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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan
Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
2025 Report on State of Azorean Streams reveals positive developments, says Alonso Miguel
2025 Report on State of Azorean Streams reveals positive developments, says Alonso Miguel
April 1, 2026
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
March 31, 2026
Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan
March 26, 2026
2025 Report on State of Azorean Streams reveals positive developments, says Alonso Miguel
News
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Tuesday the first regular meeting of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS) of 2026 in Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary noted that the CRADS is a highly relevant advisory body for government action in the environmental and sustainable development field, ensuring close dialogue between the Regional Government and environmental non-governmental organisations and other bodies involved in or interested in environmental and sustainability issues. During this meeting, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “a presentation was made to the members of the Council on the current status of the implementation of ongoing LIFE projects in the Region. Furthermore, proposals for amendments to various regulations governing access to natural areas in the Azores were considered, with a view to improving the efficiency of procedures and adapting them to the current government structure, as well as the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026." Alonso Miguel pointed out that, “regarding the ordinance regulating access to the Pico Mountain Nature Reserve, there is a proposal to introduce a series of amendments concerning the conditions under which bookings are made and the terms on which refunds are issued when, for duly justified reasons, visits do not take place. Specific provisions include a maximum period of 72 hours after booking for the submission of refund requests, as well as the requirement for proof of refunds to visitors.” “It is also proposed to improve the equipment and items required for access to the mountain, as well as the requirement for children aged five and over to be accompanied on the ascent, with the signing of a liability waiver, whilst also introducing changes to discourage ascents in situations where this is not recommended, thereby reinforcing individual responsibility,” he added. As for the amendment to the regulations governing access to the interior of the Caldeira do Faial, Alonso Miguel highlighted “the reduction in the daily visitor capacity from 40 to 30, and in the maximum group size from 15 to 10,” whilst “it is also proposed to increase the number of hours visitors may remain inside the Caldeira, from three to five hours.” “The conditions for access to the interior of the Caldeira have also become stricter, and the requirement to pay access fees 48 hours in advance has been removed, making it possible to carry out activities on the day itself,” he added. Regarding the proposed amendment to the ordinance regulating access to the Praia islet, on Graciosa Island, Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the proposal stipulates that authorised activities must be supervised by a Nature Ranger or a technician from the Graciosa Nature Park.” The Regional Secretary took the opportunity to note that “the concession contract with a local company for accessing the islet has recently been revoked. It is now available to all maritime tourism companies, provided they comply with the regulations and observe the passenger capacity limits, thereby making access to that nature reserve widely available.” During the session, the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026 was presented, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies. It includes 88 identified bathing waters, the same 87 as last year, with the addition of the bathing water on the Franca do Campo Islet, which is set to reopen in the current bathing season. “There was a commitment on the part of the Regional Government to continue monitoring the bathing water on the islet, in collaboration with APA - Portuguese Environment Agency, and, following the tests carried out in 2025, an "acceptable" rating was achieved." He concluded: “If only the 2025 tests were considered, the classification would be ‘excellent’, but as the calculations are based on data from recent years, the classification reached the ‘acceptable’ level; however, this result allows us to reopen the islet for bathing already this bathing season.”
April 1, 2026
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Tuesday the first regular meeting of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS) of 2026 in Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary noted that the CRADS is a highly relevant advisory body for government action in the environmental and sustainable development field, ensuring close dialogue between the Regional Government and environmental non-governmental organisations and other bodies involved in or interested in environmental and sustainability issues. During this meeting, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “a presentation was made to the members of the Council on the current status of the implementation of ongoing LIFE projects in the Region. Furthermore, proposals for amendments to various regulations governing access to natural areas in the Azores were considered, with a view to improving the efficiency of procedures and adapting them to the current government structure, as well as the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026." Alonso Miguel pointed out that, “regarding the ordinance regulating access to the Pico Mountain Nature Reserve, there is a proposal to introduce a series of amendments concerning the conditions under which bookings are made and the terms on which refunds are issued when, for duly justified reasons, visits do not take place. Specific provisions include a maximum period of 72 hours after booking for the submission of refund requests, as well as the requirement for proof of refunds to visitors.” “It is also proposed to improve the equipment and items required for access to the mountain, as well as the requirement for children aged five and over to be accompanied on the ascent, with the signing of a liability waiver, whilst also introducing changes to discourage ascents in situations where this is not recommended, thereby reinforcing individual responsibility,” he added. As for the amendment to the regulations governing access to the interior of the Caldeira do Faial, Alonso Miguel highlighted “the reduction in the daily visitor capacity from 40 to 30, and in the maximum group size from 15 to 10,” whilst “it is also proposed to increase the number of hours visitors may remain inside the Caldeira, from three to five hours.” “The conditions for access to the interior of the Caldeira have also become stricter, and the requirement to pay access fees 48 hours in advance has been removed, making it possible to carry out activities on the day itself,” he added. Regarding the proposed amendment to the ordinance regulating access to the Praia islet, on Graciosa Island, Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the proposal stipulates that authorised activities must be supervised by a Nature Ranger or a technician from the Graciosa Nature Park.” The Regional Secretary took the opportunity to note that “the concession contract with a local company for accessing the islet has recently been revoked. It is now available to all maritime tourism companies, provided they comply with the regulations and observe the passenger capacity limits, thereby making access to that nature reserve widely available.” During the session, the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026 was presented, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies. It includes 88 identified bathing waters, the same 87 as last year, with the addition of the bathing water on the Franca do Campo Islet, which is set to reopen in the current bathing season. “There was a commitment on the part of the Regional Government to continue monitoring the bathing water on the islet, in collaboration with APA - Portuguese Environment Agency, and, following the tests carried out in 2025, an "acceptable" rating was achieved." He concluded: “If only the 2025 tests were considered, the classification would be ‘excellent’, but as the calculations are based on data from recent years, the classification reached the ‘acceptable’ level; however, this result allows us to reopen the islet for bathing already this bathing season.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 31, 2026
Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan
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."
March 31, 2026
Regional Government presents Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan
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."