact of Screens on Child and Youth Development" and will be led by Telma Miragaia, a general practitioner and family doctor at the São Miguel Health Unit. The speaker is trained in the Montessori pedagogical approach – a child-centred educational method that promotes autonomy, respect for individual learning rhythms and integrated development through active exploration of the environment. This is a highly relevant topic that concerns us all as a society and raises legitimate concerns, especially regarding the true needs of children and young people in their physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. The wide range of initiatives to celebrate World Children's Day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness and educate the community in general about the challenges currently facing the healthy development of children and young people. As such, this initiative is open to the wider community, with particular importance and relevance for parents, guardians, childcare professionals, students and other interested parties.

Nota de Imprensa
May 29, 2025
Vice-Presidency promotes celebrations of 5th centenary of Luís de Camões' birth
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government is promoting the exhibition "A Popular Classic: Camões in the Azores," starting on May 30, at the Capitães-Generais Palace, in Angra do Heroísmo, on the occasion of the celebrations of the fifth centenary of Luís de Camões' birth.   The exhibition, which will run until October 31, 2025, aims to rediscover Camões and his work, exploring the possible links between this unique figure in Portuguese and world literature and the island of Terceira. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through local identity and memory, covering the Camões celebrations held in Angra do Heroísmo in 1880, Camões' probable visit to Terceira, and the tradition that attributes to this island the inspiration for the “Ilha dos Amores” (Island of Love), a memorable episode in the epic poem “Os Lusíadas.” This journey is based on two remarkable collections: José do Canto's collection of Camões' works, one of the three most complete in the country, and José Afonso Botelho de Andrade's collection. Both book collections are being exhibited for the first time on Terceira Island and feature a manuscript of "Saudades da Terra" by Gaspar Frutuoso and a first edition of "Os Lusíadas."   As part of the National Plan to Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Camões' Birth, this exhibition is promoted by the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, in partnership with the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive and the Centre for Humanistic Studies of the University of the Azores. The opening of the exhibition "A Popular Classic: Camões in the Azores" will take place at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo on May 30 at 6:30 p.m. The programme includes a lecture by José Augusto Bernardes, General Commissioner of the Mission Structure for the Celebration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Luis de Camões on the theme "Celebrating Camões... still." The exhibition opens to the public on June 2.

Nota de Imprensa
May 29, 2025
Public tender launched for refurbishment of daycare centre in Santa Cruz das Flores
The public tender for the refurbishment of the "O Girassol" daycare centre in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, with a base price of €604,171.51, was published in the Official Journal by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity. The tender was published in the Official Journal of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Series II - No.102 under Announcement No. 314/2025 of May 28. The investment will provide a more adequate response in the area of childhood and youth, increasing the overall daycare capacity to 42 children, with four additional vacancies. The project will have a completion period of 180 days. This investment is financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). With this initiative, the Regional Government intends to continue implementing high-quality social responses and provide support to all Azorean citizens.

Nota de Imprensa
May 29, 2025
Vice-President of the Government calls for collaboration from FLAD
The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, chaired the opening session of the S3 SUMMIT: Smart Specialisation Strategy initiative on Wednesday, which runs in Ponta Delgada until Friday. Organised by the Regional Directorate for Science, Innovation and Development, the event aims to promote and explore the Smart Specialisation Strategy in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RSI3). "In the Azores, as in the rest of the world, science and technology are key to its development," stated Artur Lima. "Based on regional uniqueness," the Regional Government “is leveraging not only the competitive advantages” of the Region but also “development in areas with increased and strategic potential,” he continued. For the Vice-President of the Government, research and innovation play a crucial role in responding to Europe's current challenges. In this regard, the success of regional strategies requires "that the European Union's multilevel governance system continue to prioritise solutions designed at a local level," he warned. "This is the path that allows us to enhance our capabilities and strengths while reducing identified vulnerabilities," emphasised Artur Lima. The geographical position of the Azores "should be given strategic consideration by the European Union in the ongoing redefinition of new priorities," defended the Vice-President of the Government. The asymmetries of the outermost regions are the starting point for "creating new paths that mark our position as a key Region for strategic investment in the Atlantic," he said.  The Azores' path is recognised at a European level. In 2024, the Region was recognised for its active role in regional innovation and was selected as a Regional Innovation Valley by the European Commission.  This was followed by an invitation from the Joint Research Centre of the same institution to join the European Preparatory Action for Transformative Innovation, and the approval of a European Deep Sea Observatory in the Azores by the European Parliament. "The Azores have a presence in the European market of ideas," pointed out Artur Lima. The regional strategy values technology and science parks, where "innovative projects with added value for the economy are created and developed," stated the Vice-President.  At the same time, the Government is also investing in the  "Azoreans seeking to innovate through research" by awarding doctoral grants, updating the amounts by around 10%, he stressed. The Vice-President highlighted the "clear commitment to the internationalisation of the University of the Azores," with support for its tripolar development increasing from 350 thousand to 950 thousand Euros. As for projects, the Regional Government "has already invested about five and a half million euros," with more than five million Euros still awaiting pre-approval under the AÇORES2030 programme, he pointed out. During his speech, Artur Lima also reiterated the importance of foreign investment in Azorean academia, through national or international institutions.  "FLAD is one of these institutions, which believes it provides a great service to the Azores. Nothing could be further from the truth." The Vice-President pointed out that FLAD "can and should collaborate, not help, but collaborate." This institution "exists because of the Lajes Base Agreement. And anyone who says that FLAD exists because of the Azores is either being malicious or acting in bad faith." This is “a wealthy institution that should invest in the Azores and, in particular, in their university.” This is “its duty and obligation,” emphasised the Vice-President.  On Wednesday afternoon, the Strategic Specialisation Council met, bringing together representatives from the Regional Government of the Azores, academia, and entities from the regional innovation ecosystem. The meeting was attended by the European Commission Representative in Portugal, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented conclusions of regional relevance on the Draghi Report and the EU Competitiveness Compass. 

Nota de Imprensa
May 29, 2025
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action opens fajãs do Toledo trail on São Jorge Island
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Wednesday the opening ceremony of the Fajãs do Toledo PRC08SJO Trail, a new hiking trail in Velas on the island of São Jorge. On that occasion, Alonso Miguel highlighted that "the Azores boast an extraordinary natural, historical, cultural and identity heritage, which was the reason for four of the islands being classified as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO, including the Fajãs de São Jorge." He also stated that "it is important to protect and promote this heritage, which is as valuable as it is fragile, in a continuous process that requires reflection and constant adaptation to new challenges." "Investing in the promotion of this heritage is essential. It represents an important tourist asset and a catalyst for the economic and social development of a Region that prides itself on sustainability and was the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a Sustainable Tourist Destination," he said. The Regional Secretary recalled that, over the years, a huge effort has been made by the Regional Government, specifically by the Regional Secretariat responsible for the environment, to preserve the unique natural heritage of the Azores. This has involved the implementation of a regional network of protected areas and nine island nature parks, in addition to substantial investments. The government official pointed out that "four LIFE projects are currently underway in the Region, representing an overall investment of more than 40 million Euros, which contribute significantly to improving the conservation status of habitats and protected species. Some of these projects, such as LIFE IP Azores Natura and LIFE IP Climaz, as well as LIFE Vidália, which has now been completed, have areas of intervention in São Jorge, where more than half a million Euros have already been invested." Alonso Miguel also stated that "the Regional Government has been strongly committed to promoting and maintaining the regional network of hiking trails. Given the specific features of the trails on São Jorge Island, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has made a very significant investment of more than 200 thousand Euros over the last four years to purchase the appropriate equipment for maintaining the trails within the Island Natural Park." Alonso Miguel explained that the trail now opened  "is a small circular route, stretching over 7.2 km, which boasts stunning landscapes and a combination of natural, cultural and historical values. It is an authentic itinerary of memories that tells the story of life in the fajãs, marked by hard work." "This trail runs through the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats and Species of the Northwest Coast and the main area of the Fajãs de São Jorge Biosphere Reserve, showcasing three iconic fajãs - Manuel Teixeira, Rasa and Vasco Martins - which were once pillars of the economy and subsistence of the Toledo and Beira populations," he explained. The Regional Secretary emphasised that, over time, "the fajãs of Toledo, like most of the fajãs of São Jorge, played a decisive role in the dynamics of the populations, who moved there with their animals during the winter months. There they found a milder climate and an abundance of food, such as yams, potatoes, fish, limpets and vegetables, in a social and cultural dynamic that gave rise to a transhumance system unparalleled on any other island in the Azores." Alonso Miguel also explained that the Fajãs do Toledo trail begins next to the  São José Chapel, continuing downhill through the old corn and wheat fields, now occupied by pastures, where one can see Ponta Furada, Fajã do Ouvidor and, in clear weather, the islands of Graciosa and Terceira on the horizon. The government official added that "the walk continues to Fajã Manuel Teixeira, where small terraces can be seen, once occupied by vineyards, fruit trees and yams, as well as the ruins of old buildings and piles of firewood. Crossing Ribeira da Quebrada, visitors arrive at Fajã Rasa, a small strip of land by the sea which gives access to Fajã Vasco Martins, one of the largest and most remote Fajãs on the island, home to the majestic Poço das Airoses waterfall." "The ascent back up is via a shortcut along the cliff, with stunning panoramic views and a blanket of endemic vegetation, including heather, juniper and Buckthorn, among other species, which thrive in the unique conditions found there," he continued.  Alonso Miguel stated that "with the opening and integration of this new trail, the official network of hiking trails in the Azores now has 99 hiking trails, divided into 92 Small Routes and seven Grand Routes, with a total length of 878 km." He added that "the  island of São Jorge now has 11 approved hiking trails, including nine Small Routes and two Grand Routes, covering approximately 130 km." The Regional Secretary concluded by stating that "continuous investment in the regional network of hiking trails reflects a clear commitment to promoting the Azores' natural, cultural and historical heritage, fostering environmental preservation and sustainable tourism development. The network of hiking trails is further improved with this new hiking trail in São Jorge, which today serves the Azoreans and those visiting the Region."

Nota de Imprensa
May 28, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today the President of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, in a courtesy visit, marking the official's first visit to the Region. Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estevão, the meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue and mutual recognition of the work carried out in the Region in terms of immigrant integration. "This openness and direct knowledge of the reality of the Autonomous Regions on the part of AIMA is to be commended," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the smooth running of AIMA's services in the Azores, stressing that "when everything goes well, this should also be acknowledged." During its visit to the Azores, the AIMA delegation, led by Pedro Portugal Gaspar, visited the agency's facilities on the islands of Faial, Terceira and São Miguel, as well as the Local Centres for the Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) in Angra do Heroísmo and Ponta Delgada. According to AIMA's most recent report, covering 2023, there are currently more than 6,200 immigrants from 98 different countries living in the Azores, a figure that highlights the growing diversity of Azorean society and the ongoing work towards full integration. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the Region's willingness to deepen institutional cooperation with AIMA. "We are building an understanding with a view to closer collaboration, considering the specificities of our archipelago and the challenges of territorial discontinuity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. This collaboration, he added, should lead to gains in "efficiency" and "quality" when supporting immigrant citizens, improving the existing coordination with entities such as AIPA – Association of Immigrants in the Azores – and the consular corps accredited in the Region. The archipelago has been recognised as a national example of welcoming and integrating immigrants. Evidence of this was the recent approval of a bill extending social mobility benefits to all resident immigrants, contributing to the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of social justice.

Nota de Imprensa
May 28, 2025
Casermel – Euroscut Community Apiary opened, an innovative experiment that could be replicated on other Azorean islands
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, participated today in the opening of the Casermel – Euroscut Community Apiary in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. Speaking to journalists, Berta Cabral stated that this was "an innovative and unique experience, which is also a training centre as well as a way of attracting investors and new entrepreneurs to such an important market segment as honey production." The Regional Secretary for Infrastructures, in partnership with Euroscut, provided the space for the creation of the Community Apiary that has now been opened. "We understand the goal of this project, first and foremost for our sustainability. We are a sustainable destination and have already achieved great international prominence, and we will do everything we can to consolidate our sustainability process," stated Berta Cabral. "This is an important experience that will be replicated in other areas, whether on the road linking Água de Pau to Vila Franca do Campo, in Furnas, or other areas located on regional motorways. We are collaborating with Casermel, Euroscut and other partners who will be joining this innovative and important experience," he added. Berta Cabral also mentioned that the new spaces will be more comprehensive, as they will include several features beyond beekeeping, and will be extended to other islands in the Azores. The government official highlighted the importance of synergies in the Azores‘ sustainability goals, which aim to “improve the quality of human life and the health of the planet in the long term.” "In using the green spaces surrounding regional roads, this innovative project demonstrates a substantial interest in sustainability," she said. The Community Apiary highlights the importance not only of partnerships but also of private-sector entrepreneurship. These strategies are considered fundamental to promoting sustainable beekeeping and strengthening the beekeeping community. This apiary aims to educate people about pollination and the importance of pollinators. In just over a year of full activity, about 20 new beekeepers have received training and 112 new bee colonies have been created across 14 geographical locations on the island, outside Euroscut. These 14 scattered points represent an area of approximately 40 hectares "covered" by the bees' activity, completely transforming the surrounding area. The initiative impacts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is innovative as the first of its kind in road concessions and is now being replicated in other regions worldwide.