Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, visited several areas covered by LIFE projects on Terceira Island to mark World Earth Day, celebrated on April 22.

During this visit, Alonso Miguel inspected the work currently underway on the ground, specifically at Ribeira das Doze stream in Doze Ribeiras and Ribeira do Testo stream in Porto Judeu, as well as Rocha do Chambre and Turfeira do Sanguinhal, areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network, within the Terceira Island Nature Park. They are covered by the LIFE projects LIFE IP CLIMAZ and LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, which aim to contribute, respectively, to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change in the Region, and to the ecological restoration, conservation and recovery of habitats and the protection of protected species.

Under the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project, field activities were observed regarding the monitoring of climate variables and the adaptation of ecosystems to this phenomenon, as well as the implementation of mitigation measures in particularly sensitive areas, such as streams, through the use of natural engineering techniques. In turn, within the context of LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, interventions were observed involving the restoration of natural habitats, the control of invasive species, the planting of endemic species, and the strengthening of ecological resilience in areas within the Terceira Island Nature Park.

The government official emphasised that “these projects represent a strategic commitment by the Region to the protection and restoration of its natural resources, combining scientific knowledge, operational interventions and the involvement of local communities.” He added that “the work carried out under the LIFE projects demonstrates the possibility to reconcile nature conservation with sustainable development, creating value for the Region and its people.”

He emphasised: “Our natural heritage is extremely valuable, first and foremost from the standpoint of economic and tourism development, but, above all, for the invaluable contribution it makes to the safety and well-being of the population. It provides essential ecosystem services, such as air quality, soil health, aquifer recharge, and the availability and purification of our water resources, whilst also playing a decisive role in mitigating various natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, erosion, droughts, fires, pests and the pollution of natural resources.”

The Regional Secretary added that, “nevertheless, all this natural heritage is highly sensitive and fragile, so it is important to ensure its preservation. The Azores Islands’ Nature Parks play a decisive role in this regard, representing a cornerstone in the implementation of nature conservation and restoration measures.”

Alonso Miguel acknowledged that LIFE projects, with a strong EU co-financing component, are essential financial and operational tools for the Region’s capacity-building, bringing with them scientific knowledge, technical expertise and financial resources that are indispensable for environmental protection, nature conservation, and mitigation of and adaptation to climate change effects.

“The Azores have been a benchmark at a national and European level in the implementation of LIFE projects, not only due to the high implementation rates achieved, but also due to the quality of the work carried out and the positive impact of the actions implemented,  a clear demonstration of the Region’s commitment to climate action and the protection of natural heritage,” he said.

In addition to visiting the areas where work is being carried out under the LIFE Projects to mark World Earth Day, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has organised a wide range of initiatives across all the islands of the Azores, with a particular focus on highlighting the importance of raising environmental awareness and mobilising society to address global challenges.

“The celebration of World Earth Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the role each of us plays in protecting the planet, but also to highlight the work that has been carried out in the Azores in the areas of sustainability and climate action,” he said.

Alonso Miguel revealed that “a very comprehensive programme has been prepared, which includes activities in schools, events open to the community, interpretative trails and field experiences, as well as the promotion of digital content, aimed at bringing the population closer to their territories and raising environmental awareness.”

Among the activities organised, there will be educational games sessions aimed at elementary school students, focusing on the geological formation of the Azores and volcanic phenomena, including the use of educational games, such as “The Volcanoes of the Azores,” which are intended to share knowledge in an interactive and accessible manner.

“The programme also includes hands-on workshops, such as the "Earth Laboratory," which allow young people to explore geological processes through practical activities, sparking curiosity about geodiversity and promoting its appreciation and conservation,” stated the government official. 

Alonso Miguel added that “outdoor activities will focus on interpretative walks and trails, which showcase volcanic landscapes, water resources, biodiversity and protected habitats, whilst promoting healthy lifestyles and direct contact with nature. These include, for example, interpretive trails in areas of high environmental value, featuring information on natural phenomena and the historical interactions between communities and the territory."

“Guided tours to environmental interpretation centres and natural areas are also planned, where participants can deepen their knowledge of biodiversity, geology and nature conservation, as well as activities that combine learning and artistic expression, encouraging creativity as a way of absorbing environmental content,” he added.

The programme also includes innovative awareness-raising initiatives, such as large-scale games dedicated to the Azores’ protected areas, visits to geosites within the Azores Geopark, treasure hunts at iconic locations, and activities tailored to specific audiences, including social institutions, ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive approach.

Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the variety of activities reflects a clear commitment to environmental education as an essential tool for changing behaviour,” adding that “it is vital to involve not only younger generations but also the entire community in a collective commitment to protecting the environment.”

The Regional Secretary also highlighted “the involvement of numerous organisations in the implementation of this programme, including services of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment, environmental interpretation centres, schools, local authorities and local partners, demonstrating a collaborative and decentralised approach.”

“This is a joint effort evidencing the Region’s ability to mobilise different stakeholders towards a common goal: protecting our natural heritage and ensuring its sustainability for future generations,” he said.

Alonso Miguel highlighted “the efforts of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action staff as crucial to the success of initiatives such as LIFE projects, which depend, to a large extent, on the commitment, dedication and competence of the teams in the field. These are professionals who, every day, dedicate themselves to preserving our ecosystems and raising public awareness, an effort that has been fundamental to the sustainable development of our islands and one that deserves full recognition and appreciation.”

Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterated the Azores Regional Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that “the Region will continue to develop public policies and promote solid and knowledge-based investments geared towards tangible results, with a view to meeting the goals set out for the preservation of natural heritage and climate action.”