Plan for 2026 "marked by a sense of governmental responsibility," emphasises Alonso Miguel - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, stressed today that the Investment Plan for 2026 "is marked by a sense of governmental responsibility," envisaging "firm responses at a decisive moment," when the nine islands "face major challenges on the path towards sustainable development."

“2026 will be marked by a greater commitment to implementing EU funds, particularly regarding investments under AÇORES 2030, but, above all, concerning funds allocated to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). With a view to complying with this rational and rigorous strategic option, it is necessary for departments not covered by RRP projects, such as the Environment, to take responsibility and jointly agree to a reduction in their respective allocations in favour of other departments with commitments under this financial instrument," he said.

The government official spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in Horta, on the third day of debate on the proposals for next year's Plan and Budget.

The Plan for the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has an allocation of about €30 million. Specifically, €17.2 million will be earmarked for policies, projects and works in the environmental field, and €12.5 million for Civil Protection and the fire service in the Azores.

"Within this framework, the Investment Plan for 2026 ensures the normal operational functioning of this department and the continuity of the investment policy in the areas of the environment and civil protection, whilst also supporting the launch of new projects relevant to the Region," stated Alonso Miguel. 

As he noted, the document sets earmarks around €3.7 million for investments in promoting environmental quality and climate action, with an emphasis on improving waste management and promoting the circular economy.

Following an investment of over €6.5 million in the last three years to upgrade the Regional Waste Processing Centres, the Investment Plan has allocated "significant funds for 2026 to modernise the recycling and waste processing equipment and processes at these facilities, amounting to €2.7 million," added the government official.

He continued: "The Eco-Parish Programme has a budget of €500,000 to support parish councils in the cleaning and maintenance of public spaces. We will continue to implement the measures set out in the Agenda for the Circular Economy, with emphasis on the INTERREG MAC Textile project, which aims to find solutions to the challenges associated with textile waste management in the Region."

In 2026, we will also complete the Radon Susceptibility Map, acquire three radioactivity monitoring stations, and begin drafting the Regional Radon Plan and the Azores Air Quality Strategy.

"Regarding climate action, we will continue to prioritise the revision and implementation of the Regional Climate Change Programme, in conjunction with the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores," he added, stressing instruments such as LIFE IP Climaz or Planclimac 2.

He continued: "We will also launch procedures for the installation of the Atlantic Climate Observatory, the implementation of a flood warning system in at-risk hydrographic basins in the Azores, as well as the acquisition of high-detail vector topographic mapping services, which are essential for risk management and mitigation. We will also maintain support for families and businesses affected by bad weather through the legal and financial scheme for climate emergency support. An investment of over one million Euros is planned for water resource management as well as the monitoring and maintenance of the Azores' hydrographic network."

In terms of nature conservation and biodiversity preservation, there will be "another significant investment in 2026," with around €900,000 earmarked for environmental surveillance, €750,000 for the operation of the Network of Environmental Centres and more than €400,000 for the monitoring and management of natural heritage.

“Regarding public works, an investment of €3 million is planned, with emphasis on the completion of the new Algar do Carvão Environmental Interpretation Centre on Terceira,” added Alonso Miguel.

Regarding Civil Protection, its "strengthening" is an "absolute priority for the coalition government, as evidenced by an allocation of about €60 million to this sector over the last five years."

“The Plan for 2026 allocates €12.5 million to Civil Protection and Firefighters in the Azores, representing the second largest investment ever in this sector. As such, the planned allocation will enable the continuation of a strong investment policy in this area, implementing relevant initiatives and strengthening important mechanisms for the sector,” he said.

The Regional Secretary listed items such as the acquisition of 12 new emergency ambulances, amounting to €900,000, the delivery of the last two fire engines, out of a total of nine awarded, representing an investment of €800,000, the acquisition of 19 self-command vehicles to equip fire brigades, corresponding to an investment of over €800,000, and a 50% increase in the budget for the Firefighters' Associations Financing Model, from €500,000 to €750,000.

“After a year marked by substantial investments and important achievements in the areas of the environment and civil protection in 2025, the Plan for 2026, created under very specific circumstances, represents an instrument of stability, with the financial capacity to face the challenges that lie ahead. And it is with determination that the Regional Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to protecting and valuing the environment as a strategic asset for the sustainable development of our islands, as well as to ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of our populations," concluded Alonso Miguel.

Related press release: Speech by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action