Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presented today the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan (PSE-Açores) in São Miguel, describing it as “a pioneering strategic planning tool at a national level, whose purpose is to prepare the Region to tackle water scarcity in an organised, preventive and effective manner.”

“It is a source of great satisfaction for the Regional Government of the Azores that we are the first Region in the country to develop and approve a strategic planning tool focused on issues related to drought and water scarcity, with a view to ensuring the protection of the Azorean population, the balance of ecosystems and the safeguarding of economic activities,” he emphasised.

On the occasion, Alonso Miguel stressed that “climate change is exacerbating certain natural phenomena in the Azores, with increasingly evident impacts on the safety of the population and the integrity of the territory.”

The government official emphasised that “particular attention has been given to the impacts of extreme weather events, such as storms and severe weather, which often lead to other natural hazards, such as flash floods, flooding or landslides.” In this regard, he pointed out that these events, “in addition to the trail of destruction they leave behind, pose a real threat to the safety of the Azorean population."

The Regional Secretary pointed out that “there are many other potential negative impacts of climate change that must be taken into account in the Azores, such as coastal erosion and rising average sea levels, ocean acidification, salinisation of soils and aquifers and, not least, periods of drought and water scarcity."

“Water is a resource essential to life. It is crucial to public health and the well-being of communities, to economic and social development, as well as to environmental quality, the balance of ecosystems and nature conservation. Therefore, it is important to ensure the balanced and sustainable management of this resource,” he said.

Although the available data point to a generally positive scenario regarding water availability in the Azores, Alonso Miguel highlighted that “this abundance does not mean there is no risk of scarcity.” It is important to note that “changes in rainfall distribution, the occurrence of localised water scarcity and the operational limitations of supply systems require an increasingly preventive and planned approach.”

He warned: “In a Region such as ours, characterised by its small size and where about 98% of the water comes from groundwater sources, there are major challenges in terms of collecting and storing this resource, which underlines the need for integrated and collaborative action.”

Against this backdrop, the Regional Government has developed and approved the PSE-Açores, which, according to the Regional Secretary, represents “a planning tool aimed at preparing the Region to tackle water scarcity in an organised, preventive and effective manner,” in conjunction with the Hydrographic Region Management Plan and the Regional Climate Change Programme.

The plan is based on three main pillars: adaptation, preparedness and prevention, and contingency, establishing “an integrated framework for action that seeks not only to respond to crisis, but, above all, to anticipate, prevent and mitigate the effects of droughts.”

As part of its implementation, the PSE-Açores encompasses a wide range of components, from “a detailed assessment of water resources, consumption patterns and vulnerabilities across the Region” to the creation of “a prevention, monitoring and contingency system,” based on indicators and risk levels designed to ensure an appropriate response to each situation.

Alonso Miguel added that the plan also sets out “a structured programme of measures, including actions for the management of water supply and demand, the upgrading of infrastructures, the improvement of the efficiency of water supply systems, the reduction of wastage, and the promotion of the efficient use of this essential resource.”

“Among the measures envisaged, particular emphasis is placed on managing pressure in supply networks, temporarily reducing consumption in certain sectors, and implementing water-saving protocols with major consumers, whilst always safeguarding supplies to the most vulnerable populations and users,” he revealed.

The government official also emphasised that this plan “is not merely a technical document, but a genuine collaborative governance tool.” In this context, he highlighted the importance of the recent establishment of the Azores Regional Commission for Drought and Water Scarcity Management. This commission comprises representatives from various government departments, local authorities, academic and scientific bodies, public services and civil society organisations, “with the mission of monitoring the situation, recommending measures and coordinating the implementation of the plan.”

Alonso Miguel highlighted that “managing water in an archipelago with the characteristics of the Azores requires strategic vision, technical expertise and collective responsibility,” adding that this plan “represents a decisive step towards strengthening the Region’s water resilience.”

The Regional Secretary also made a clear appeal to society, noting that “water management does not depend solely on public institutions, but also on how each citizen and each sector uses this resource in their daily lives, and for this reason, it is essential to promote a culture of efficiency and responsibility.”

Alonso Miguel concluded by stating that “the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan represents yet another strategic commitment by the Region towards sustainability, water security and the protection of future generations. It will prepare the Azores to face a future context of heightened climate variability, which may pose new challenges for water management, ensuring greater responsiveness, coordination and resilience."