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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Press release
Press release
April 22, 2026
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
April 10, 2026
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
April 9, 2026
Press release
News
Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2026
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
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.”
April 22, 2026
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
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.”
Nota de Imprensa
April 10, 2026
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Following the statements made by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH) regarding the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan (PSE-Açores), the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, hereby provides the following information to clarify the technical details and refute several claims that are not supported by the approved document: PSE-Açores is a non-sectoral strategic planning tool designed to establish technical criteria, monitoring mechanisms, contingency levels and an integrated framework of measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to situations of drought and water scarcity. This includes actions to manage water supply and demand, strengthen infrastructures, improve the efficiency of water supply systems, reduce losses and promote the efficient use of this resource. With a view to implementing these goals, PSE-Açores carries out a detailed assessment and analysis of water availability, consumption, pressures on water resources and the structural vulnerabilities of the territory. This is based on data collected and validated by official sources, such as the Regional Water Programme and the Azores River Basin Management Plan (PGRH-Açores), as well as data collected from the official entites responsible for this area, namely the Entity for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services of the Azores (ERSARA), the water supply system operators, and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), through surveys and technical meetings held for this purpose. In other words, PSE-Açores was based on actual registered and reported figures, rather than on isolated figures or generic estimates that were not methodologically aligned. Nevertheless, it is inevitably dated, and its underlying data should be reviewed and updated whenever more recent or disaggregated data become available. Contrary to what CCIAH claims, PSE-Açores does not ignore developments in the tourism sector in the Azores, which are duly identified in the technical assessment, explicitly recognising its economic significance, seasonality and potential pressure on water resources. As with other relevant sectors, it is covered by monitoring mechanisms and measures for adaptation, prevention and contingency. It is also important to clarify that the figures for water consumption per tourist, as reported by CCIAH, do not reflect the reality in the Azores, given that the figure presented by PSE-Açores is a regional sectoral average, taking into account all tourist accommodation units. The prospective scenarios developed under the PGRH-Açores consider an average per capita consumption of 300 litres of water per day for each tourist, more than double the estimated figure for a resident. In PSE-Açores, the reference figure used is 320 litres of water per day for each tourist, which already anticipates a margin for growth in water consumption associated with tourism. This figure is substantially lower than the 600 to 800 litres of water per day, for each tourist, as publicly stated by CCIAH. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores acknowledges that part of tourism-related consumption may be diluted within broader urban categories, meaning that this estimate of 320 litres per day may be underestimated for certain segments or specific types of tourism. Consequently, there is a need to further disaggregate tourism-related consumption and step up its monitoring, something that PSE-Açores has already identified as a priority. The proposals put forward by CCIAH may, in time, address needs identified in other parts of the country or the world, where climatic conditions are more demanding in terms of water requirements than those found in the Azores. They may also address types of tourist accommodation that are non-existent or uncommon in the Azores, such as resorts, where the maintenance of extensive landscaped areas, golf courses, large swimming pool complexes or other infrastructures places substantially greater demands on water resources. The situation in the Azores is profoundly different, both in terms of climatic conditions and the model of tourism development adopted, which is based on sustainability principles and prioritises the establishment of tourist facilities with efficient water usage and consumption systems. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that PSE-Açores overlooks tourism or downplays its importance. On the contrary, it takes due account of its relevance, even assessing the influence of the floating population and tourism seasonality on the pressure on water resources, whilst also providing for measures that directly address uses and activities associated with the sector, including progressive restrictions in contingency contexts during water shortage periods. PSE-Açores also includes prevention and adaptation measures relevant to the sector, such as enhanced monitoring, the establishment of measurement and control zones, improvements to measurement and remote management systems, the analysis of specific consumption patterns, and incentives for water efficiency and reuse solutions. Regarding the criticism concerning the “lack of a clear funding model for the identified investments," it is important to clarify that PSE-Açores is a strategic planning tool, whose financial implementation of the planned measures is supported by public policy funding instruments available at a regional, national and EU level for the various sectors of activity. PSE-Açores was designed as a tool for continuous improvement, with a monitoring, evaluation and review model. Before its approval, it was submitted to 32 entities external to the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field, to be involved in the implementation of this plan, for review, feedback and validation. It was also submitted for consideration to the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Azores (CRADS) at a meeting held on July 26, 2024, which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores attended and was represented at. In this regard, CCIAH had the opportunity to raise the legitimate concerns it has now made public. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores has established a Regional Commission for the Management of Droughts and Water Scarcity, with an interdisciplinary and participatory component. It comprises representatives from various sectors, including tourism, ensuring a model of collaborative governance open to the participation and contributions of all relevant entities, with the possibility of introducing improvements, new information and operational proposals. A technical working group has also been set up to monitor climatic and hydrological variables, produce periodic reports and formulate proposals for prevention, preparedness, contingency and adaptation measures. Within this institutional framework, all sectoral contributions can be discussed with rigour and practical utility. The Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to the sustainable management of the region’s water resources and the active involvement of all socio-economic sectors in this collective effort, through the monitoring and governance mechanisms set out in PSE-Açores itself, thereby strengthening responsible inter-institutional dialogue on an area of significant public importance. The management of drought and water scarcity is a collective and ongoing challenge. All constructive contributions are welcome. However, their usefulness depends on their integration into the appropriate technical and institutional channels, supported by verifiable and contextualised data. Public criticism made out of context, without first seeking further clarification, is not the most useful way to contribute to an issue that demands cooperation, rigour and a sense of responsibility. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a pioneering initiative in Portugal, represents a decisive step in preparing the Region for climate change challenges by strengthening its water resilience and reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable management of a strategic resource that is essential for present and forthcoming generations.
April 10, 2026
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Following the statements made by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH) regarding the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan (PSE-Açores), the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, hereby provides the following information to clarify the technical details and refute several claims that are not supported by the approved document: PSE-Açores is a non-sectoral strategic planning tool designed to establish technical criteria, monitoring mechanisms, contingency levels and an integrated framework of measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to situations of drought and water scarcity. This includes actions to manage water supply and demand, strengthen infrastructures, improve the efficiency of water supply systems, reduce losses and promote the efficient use of this resource. With a view to implementing these goals, PSE-Açores carries out a detailed assessment and analysis of water availability, consumption, pressures on water resources and the structural vulnerabilities of the territory. This is based on data collected and validated by official sources, such as the Regional Water Programme and the Azores River Basin Management Plan (PGRH-Açores), as well as data collected from the official entites responsible for this area, namely the Entity for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services of the Azores (ERSARA), the water supply system operators, and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), through surveys and technical meetings held for this purpose. In other words, PSE-Açores was based on actual registered and reported figures, rather than on isolated figures or generic estimates that were not methodologically aligned. Nevertheless, it is inevitably dated, and its underlying data should be reviewed and updated whenever more recent or disaggregated data become available. Contrary to what CCIAH claims, PSE-Açores does not ignore developments in the tourism sector in the Azores, which are duly identified in the technical assessment, explicitly recognising its economic significance, seasonality and potential pressure on water resources. As with other relevant sectors, it is covered by monitoring mechanisms and measures for adaptation, prevention and contingency. It is also important to clarify that the figures for water consumption per tourist, as reported by CCIAH, do not reflect the reality in the Azores, given that the figure presented by PSE-Açores is a regional sectoral average, taking into account all tourist accommodation units. The prospective scenarios developed under the PGRH-Açores consider an average per capita consumption of 300 litres of water per day for each tourist, more than double the estimated figure for a resident. In PSE-Açores, the reference figure used is 320 litres of water per day for each tourist, which already anticipates a margin for growth in water consumption associated with tourism. This figure is substantially lower than the 600 to 800 litres of water per day, for each tourist, as publicly stated by CCIAH. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores acknowledges that part of tourism-related consumption may be diluted within broader urban categories, meaning that this estimate of 320 litres per day may be underestimated for certain segments or specific types of tourism. Consequently, there is a need to further disaggregate tourism-related consumption and step up its monitoring, something that PSE-Açores has already identified as a priority. The proposals put forward by CCIAH may, in time, address needs identified in other parts of the country or the world, where climatic conditions are more demanding in terms of water requirements than those found in the Azores. They may also address types of tourist accommodation that are non-existent or uncommon in the Azores, such as resorts, where the maintenance of extensive landscaped areas, golf courses, large swimming pool complexes or other infrastructures places substantially greater demands on water resources. The situation in the Azores is profoundly different, both in terms of climatic conditions and the model of tourism development adopted, which is based on sustainability principles and prioritises the establishment of tourist facilities with efficient water usage and consumption systems. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that PSE-Açores overlooks tourism or downplays its importance. On the contrary, it takes due account of its relevance, even assessing the influence of the floating population and tourism seasonality on the pressure on water resources, whilst also providing for measures that directly address uses and activities associated with the sector, including progressive restrictions in contingency contexts during water shortage periods. PSE-Açores also includes prevention and adaptation measures relevant to the sector, such as enhanced monitoring, the establishment of measurement and control zones, improvements to measurement and remote management systems, the analysis of specific consumption patterns, and incentives for water efficiency and reuse solutions. Regarding the criticism concerning the “lack of a clear funding model for the identified investments," it is important to clarify that PSE-Açores is a strategic planning tool, whose financial implementation of the planned measures is supported by public policy funding instruments available at a regional, national and EU level for the various sectors of activity. PSE-Açores was designed as a tool for continuous improvement, with a monitoring, evaluation and review model. Before its approval, it was submitted to 32 entities external to the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field, to be involved in the implementation of this plan, for review, feedback and validation. It was also submitted for consideration to the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Azores (CRADS) at a meeting held on July 26, 2024, which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores attended and was represented at. In this regard, CCIAH had the opportunity to raise the legitimate concerns it has now made public. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores has established a Regional Commission for the Management of Droughts and Water Scarcity, with an interdisciplinary and participatory component. It comprises representatives from various sectors, including tourism, ensuring a model of collaborative governance open to the participation and contributions of all relevant entities, with the possibility of introducing improvements, new information and operational proposals. A technical working group has also been set up to monitor climatic and hydrological variables, produce periodic reports and formulate proposals for prevention, preparedness, contingency and adaptation measures. Within this institutional framework, all sectoral contributions can be discussed with rigour and practical utility. The Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to the sustainable management of the region’s water resources and the active involvement of all socio-economic sectors in this collective effort, through the monitoring and governance mechanisms set out in PSE-Açores itself, thereby strengthening responsible inter-institutional dialogue on an area of significant public importance. The management of drought and water scarcity is a collective and ongoing challenge. All constructive contributions are welcome. However, their usefulness depends on their integration into the appropriate technical and institutional channels, supported by verifiable and contextualised data. Public criticism made out of context, without first seeking further clarification, is not the most useful way to contribute to an issue that demands cooperation, rigour and a sense of responsibility. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a pioneering initiative in Portugal, represents a decisive step in preparing the Region for climate change challenges by strengthening its water resilience and reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable management of a strategic resource that is essential for present and forthcoming generations.