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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government marks International Day for Biological Diversity with awareness-raising and environmental education initiatives
Regional Government marks International Day for Biological Diversity with awareness-raising and environmental education initiatives
Direção Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Participação Pública - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água para elaboração do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores 2028-2033
Participação Pública - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água para elaboração do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores 2028-2033
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government marks World Environment Day by promoting initiatives across all islands and launching new educational resource
Regional Government marks World Environment Day by promoting initiatives across all islands and launching new educational resource
May 22, 2026
Regional Government marks International Day for Biological Diversity with awareness-raising and environmental education initiatives
June 6, 2025
Participação Pública - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água para elaboração do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores 2028-2033
June 5, 2025
Regional Government marks World Environment Day by promoting initiatives across all islands and launching new educational resource
News
Nota de Imprensa
May 22, 2026
Regional Government marks International Day for Biological Diversity with awareness-raising and environmental education initiatives
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marked today the International Day for Biological Diversity, established by the United Nations with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the growing challenges to its conservation. The 2026 celebration of the occasion was held under the theme “Local action, global impact,” emphasising that every environmental protection gesture can make a decisive contribution to building a more sustainable and balanced future. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, took part in the celebrations with a visit to the Faial Botanical Garden Nurseries. He was accompanied by the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, as well by 3rd and 4th students from Castelo Branco Elementary School. On the occasion, the government official explained that “this date is of particular significance for the Azores, given the archipelago’s unparalleled natural wealth, characterised by the existence of unique ecosystems and a high number of endemic species, which represent a natural heritage of exceptional value.” “The unique biodiversity of the Azores represents an extremely valuable heritage, but one that is also very fragile and sensitive, so it is up to all of us, working together, to ensure its preservation,” he said. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “biodiversity plays a key role in the balance of ecosystems and in quality of life of the population, providing fundamental ecosystem services that ensure air quality, the health of our soils, the quality of our food, the recharge of aquifers and the availability and purification of our water resources.” This ultimately “contributes to the safety and well-being of communities by reducing the risks associated with various natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts or fires.” Therefore, the Regional Secretary acknowledged that “the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of our resources must be regarded as a priority mission from the standpoint of government action at various levels. This necessarily requires the involvement of society as whole and a firm and ongoing commitment to environmental literacy.” In this context, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has been strengthening its efforts through very significant investments in the implementation of various nature conservation and biodiversity preservation programmes. It relies, for this purpose, on strategic financial and operational instruments available to the Region, namely the LIFE Programme. “In recent years, a number of key LIFE projects have been successfully implemented in the Azores, some recently completed, such as LIFE Vidália and LIFE Beetles. There are others currently underway, namely LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, LIFE IP CLIMAZ and LIFE SNAILS, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, which represent an overall investment of about €45 million.” According to the government official, “these projects are fundamental to the technical and operational capacity-building of the public administration in the area of nature management and conservation, biodiversity preservation and climate action.The aim is to promote an integrated approach to conservation, focused on habitat restoration, the control of invasive species, the protection of threatened species, and mitigation and adaptation to the climate change effects.” Alonso Miguel added that “all this operational capacity-building, both in terms of planning and scientific knowledge, combined with locally acquired experience, allows us to believe that it is possible to guarantee the preservation and resilience of our ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the privilege of their benefits.” The Regional Secretary for the Environment emphasised that “the celebrations of International Day for Biological Diversity aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity, as well as to foster a necessary change in our interaction with nature and other living beings.” On this occasion, as part of the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE), various initiatives targeting the school community were organised across several islands of the archipelago, with the aim of promoting environmental education and direct contact with the natural wealth of the Azores. On the island of Terceira, the activity “Get to Know the Azores Bat” was held to raise awareness of the conservation of this endemic species, whilst on the island of Pico the activities “Mini-Peat Bog: An Ecosystem in a Bottle” and “It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Friend!” were to promote knowledge about wetlands and the importance of insects for the balance of ecosystems. On the island of Faial, the activities included visits to the Faial Botanical Garden’s nurseries and the activity “Exploring Protected Areas – Caldeira Perimeter,” whilst on the island of Flores the “Geosites Route” initiative took place to highlight the island’s geological and landscape heritage. A public awareness talk was held on Graciosa focusing on the “Portuguese crowberry” subspecies (Corema album), conduced by Dr Alexandra Abreu, a researcher at MARE–NOVA and LA ARNET. It was followed by a presentation on its characteristics, habitat and distribution and was organised by the Graciosa Environment and Climate Action Service, aiming to raise awareness within the community of the importance of protecting local biodiversity and ecosystems. On the island of São Miguel, a visit was organised to the Vila Franca do Campo Islet Nature Reserve, with a view to raising awareness of the nature conservation work carried out there in recent years. On International Day for Biological Diversity, through these initiatives, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reiterated its commitment to promoting environmental literacy, nature conservation and the enhancement of the Azores’ natural heritage, involving younger generations in building a more resilient, sustainable and environmentally responsible Region.
May 22, 2026
Regional Government marks International Day for Biological Diversity with awareness-raising and environmental education initiatives
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marked today the International Day for Biological Diversity, established by the United Nations with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the growing challenges to its conservation. The 2026 celebration of the occasion was held under the theme “Local action, global impact,” emphasising that every environmental protection gesture can make a decisive contribution to building a more sustainable and balanced future. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, took part in the celebrations with a visit to the Faial Botanical Garden Nurseries. He was accompanied by the Regional Director for the Environment and Climate Action, Ana Rodrigues, as well by 3rd and 4th students from Castelo Branco Elementary School. On the occasion, the government official explained that “this date is of particular significance for the Azores, given the archipelago’s unparalleled natural wealth, characterised by the existence of unique ecosystems and a high number of endemic species, which represent a natural heritage of exceptional value.” “The unique biodiversity of the Azores represents an extremely valuable heritage, but one that is also very fragile and sensitive, so it is up to all of us, working together, to ensure its preservation,” he said. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “biodiversity plays a key role in the balance of ecosystems and in quality of life of the population, providing fundamental ecosystem services that ensure air quality, the health of our soils, the quality of our food, the recharge of aquifers and the availability and purification of our water resources.” This ultimately “contributes to the safety and well-being of communities by reducing the risks associated with various natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts or fires.” Therefore, the Regional Secretary acknowledged that “the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of our resources must be regarded as a priority mission from the standpoint of government action at various levels. This necessarily requires the involvement of society as whole and a firm and ongoing commitment to environmental literacy.” In this context, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has been strengthening its efforts through very significant investments in the implementation of various nature conservation and biodiversity preservation programmes. It relies, for this purpose, on strategic financial and operational instruments available to the Region, namely the LIFE Programme. “In recent years, a number of key LIFE projects have been successfully implemented in the Azores, some recently completed, such as LIFE Vidália and LIFE Beetles. There are others currently underway, namely LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, LIFE IP CLIMAZ and LIFE SNAILS, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, which represent an overall investment of about €45 million.” According to the government official, “these projects are fundamental to the technical and operational capacity-building of the public administration in the area of nature management and conservation, biodiversity preservation and climate action.The aim is to promote an integrated approach to conservation, focused on habitat restoration, the control of invasive species, the protection of threatened species, and mitigation and adaptation to the climate change effects.” Alonso Miguel added that “all this operational capacity-building, both in terms of planning and scientific knowledge, combined with locally acquired experience, allows us to believe that it is possible to guarantee the preservation and resilience of our ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the privilege of their benefits.” The Regional Secretary for the Environment emphasised that “the celebrations of International Day for Biological Diversity aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity, as well as to foster a necessary change in our interaction with nature and other living beings.” On this occasion, as part of the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE), various initiatives targeting the school community were organised across several islands of the archipelago, with the aim of promoting environmental education and direct contact with the natural wealth of the Azores. On the island of Terceira, the activity “Get to Know the Azores Bat” was held to raise awareness of the conservation of this endemic species, whilst on the island of Pico the activities “Mini-Peat Bog: An Ecosystem in a Bottle” and “It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Friend!” were to promote knowledge about wetlands and the importance of insects for the balance of ecosystems. On the island of Faial, the activities included visits to the Faial Botanical Garden’s nurseries and the activity “Exploring Protected Areas – Caldeira Perimeter,” whilst on the island of Flores the “Geosites Route” initiative took place to highlight the island’s geological and landscape heritage. A public awareness talk was held on Graciosa focusing on the “Portuguese crowberry” subspecies (Corema album), conduced by Dr Alexandra Abreu, a researcher at MARE–NOVA and LA ARNET. It was followed by a presentation on its characteristics, habitat and distribution and was organised by the Graciosa Environment and Climate Action Service, aiming to raise awareness within the community of the importance of protecting local biodiversity and ecosystems. On the island of São Miguel, a visit was organised to the Vila Franca do Campo Islet Nature Reserve, with a view to raising awareness of the nature conservation work carried out there in recent years. On International Day for Biological Diversity, through these initiatives, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reiterated its commitment to promoting environmental literacy, nature conservation and the enhancement of the Azores’ natural heritage, involving younger generations in building a more resilient, sustainable and environmentally responsible Region.
Nota de Imprensa
June 6, 2025
Participação Pública - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água para elaboração do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores 2028-2033
O processo de planeamento para a gestão operacional de recursos hídricos da Região Hidrográfica dos Açores (RH9) integra um faseamento adaptado à realidade insular da Região Autónoma dos Açores (RAA), em que a implementação do 4.º ciclo do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores (PGRH-Açores), correspondente ao período 2028-2033, não constitui um produto estanque, ao invés preconiza um conjunto de ações que visam avaliar o impacte gerado pelo programa de medidas adotado nos ciclos anteriores. De igual modo, essa apreciação sustenta a atual e posteriores atualizações cíclicas do próprio PGRH-Açores, estabelecendo-se, deste modo, um processo cíclico de gestão dos recursos hídricos da Região Autónoma dos Açores. A atualização e revisão necessária em cada ciclo de planeamento implica, em cada região hidrográfica, a realização das seguintes fases de trabalho, de acordo com os prazos previstos na Diretiva Quadro da Água (DQA)/ Lei da Água (LA): O calendário e programa de trabalhos para a elaboração do plano, até três anos antes do início do PGRH - 2025; A síntese das Questões Significativas relativas à Gestão da Água (QSiGA) identificadas na região hidrográfica até dois anos antes do início do PGRH - 2026; O projeto do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores até um ano antes do início do PGRH-Açores - 2027. Atualmente, já tiveram início os trabalhos de revisão conducentes ao 4.º ciclo de planeamento (PGRH-Açores 2028-2033), estando a decorrer a fase referente à revisão das Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água (QSiGA), de acordo com o cronograma de implementação da DQA e da LA. A identificação das QSiGA deve ponderar: as pressões sobre as massas de águas interiores, de transição e costeiras resultantes de ações antrópicas, os impactes resultantes dessas ações, bem como os aspetos relacionados com a gestão, a valorização e a governança da água (de ordem normativa, organizacional, económica ou outros), que dificultem ou coloquem em causa o cumprimento dos objetivos da DQA/LA. Este processo de identificação e proposta das QSiGA para a RH9, deve igualmente promover a reflexão de diversas partes interessadas e do público em geral, para consulta e recolha de sugestões. Assim, e numa etapa preliminar ao processo formal de consulta e discussão pública das QSiGA (que decorrerá ao longo do primeiro semestre de 2026), o presente Inquérito - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água (QSiGA), no qual consta documento de descrição da QSIGA para apoiar e orientar o processo de participação, tem por objetivo recolher sugestões e contributos iniciais da população em geral às QSiGA. Os resultados desta consulta e a versão preliminar de QSiGA serão posteriormente analisadas em conjunto com diversas entidades e colocadas a discussão pública. Assim, pretende-se com este processo defender um acréscimo do envolvimento do público na tomada de decisão, no que respeita aos temas relacionados com a água, que o possam afetar, estimular o desenvolvimento de transparência na tomada de decisão e contribuir para o alcance dos objetivos ambientais estabelecidos nos normativos em vigor. Participe! A participação ativa e consciente de todos os interessados, quer se tratem de pessoas coletivas ou singulares, tem um papel de especial relevância na implementação da DQA/LA.
June 6, 2025
Participação Pública - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água para elaboração do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores 2028-2033
O processo de planeamento para a gestão operacional de recursos hídricos da Região Hidrográfica dos Açores (RH9) integra um faseamento adaptado à realidade insular da Região Autónoma dos Açores (RAA), em que a implementação do 4.º ciclo do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores (PGRH-Açores), correspondente ao período 2028-2033, não constitui um produto estanque, ao invés preconiza um conjunto de ações que visam avaliar o impacte gerado pelo programa de medidas adotado nos ciclos anteriores. De igual modo, essa apreciação sustenta a atual e posteriores atualizações cíclicas do próprio PGRH-Açores, estabelecendo-se, deste modo, um processo cíclico de gestão dos recursos hídricos da Região Autónoma dos Açores. A atualização e revisão necessária em cada ciclo de planeamento implica, em cada região hidrográfica, a realização das seguintes fases de trabalho, de acordo com os prazos previstos na Diretiva Quadro da Água (DQA)/ Lei da Água (LA): O calendário e programa de trabalhos para a elaboração do plano, até três anos antes do início do PGRH - 2025; A síntese das Questões Significativas relativas à Gestão da Água (QSiGA) identificadas na região hidrográfica até dois anos antes do início do PGRH - 2026; O projeto do Plano de Gestão de Região Hidrográfica dos Açores até um ano antes do início do PGRH-Açores - 2027. Atualmente, já tiveram início os trabalhos de revisão conducentes ao 4.º ciclo de planeamento (PGRH-Açores 2028-2033), estando a decorrer a fase referente à revisão das Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água (QSiGA), de acordo com o cronograma de implementação da DQA e da LA. A identificação das QSiGA deve ponderar: as pressões sobre as massas de águas interiores, de transição e costeiras resultantes de ações antrópicas, os impactes resultantes dessas ações, bem como os aspetos relacionados com a gestão, a valorização e a governança da água (de ordem normativa, organizacional, económica ou outros), que dificultem ou coloquem em causa o cumprimento dos objetivos da DQA/LA. Este processo de identificação e proposta das QSiGA para a RH9, deve igualmente promover a reflexão de diversas partes interessadas e do público em geral, para consulta e recolha de sugestões. Assim, e numa etapa preliminar ao processo formal de consulta e discussão pública das QSiGA (que decorrerá ao longo do primeiro semestre de 2026), o presente Inquérito - Questões Significativas para a Gestão da Água (QSiGA), no qual consta documento de descrição da QSIGA para apoiar e orientar o processo de participação, tem por objetivo recolher sugestões e contributos iniciais da população em geral às QSiGA. Os resultados desta consulta e a versão preliminar de QSiGA serão posteriormente analisadas em conjunto com diversas entidades e colocadas a discussão pública. Assim, pretende-se com este processo defender um acréscimo do envolvimento do público na tomada de decisão, no que respeita aos temas relacionados com a água, que o possam afetar, estimular o desenvolvimento de transparência na tomada de decisão e contribuir para o alcance dos objetivos ambientais estabelecidos nos normativos em vigor. Participe! A participação ativa e consciente de todos os interessados, quer se tratem de pessoas coletivas ou singulares, tem um papel de especial relevância na implementação da DQA/LA.