Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces resilience of riparian ecosystems in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro in Faial
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces resilience of riparian ecosystems in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro in Faial
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government promotes training on enforcement in nature conservation and biodiversity protection
Regional Government promotes training on enforcement in nature conservation and biodiversity protection
August 14, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces resilience of riparian ecosystems in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro in Faial
July 15, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
July 7, 2026
Regional Government promotes training on enforcement in nature conservation and biodiversity protection
News
Nota de Imprensa
August 14, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces resilience of riparian ecosystems in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro in Faial
In July, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action carried out an intensive intervention to restore and enhance riparian habitats in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro, on the island of Faial, within the scope of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “the work focused on cleaning, clearing and removing waste, implementing nature-based engineering solutions, as well as controlling invasive alien species present on the stream banks and bed, namely Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica), Wild Tobacco Bush (Solanum mauritianum), and Elmleaf Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius)”. Alonso Miguel highlighted that “during the intervention, approximately 125 m³ of woody material obstructing the stream bed was removed, including biomass resulting from tree felling carried out as part of the works and material from previously fallen trees accumulated in the bed and on the banks. These materials were transported to a Forestry Services plot located near the intervention area.” The government official also mentioned that “around 14 m³ of waste deposited in the bed and on the banks of the stream was likewise collected and removed, which was subsequently sent to the Castelo Branco Waste Transfer Station.” He added that “among the waste removed were obsolete equipment and machinery, end-of-life vehicles, batteries, and various car parts, toys, mattresses, refrigerators, and other appliances abandoned in the distant past, highlighting the importance of these cleaning actions for the recovery and enhancement of riparian systems.” Alonso Miguel stressed that “this intervention demonstrates the importance of acting directly on ecosystems to restore their natural state and reinforce their capacity to respond to climate change effects.” “Adapting to climate change also involves restoring our ecosystems and making them more resilient. When taking action in waterways, removing constraints, controlling invasive species, and creating conditions for the recovery of native vegetation, we are simultaneously protecting biodiversity and strengthening the capacity of these territories to respond to extreme weather events,” stated Alonso Miguel. The government official emphasised that “the use of ecosystem-based solutions is a relevant component of the climate change adaptation strategy,contributing to an increase in the natural capacity of waterways to face situations of greater intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.” Alonso Miguel recalled that “unobstructed and well-maintained streams, together with good environmental practices by the population, are fundamental aspects to reduce the risk of floods, inundations, landslides, and other hazards, contributing decisively to safeguarding populations and avoiding heavy material and financial losses”. For the Regional Secretary, the intervention carried out “also represents a preparatory stage for future actions to restore riparian vegetation, namely through the planting of endemic species.” Alonso Miguel highlighted that “the initiative involved a team of 11 operational assistants from the islands of Terceira and Faial, covering approximately 520 linear metres of waterways, which corresponds to the entirety of the section integrated into the project." “The work in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro was further monitored by a technical team responsible for coordinating and monitoring operations on the ground, ensuring the implementation of planned actions and the monitoring of the intervention's results,” he added. This action also involved the valuable collaboration of the Faial Island Forestry Services, through the provision of a tractor required to carry out a significant part of the work, a fundamental contribution to completing the actions carried out on the ground. This intervention, carried out under the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, fell within sub-action C5.3 – Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Face Extreme Weather Events in Hydrographic Basins, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action. The Regional Secretary stressed that “the work being developed under LIFE IP CLIMAZ demonstrates that climate action does not solely rely on major investments or infrastructure construction. It is also done on the ground, through tangible interventions that restore our ecosystems and reinforce their capacity to perform their natural functions,” added the Regional Secretary. The LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, represents a key element in implementing the Regional Programme for Climate Change, with a budget of around €20 million, with 60% co-financed by the European Union, to be implemented between 2021 and 2030.
August 14, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reinforces resilience of riparian ecosystems in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro in Faial
In July, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action carried out an intensive intervention to restore and enhance riparian habitats in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro, on the island of Faial, within the scope of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “the work focused on cleaning, clearing and removing waste, implementing nature-based engineering solutions, as well as controlling invasive alien species present on the stream banks and bed, namely Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica), Wild Tobacco Bush (Solanum mauritianum), and Elmleaf Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius)”. Alonso Miguel highlighted that “during the intervention, approximately 125 m³ of woody material obstructing the stream bed was removed, including biomass resulting from tree felling carried out as part of the works and material from previously fallen trees accumulated in the bed and on the banks. These materials were transported to a Forestry Services plot located near the intervention area.” The government official also mentioned that “around 14 m³ of waste deposited in the bed and on the banks of the stream was likewise collected and removed, which was subsequently sent to the Castelo Branco Waste Transfer Station.” He added that “among the waste removed were obsolete equipment and machinery, end-of-life vehicles, batteries, and various car parts, toys, mattresses, refrigerators, and other appliances abandoned in the distant past, highlighting the importance of these cleaning actions for the recovery and enhancement of riparian systems.” Alonso Miguel stressed that “this intervention demonstrates the importance of acting directly on ecosystems to restore their natural state and reinforce their capacity to respond to climate change effects.” “Adapting to climate change also involves restoring our ecosystems and making them more resilient. When taking action in waterways, removing constraints, controlling invasive species, and creating conditions for the recovery of native vegetation, we are simultaneously protecting biodiversity and strengthening the capacity of these territories to respond to extreme weather events,” stated Alonso Miguel. The government official emphasised that “the use of ecosystem-based solutions is a relevant component of the climate change adaptation strategy,contributing to an increase in the natural capacity of waterways to face situations of greater intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.” Alonso Miguel recalled that “unobstructed and well-maintained streams, together with good environmental practices by the population, are fundamental aspects to reduce the risk of floods, inundations, landslides, and other hazards, contributing decisively to safeguarding populations and avoiding heavy material and financial losses”. For the Regional Secretary, the intervention carried out “also represents a preparatory stage for future actions to restore riparian vegetation, namely through the planting of endemic species.” Alonso Miguel highlighted that “the initiative involved a team of 11 operational assistants from the islands of Terceira and Faial, covering approximately 520 linear metres of waterways, which corresponds to the entirety of the section integrated into the project." “The work in Grota do Calço do Ferreiro was further monitored by a technical team responsible for coordinating and monitoring operations on the ground, ensuring the implementation of planned actions and the monitoring of the intervention's results,” he added. This action also involved the valuable collaboration of the Faial Island Forestry Services, through the provision of a tractor required to carry out a significant part of the work, a fundamental contribution to completing the actions carried out on the ground. This intervention, carried out under the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, fell within sub-action C5.3 – Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Face Extreme Weather Events in Hydrographic Basins, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action. The Regional Secretary stressed that “the work being developed under LIFE IP CLIMAZ demonstrates that climate action does not solely rely on major investments or infrastructure construction. It is also done on the ground, through tangible interventions that restore our ecosystems and reinforce their capacity to perform their natural functions,” added the Regional Secretary. The LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, represents a key element in implementing the Regional Programme for Climate Change, with a budget of around €20 million, with 60% co-financed by the European Union, to be implemented between 2021 and 2030.
Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the results achieved by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in urban waste management in 2025, emphasising that the figures now released confirm the consolidation of a strategy based on the principles of the circular economy and resource recovery. According to the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report, drawn up by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the Azores produced 153,969 tonnes of urban waste, a marginal increase of just 0.4% compared with the previous year, continuing the trend towards stabilisation in waste production observed in recent years. For Alonso Miguel, these results demonstrate that “the Region has been consolidating a more efficient and sustainable waste management model, which prioritises recovery over disposal, progressively reducing dependence on landfill sites and bringing the Azores closer to European best environmental practices.” The report reveals that 82% of the urban waste produced in 2025 was processed for recovery, specifically 28% for material recovery, 29% for organic recovery and 25% for energy recovery. Conversely, landfill disposal once again saw a significant reduction, accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced – a figure well below the interim target of 30% set for 2025 in the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores (PEPGRA 20+). According to the government official, “although most of the islands, including São Miguel, have met the targets set for 2025, and even though we are clear leaders in this indicator at national level, the Region’s overall result nevertheless remains below the 55% target set by European directives and the PEPGRA 20+.” He added that “this result was significantly affected by the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling achieved on Terceira Island, which, despite showing a slight improvement in 2025, rising to 22%, remains far from the established target.” “However, the results achieved on Terceira Island show a positive trend, something that had not been seen in recent years. Given the ongoing efforts to implement projects aimed at improving waste management on the island, through coordinated action among the Regional Government, the Municipal Councils of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, and TERAMB, it will certainly be possible to accelerate the growth in the preparation rate for reuse and recycling on the island of Terceira, towards meeting the targets set for 2030,” he stated. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of waste prevention and the selective collection of bio-waste.” In this regard, he noted that “the report shows that urban waste generation increased by 6% compared with 2019, exceeding the regional prevention target, and the selective collection of bio-waste continues to fall short of the defined targets.” “We are aware that the coming years will be crucial for consolidating the results achieved, and that the selective collection of bio-waste is a strategic priority, as, from 2027 onwards, only bio-waste collected separately will count towards meeting European recycling targets,” he emphasised. Alonso Miguel also reiterated “the Azorean Government’s commitment to continuing to invest in promoting more sustainable behaviour amongst the population, as well as in modernising waste treatment and management infrastructure, following an investment of about €10 million over the last three years in the refurbishment, modernisation and outfitting of regional Waste Processing Centres.” “The 2025 results show that the Azores are on the right track. We will continue to work to stabilise waste production, increase recycling and the recovery of materials, and accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy – one that is more efficient in the use of resources and more sustainable for future generations,” he concluded. The 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste is available for consultation on the Regional Government’s website via the following link: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draac/residuos-srir-relatorios.
July 15, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the results achieved by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in urban waste management in 2025, emphasising that the figures now released confirm the consolidation of a strategy based on the principles of the circular economy and resource recovery. According to the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report, drawn up by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the Azores produced 153,969 tonnes of urban waste, a marginal increase of just 0.4% compared with the previous year, continuing the trend towards stabilisation in waste production observed in recent years. For Alonso Miguel, these results demonstrate that “the Region has been consolidating a more efficient and sustainable waste management model, which prioritises recovery over disposal, progressively reducing dependence on landfill sites and bringing the Azores closer to European best environmental practices.” The report reveals that 82% of the urban waste produced in 2025 was processed for recovery, specifically 28% for material recovery, 29% for organic recovery and 25% for energy recovery. Conversely, landfill disposal once again saw a significant reduction, accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced – a figure well below the interim target of 30% set for 2025 in the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores (PEPGRA 20+). According to the government official, “although most of the islands, including São Miguel, have met the targets set for 2025, and even though we are clear leaders in this indicator at national level, the Region’s overall result nevertheless remains below the 55% target set by European directives and the PEPGRA 20+.” He added that “this result was significantly affected by the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling achieved on Terceira Island, which, despite showing a slight improvement in 2025, rising to 22%, remains far from the established target.” “However, the results achieved on Terceira Island show a positive trend, something that had not been seen in recent years. Given the ongoing efforts to implement projects aimed at improving waste management on the island, through coordinated action among the Regional Government, the Municipal Councils of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, and TERAMB, it will certainly be possible to accelerate the growth in the preparation rate for reuse and recycling on the island of Terceira, towards meeting the targets set for 2030,” he stated. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of waste prevention and the selective collection of bio-waste.” In this regard, he noted that “the report shows that urban waste generation increased by 6% compared with 2019, exceeding the regional prevention target, and the selective collection of bio-waste continues to fall short of the defined targets.” “We are aware that the coming years will be crucial for consolidating the results achieved, and that the selective collection of bio-waste is a strategic priority, as, from 2027 onwards, only bio-waste collected separately will count towards meeting European recycling targets,” he emphasised. Alonso Miguel also reiterated “the Azorean Government’s commitment to continuing to invest in promoting more sustainable behaviour amongst the population, as well as in modernising waste treatment and management infrastructure, following an investment of about €10 million over the last three years in the refurbishment, modernisation and outfitting of regional Waste Processing Centres.” “The 2025 results show that the Azores are on the right track. We will continue to work to stabilise waste production, increase recycling and the recovery of materials, and accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy – one that is more efficient in the use of resources and more sustainable for future generations,” he concluded. The 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste is available for consultation on the Regional Government’s website via the following link: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draac/residuos-srir-relatorios.