Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government hosts environmental awareness campaign on equipment and battery management
Regional Government hosts environmental awareness campaign on equipment and battery management
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
MOOV programme for internships extended to all years of level 4 vocational courses
MOOV programme for internships extended to all years of level 4 vocational courses
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Press release - supply to Flores and Corvo
Press release - supply to Flores and Corvo
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Public consultation opens on national marine waters assessment reports and environmental targets
Public consultation opens on national marine waters assessment reports and environmental targets
Nota de Imprensa
January 21, 2025 Regional Government hosts environmental awareness campaign on equipment and battery management The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presided over the launch of the campaign "A New Life for Hope - Where are the Batteries and WEEE?" at the Cáritas da Ilha Terceira premises in Angra do Heroísmo. "Promoted annually by the European Recycling Platform (ERP) Portugal, this campaign plays a crucial role in raising awareness in our society about the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries," emphasised Alonso Miguel. "This initiative stands out for its significant environmental contributions by promoting the responsible disposal of this type of waste, thereby reducing the risk of soil, water, and atmospheric contamination. It also has important social implications, as it combines this mission with a charitable cause in an innovative manner," he continued. Alonso Miguel highlighted the importance of managing specific waste streams, such as electrical and electronic equipment and batteries, noting that they "continue to represent a significant challenge for the country and, in particular, for the Autonomous Region of the Azores." He stressed that "it is essential to educate and inform society that even simple actions, such as correctly disposing of small household appliances, electric toys, or used batteries at appropriate collection points, can make a significant difference." He added that "initiatives like this campaign, promoted by ERP Portugal in the Azores in collaboration with the Regional Government, Cáritas Diocesana dos Açores, and Okeana Ambiente, play a vital role in this effort." The Regional Secretary acknowledged that "ever greater challenges" lie ahead in terms of waste prevention and management. "For this reason, it is essential to continue the work already underway in the Region and strengthen our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness and education, which can change attitudes and behaviours." Alonso Miguel noted that the launch of this campaign by ERP Portugal on Terceira Island "aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental education in the Azores and recognizes the progress made in this area within the Region." He took the opportunity to highlight "the significant efforts made by the Regional Government in legislative production." He referenced the approval of the new Strategic Programme for the Prevention and Management of Waste in the Azores (PEPGRA 20+) in 2023, as well as the revision of the General Scheme for the Prevention and Management of Waste and the Regulations for the Management of Specific Waste Streams in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Alonso Miguel also recalled that the Regional Government created the Roadmap for the Regional Circular Economy, which "has led to the development of a Circular Economy Agenda for the Azores. This agenda has been finalised and is currently in the approval phase, aiming to adapt the new Circular Economy Action Plan—one of the pillars of the European Green Deal—to our Region." He mentioned other significant projects for improving waste management in the Azores, such as the restructuring of regional Waste Processing Centres to facilitate selective collection of bio-waste, representing an investment of more than six million Euros. He added that "around three million Euros is also planned for modernizing recycling processes in these facilities, beginning in 2025." "Two innovative Interreg Mac projects focused on the circular economy also commenced this year, namely the TEXTIL project, which centres on textile waste recovery, and the Circular Ocean Project, dedicated to reducing marine litter," he said. Alonso Miguel pointed out "the success of implementing the deposit system for non-reusable beverage packaging in the Azores, with an investment of two million Euros. This initiative has resulted in the collection of over 17 million packages in just over two years." "With all these efforts, the effective collaboration and coordination among all entities responsible for waste management, and the vital contributions from society and each Azorean, we have ensured that our Region is making positive strides in waste management," stated the Regional Secretary. He concluded that "Azoreans have displayed a growing awareness of environmental issues. Initiatives like the campaign for equipment and battery disposal are crucial to maintain this positive trajectory towards achieving the ultimate goal of ensuring the Region's sustainable development."
January 21, 2025 Regional Government hosts environmental awareness campaign on equipment and battery management The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presided over the launch of the campaign "A New Life for Hope - Where are the Batteries and WEEE?" at the Cáritas da Ilha Terceira premises in Angra do Heroísmo. "Promoted annually by the European Recycling Platform (ERP) Portugal, this campaign plays a crucial role in raising awareness in our society about the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries," emphasised Alonso Miguel. "This initiative stands out for its significant environmental contributions by promoting the responsible disposal of this type of waste, thereby reducing the risk of soil, water, and atmospheric contamination. It also has important social implications, as it combines this mission with a charitable cause in an innovative manner," he continued. Alonso Miguel highlighted the importance of managing specific waste streams, such as electrical and electronic equipment and batteries, noting that they "continue to represent a significant challenge for the country and, in particular, for the Autonomous Region of the Azores." He stressed that "it is essential to educate and inform society that even simple actions, such as correctly disposing of small household appliances, electric toys, or used batteries at appropriate collection points, can make a significant difference." He added that "initiatives like this campaign, promoted by ERP Portugal in the Azores in collaboration with the Regional Government, Cáritas Diocesana dos Açores, and Okeana Ambiente, play a vital role in this effort." The Regional Secretary acknowledged that "ever greater challenges" lie ahead in terms of waste prevention and management. "For this reason, it is essential to continue the work already underway in the Region and strengthen our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness and education, which can change attitudes and behaviours." Alonso Miguel noted that the launch of this campaign by ERP Portugal on Terceira Island "aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental education in the Azores and recognizes the progress made in this area within the Region." He took the opportunity to highlight "the significant efforts made by the Regional Government in legislative production." He referenced the approval of the new Strategic Programme for the Prevention and Management of Waste in the Azores (PEPGRA 20+) in 2023, as well as the revision of the General Scheme for the Prevention and Management of Waste and the Regulations for the Management of Specific Waste Streams in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Alonso Miguel also recalled that the Regional Government created the Roadmap for the Regional Circular Economy, which "has led to the development of a Circular Economy Agenda for the Azores. This agenda has been finalised and is currently in the approval phase, aiming to adapt the new Circular Economy Action Plan—one of the pillars of the European Green Deal—to our Region." He mentioned other significant projects for improving waste management in the Azores, such as the restructuring of regional Waste Processing Centres to facilitate selective collection of bio-waste, representing an investment of more than six million Euros. He added that "around three million Euros is also planned for modernizing recycling processes in these facilities, beginning in 2025." "Two innovative Interreg Mac projects focused on the circular economy also commenced this year, namely the TEXTIL project, which centres on textile waste recovery, and the Circular Ocean Project, dedicated to reducing marine litter," he said. Alonso Miguel pointed out "the success of implementing the deposit system for non-reusable beverage packaging in the Azores, with an investment of two million Euros. This initiative has resulted in the collection of over 17 million packages in just over two years." "With all these efforts, the effective collaboration and coordination among all entities responsible for waste management, and the vital contributions from society and each Azorean, we have ensured that our Region is making positive strides in waste management," stated the Regional Secretary. He concluded that "Azoreans have displayed a growing awareness of environmental issues. Initiatives like the campaign for equipment and battery disposal are crucial to maintain this positive trajectory towards achieving the ultimate goal of ensuring the Region's sustainable development."
Nota de Imprensa
January 20, 2025 MOOV programme for internships extended to all years of level 4 vocational courses The new regulations for MOOV - the Mobility, Occupation and Vocational Guidance Programme, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, were published today in the Official Journal. As anticipated in December by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, one of the improvements now incorporated in the regulation is the inclusion of more young people among MOOV's beneficiaries and the increase of financial support. The "MOOV Nemésio Pro" sub-programme supports internships as part of level 4 vocational courses on an island in the Region other than the island where young people are studying. Young students attending the 1st and 2nd years of their course are now also eligible and not just 3rd year students. Also within the scope of this MOOV sub-programme, the support grant has increased from 90% to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage in the region. Moreover, support has also been created for internship supervisors or coordinators for up to two trips to the island where students are carrying out their internship, which will be valid for the duration of the internship. The "MOOV Visit Pro" sub-programme supports young people enrolled in regular public school and Private Social Solidarity Institutions for field trips to vocational schools on an island other than their island of residence. Young people attending secondary school or equivalent in general education are now eligible, and not just 9th-grade students. In addition to "MOOV Nemésio Pro" and "MOOV Visit Pro," the MOOV programme includes a third sub-programme, "MOOV 360." The latter supports short-term socio-professional internships (maximum duration of 1 to 2 months) on an island other than the one where young trainees live, who are awarded a grant amounting to the Minimum Monthly Wage In the region, with a 5% increase. For each of the sub-programmes, in addition to the specific support for each one, travel costs between the island of residence or study and the island where young people will carry out the internships under the MOOV programme are covered. MOOV was created in 2022. It is an "innovative programme in the Region" to encourage socio-professional occupation and vocational screening of young people, stated Maria João Carreiro. The government official added that these improvements aim to make this programme ‘even more attractive’ for young people, vocational and public schools, IPSS and employers. The goal is to help young people not only acquire skills and get closer to the labour market but also make them more aware of the possibilities and opportunities on each of the archipelago's islands.
January 20, 2025 MOOV programme for internships extended to all years of level 4 vocational courses The new regulations for MOOV - the Mobility, Occupation and Vocational Guidance Programme, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, were published today in the Official Journal. As anticipated in December by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, one of the improvements now incorporated in the regulation is the inclusion of more young people among MOOV's beneficiaries and the increase of financial support. The "MOOV Nemésio Pro" sub-programme supports internships as part of level 4 vocational courses on an island in the Region other than the island where young people are studying. Young students attending the 1st and 2nd years of their course are now also eligible and not just 3rd year students. Also within the scope of this MOOV sub-programme, the support grant has increased from 90% to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage in the region. Moreover, support has also been created for internship supervisors or coordinators for up to two trips to the island where students are carrying out their internship, which will be valid for the duration of the internship. The "MOOV Visit Pro" sub-programme supports young people enrolled in regular public school and Private Social Solidarity Institutions for field trips to vocational schools on an island other than their island of residence. Young people attending secondary school or equivalent in general education are now eligible, and not just 9th-grade students. In addition to "MOOV Nemésio Pro" and "MOOV Visit Pro," the MOOV programme includes a third sub-programme, "MOOV 360." The latter supports short-term socio-professional internships (maximum duration of 1 to 2 months) on an island other than the one where young trainees live, who are awarded a grant amounting to the Minimum Monthly Wage In the region, with a 5% increase. For each of the sub-programmes, in addition to the specific support for each one, travel costs between the island of residence or study and the island where young people will carry out the internships under the MOOV programme are covered. MOOV was created in 2022. It is an "innovative programme in the Region" to encourage socio-professional occupation and vocational screening of young people, stated Maria João Carreiro. The government official added that these improvements aim to make this programme ‘even more attractive’ for young people, vocational and public schools, IPSS and employers. The goal is to help young people not only acquire skills and get closer to the labour market but also make them more aware of the possibilities and opportunities on each of the archipelago's islands.
Nota de Imprensa
January 20, 2025 Press release - supply to Flores and Corvo The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that, due to bad weather conditions, namely the rough sea conditions that have been prevailing in recent days, the vessels Thor and Margarethe are limited in their operations and unable to dock in the Flores and Corvo ports. This situation is affecting the normal supply of both islands. The Regional Government is constantly monitoring the situation and is making every effort to resume supply to both islands as soon as possible, given the potential windows of opportunity for improved weather conditions in the coming days. At this point, it should be noted that: - The fuel supply vessel São Jorge is already on the island of Faial and will try to dock in Flores and Corvo next Wednesday if the weather forecast and the improvement of sea conditions state are confirmed; - The vessel Margarethe is heavily conditioned by the forecast weather conditions. There is a potential improvement on Wednesday but the swell forecast for the Flores route is not good. The situation is being monitored daily and, as soon as possible, the vessel Margarethe will continue to Flores Island. - The vessel Thor B is awaiting confirmation but it is expected to operate on Wednesday morning in Flores and the afternoon in Corvo. Despite not being responsible for the situation, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures emphasised that it is constantly monitoring the weather situation. It will do everything within its reach to guarantee regular supplies to the islands of Flores and Corvo, extending its full solidarity with the respective populations.
January 20, 2025 Press release - supply to Flores and Corvo The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that, due to bad weather conditions, namely the rough sea conditions that have been prevailing in recent days, the vessels Thor and Margarethe are limited in their operations and unable to dock in the Flores and Corvo ports. This situation is affecting the normal supply of both islands. The Regional Government is constantly monitoring the situation and is making every effort to resume supply to both islands as soon as possible, given the potential windows of opportunity for improved weather conditions in the coming days. At this point, it should be noted that: - The fuel supply vessel São Jorge is already on the island of Faial and will try to dock in Flores and Corvo next Wednesday if the weather forecast and the improvement of sea conditions state are confirmed; - The vessel Margarethe is heavily conditioned by the forecast weather conditions. There is a potential improvement on Wednesday but the swell forecast for the Flores route is not good. The situation is being monitored daily and, as soon as possible, the vessel Margarethe will continue to Flores Island. - The vessel Thor B is awaiting confirmation but it is expected to operate on Wednesday morning in Flores and the afternoon in Corvo. Despite not being responsible for the situation, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures emphasised that it is constantly monitoring the weather situation. It will do everything within its reach to guarantee regular supplies to the islands of Flores and Corvo, extending its full solidarity with the respective populations.
Nota de Imprensa
January 20, 2025 Public consultation opens on national marine waters assessment reports and environmental targets The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), informs that, under the terms of Article 16 of Decree-Law 108/2010, in its current wording, the report updating the assessment of marine waters and environmental targets of Marine Strategies for Mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores and the Extended Continental Shelf is currently out for public consultation until March 1, for the collection of contributions from all interested parties. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), transposed into national law by Decree-Law 108/2010 of October 13 in its current wording, aims to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in the marine environment through the development and implementation of marine strategies. The national report, now out for public consultation, is structured in four parts: Part I - Framework: common to all four subdivisions, it sets the framework for the report. Part II - Uses and activities, characterisation and socio-economic analysis: includes, per subdivision, the economic and social analysis - art. 8 (1c) - of the use of national marine waters Part III - Assessment of the environmental status of marine waters: includes, per subdivision, the analysis and assessment of the main pressure descriptors - Article 8 (1b) - and the analysis and assessment of the status descriptors - Article 8 (1a) Part IV - Environmental targets: common to all four subdivisions, it includes the status of the environmental targets adopted in the 2nd cycle and updates them according to the results of the assessment results. Contributions can be sent to the address Direção Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM), Av. Brasília, 1449-030 Lisboa or to the email address: [email protected], mentioning the subject: 3º Ciclo DQEM. The documents are also available on the portal of the DGRM, DRPM and the Regional Directorate for Maritime Affairs (DRAM) of the Regional Government of Madeira as well as on the participatory portal: www.participa.pt.
January 20, 2025 Public consultation opens on national marine waters assessment reports and environmental targets The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), informs that, under the terms of Article 16 of Decree-Law 108/2010, in its current wording, the report updating the assessment of marine waters and environmental targets of Marine Strategies for Mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores and the Extended Continental Shelf is currently out for public consultation until March 1, for the collection of contributions from all interested parties. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), transposed into national law by Decree-Law 108/2010 of October 13 in its current wording, aims to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in the marine environment through the development and implementation of marine strategies. The national report, now out for public consultation, is structured in four parts: Part I - Framework: common to all four subdivisions, it sets the framework for the report. Part II - Uses and activities, characterisation and socio-economic analysis: includes, per subdivision, the economic and social analysis - art. 8 (1c) - of the use of national marine waters Part III - Assessment of the environmental status of marine waters: includes, per subdivision, the analysis and assessment of the main pressure descriptors - Article 8 (1b) - and the analysis and assessment of the status descriptors - Article 8 (1a) Part IV - Environmental targets: common to all four subdivisions, it includes the status of the environmental targets adopted in the 2nd cycle and updates them according to the results of the assessment results. Contributions can be sent to the address Direção Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM), Av. Brasília, 1449-030 Lisboa or to the email address: [email protected], mentioning the subject: 3º Ciclo DQEM. The documents are also available on the portal of the DGRM, DRPM and the Regional Directorate for Maritime Affairs (DRAM) of the Regional Government of Madeira as well as on the participatory portal: www.participa.pt.
Nota de Imprensa
January 17, 2025 Regional Government welcomes approval of social mobility aid for all resident immigrants The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities welcomed today's unanimous approval by the National Assembly regarding the proposal for a law extending the social mobility aid to all immigrants residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Paulo Estevão thanked the "constructive participation" of all the parties represented in the Legislative Assembly and the National Assembly, praising "the unanimity and speed of the entire process." The social mobility aid for national air travel by residents of the Azores, created in 2015, was reinstated last November with a restrictive interpretation, excluding immigrants living in the region who are not from European Union member states or Brazil. This new national interpretation of the law in force has affected almost 2,500 of the more than 6,000 immigrants residing in the Azores. According to the government official, it constitutes "clear discrimination and profound injustice" for around 1% of the population living on the nine islands. The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, at the proposal of the coalition parties supporting the Regional Government, then unanimously approved a preliminary draft law submitted to the National Assembly to "clarify the law and correct its interpretation." It even resorted to the legal procedure of a request for urgent parliamentary debate. Following this decision, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities travelled to Lisbon last week to meet with the parties represented in the National Assembly, urging them to "speed up and approve the resolution of this problem." Paulo Estevão was accompanied by the president of the Association of Immigrants in the Azores, Leoter Viegas, and the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade, who praised AIPA's "important partnership" throughout this process. The political parties represented in the National Assembly "acknowledged the convenience and urgency of this approval," according to Paulo Estevão, "and thus made a decisive contribution to changing the law, in record time, to everyone's benefit." Now, all immigrants living in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, who work and pay contributions like the rest of us, are legally entitled to the social mobility aid for residents regardless of their country of birth.
January 17, 2025 Regional Government welcomes approval of social mobility aid for all resident immigrants The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities welcomed today's unanimous approval by the National Assembly regarding the proposal for a law extending the social mobility aid to all immigrants residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Paulo Estevão thanked the "constructive participation" of all the parties represented in the Legislative Assembly and the National Assembly, praising "the unanimity and speed of the entire process." The social mobility aid for national air travel by residents of the Azores, created in 2015, was reinstated last November with a restrictive interpretation, excluding immigrants living in the region who are not from European Union member states or Brazil. This new national interpretation of the law in force has affected almost 2,500 of the more than 6,000 immigrants residing in the Azores. According to the government official, it constitutes "clear discrimination and profound injustice" for around 1% of the population living on the nine islands. The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, at the proposal of the coalition parties supporting the Regional Government, then unanimously approved a preliminary draft law submitted to the National Assembly to "clarify the law and correct its interpretation." It even resorted to the legal procedure of a request for urgent parliamentary debate. Following this decision, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities travelled to Lisbon last week to meet with the parties represented in the National Assembly, urging them to "speed up and approve the resolution of this problem." Paulo Estevão was accompanied by the president of the Association of Immigrants in the Azores, Leoter Viegas, and the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade, who praised AIPA's "important partnership" throughout this process. The political parties represented in the National Assembly "acknowledged the convenience and urgency of this approval," according to Paulo Estevão, "and thus made a decisive contribution to changing the law, in record time, to everyone's benefit." Now, all immigrants living in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, who work and pay contributions like the rest of us, are legally entitled to the social mobility aid for residents regardless of their country of birth.
