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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel highlights importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ project for climate adaptation and protection of people and property in the Azores
Alonso Miguel highlights importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ project for climate adaptation and protection of people and property in the Azores
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government announces investment of over half a million Euros in the Santa Cruz das Flores Volunteer Fire Brigade
Regional Government announces investment of over half a million Euros in the Santa Cruz das Flores Volunteer Fire Brigade
January 30, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ project for climate adaptation and protection of people and property in the Azores
January 27, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day
January 26, 2026
Regional Government announces investment of over half a million Euros in the Santa Cruz das Flores Volunteer Fire Brigade
News
Nota de Imprensa
January 30, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ project for climate adaptation and protection of people and property in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, accompanied the European Commission's monitoring visit, through CINEA, to the intervention areas covered by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project on Terceira Island, between January 28 and 30. Coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project is a key element in the implementation of the Regional Climate Change Programme, with a budget of about €20 million, including 60% co-financed by the European Union, to be implemented between 2021 and 2030. Its associated beneficiaries include the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, Energy and Maritime Policy, the Horta and Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Councils, EDA and the Agricultural Union Cooperative. During his visit to the streams targeted for intervention on Terceira Island, the Regional Secretary revealed that "the project has already implemented a wide range of actions in Grota das 8, parish of Santa Bárbara, and in the ribeira do Testo and ribeira do Tapete streams, parish of Porto Judeu. They are focused on improving the ecological and hydraulic resilience of watercourses and promoting nature-based solutions to reduce vulnerability to flooding in the context of the climate change adaptation strategy.” Alonso Miguel explained that the work carried out included the removal and control of invasive species, the planting of endemic plants, the redevelopment of stream beds and banks, and the implementation of preventive land management measures. "A fence was installed along a 650-metre stretch of the ribeira do Testo stream to prevent cattle access and promote ecological recovery. In turn, the Grota das 8 was fitted with natural engineering infrastructure to stabilise the banks and reduce erosion," he added. The government official also revealed that “new interventions are planned on Terceira Island, namely in ribeira da Agualva stream, ribeira de Santo Antão – Casa da Ribeira stream, ribeira de São Bento – Grota dos Carlinhos stream and the ribeira das 12 stream, reinforcing a preventive and integrated approach to sustainable management of water resources.” Across the archipelago, the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project is working on 18 streams spread across seven islands, with several sections already completed, where around 35,000 endemic specimens have been planted, covering a distance of more than nine kilometres. This represents an integrated effort to increase community resilience, protect people and property, and promote nature-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. The monitoring team also visited the intervention areas of the Native Species Forest Nursery in the parish of São Brás, Praia da Vitória. The technical visits also covered the areas of conversion from pasture to native forest as well as the areas of conversion from existing forest to non-productive native forest, whose implementation is the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, an associated beneficiary of the project. During the European Commission's monitoring visit, a series of actions already implemented by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project between 2021 and 2025 were also highlighted. They encompassed key areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation, namely the improvement of hydrometeorological and natural risk monitoring and the approval of strategic instruments, such as the Azores Flood and Drought Risk Management Plans, as well as the progress of the revision of the Regional Programme for Climate Change," emphasised Alonso Miguel. The Regional Secretary also noted that "the project has also boosted mobility and energy efficiency. This has been achieved with the expansion of the electric charging network, the acquisition of electric vehicles and pilot decarbonisation projects, along with relevant interventions in ecological recovery, sustainable agriculture, coastal protection, technical training and public awareness, boosting the resilience of the Autonomous Region of the Azores against climate change impacts." Alonso Miguel highlighted the project's commitment to sustainable mobility, with the recent acquisition of nine electric pick-up vehicles to reinforce the operational fleet of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action and support the implementation of actions in the field, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operational activity of this public body. According to the government official, this is "an investment of over €730,000, carried out as part of a pilot project to promote the decarbonisation of regional public administration transport. The project is integrated and co-financed by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, in an unprecedented move to provide electric vehicles of this kind to the Environment and Climate Action Services of the nine islands. It is also another important step in the decarbonisation of the regional vehicle fleet, with sustainable technological solutions capable of responding to high operational demands." The Regional Secretary also emphasised the strategic importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ in the context of the ongoing revision of the Azores Regional Climate Change Plan, noting that "the experience and results achieved in the field are decisively contributing to the improvement of regional public policies on climate adaptation and mitigation." Alonso Miguel concluded by highlighting that "the European Commission's monitoring visit highlighted the progress achieved, the solid technical implementation of the actions and the alignment of the project with regional, national and European strategic climate goals. As such, these efforts have strengthened technical and institutional capabilities, preparing the Region for a more effective response to climate change impacts."
January 30, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ project for climate adaptation and protection of people and property in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, accompanied the European Commission's monitoring visit, through CINEA, to the intervention areas covered by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project on Terceira Island, between January 28 and 30. Coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project is a key element in the implementation of the Regional Climate Change Programme, with a budget of about €20 million, including 60% co-financed by the European Union, to be implemented between 2021 and 2030. Its associated beneficiaries include the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, Energy and Maritime Policy, the Horta and Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Councils, EDA and the Agricultural Union Cooperative. During his visit to the streams targeted for intervention on Terceira Island, the Regional Secretary revealed that "the project has already implemented a wide range of actions in Grota das 8, parish of Santa Bárbara, and in the ribeira do Testo and ribeira do Tapete streams, parish of Porto Judeu. They are focused on improving the ecological and hydraulic resilience of watercourses and promoting nature-based solutions to reduce vulnerability to flooding in the context of the climate change adaptation strategy.” Alonso Miguel explained that the work carried out included the removal and control of invasive species, the planting of endemic plants, the redevelopment of stream beds and banks, and the implementation of preventive land management measures. "A fence was installed along a 650-metre stretch of the ribeira do Testo stream to prevent cattle access and promote ecological recovery. In turn, the Grota das 8 was fitted with natural engineering infrastructure to stabilise the banks and reduce erosion," he added. The government official also revealed that “new interventions are planned on Terceira Island, namely in ribeira da Agualva stream, ribeira de Santo Antão – Casa da Ribeira stream, ribeira de São Bento – Grota dos Carlinhos stream and the ribeira das 12 stream, reinforcing a preventive and integrated approach to sustainable management of water resources.” Across the archipelago, the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project is working on 18 streams spread across seven islands, with several sections already completed, where around 35,000 endemic specimens have been planted, covering a distance of more than nine kilometres. This represents an integrated effort to increase community resilience, protect people and property, and promote nature-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. The monitoring team also visited the intervention areas of the Native Species Forest Nursery in the parish of São Brás, Praia da Vitória. The technical visits also covered the areas of conversion from pasture to native forest as well as the areas of conversion from existing forest to non-productive native forest, whose implementation is the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, an associated beneficiary of the project. During the European Commission's monitoring visit, a series of actions already implemented by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project between 2021 and 2025 were also highlighted. They encompassed key areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation, namely the improvement of hydrometeorological and natural risk monitoring and the approval of strategic instruments, such as the Azores Flood and Drought Risk Management Plans, as well as the progress of the revision of the Regional Programme for Climate Change," emphasised Alonso Miguel. The Regional Secretary also noted that "the project has also boosted mobility and energy efficiency. This has been achieved with the expansion of the electric charging network, the acquisition of electric vehicles and pilot decarbonisation projects, along with relevant interventions in ecological recovery, sustainable agriculture, coastal protection, technical training and public awareness, boosting the resilience of the Autonomous Region of the Azores against climate change impacts." Alonso Miguel highlighted the project's commitment to sustainable mobility, with the recent acquisition of nine electric pick-up vehicles to reinforce the operational fleet of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action and support the implementation of actions in the field, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operational activity of this public body. According to the government official, this is "an investment of over €730,000, carried out as part of a pilot project to promote the decarbonisation of regional public administration transport. The project is integrated and co-financed by the LIFE IP CLIMAZ Project, in an unprecedented move to provide electric vehicles of this kind to the Environment and Climate Action Services of the nine islands. It is also another important step in the decarbonisation of the regional vehicle fleet, with sustainable technological solutions capable of responding to high operational demands." The Regional Secretary also emphasised the strategic importance of LIFE IP CLIMAZ in the context of the ongoing revision of the Azores Regional Climate Change Plan, noting that "the experience and results achieved in the field are decisively contributing to the improvement of regional public policies on climate adaptation and mitigation." Alonso Miguel concluded by highlighting that "the European Commission's monitoring visit highlighted the progress achieved, the solid technical implementation of the actions and the alignment of the project with regional, national and European strategic climate goals. As such, these efforts have strengthened technical and institutional capabilities, preparing the Region for a more effective response to climate change impacts."
Nota de Imprensa
January 27, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day
On Monday, January 26, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marked World Environmental Education Day, emphasising the importance of environmental awareness and education as essential tools for building a more sustainable future. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “environmental literacy is one of the key pillars of the mission set out for the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action. It seeks to raise awareness within the community about environmental challenges, foster a sense of belonging and individual responsibility, and ensure the protection and preservation of the Azores’ extraordinary natural heritage.” Established in 1975, within the framework of the United Nations Conference on the Environment, World Environmental Education Day continues to be a fundamental milestone in strengthening the transformative role of education in preserving the planet, aligned with the goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda. Alonso Miguel pointed out that environmental education is a shared responsibility, crucial for building a more conscious, informed and responsible society, adding that "schools play a fundamental role in forming citizens who are prepared to exercise active, critical citizenship and who are committed to the future of the planet." The government official emphasised that the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, "has been developing its action based on an integrated strategy of promotion, awareness-raising and environmental education. This area is a fundamental tool in responding to climate change challenges, promoting more sustainable behaviours and strengthening the resilience of communities." "It is in this context that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action promotes awareness-raising activities among the school community through the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE), which is held annually and aimed at all schools across the Region," he explained. Alonso Miguel recalled that "OASAE for the 2025/26 school year includes a total of 65 activities aimed at all levels of education. They include interpretive trails, practical actions to control invasive species and plant native species, educational games, recreational -educational activities, activities developed by the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, the Biosphere Reserves and the LIFE projects, as well as visits to the Environmental Centres of the nine islands." "This initiative offers a diverse range of activities covering various areas under the remit of the environmental department, with a focus on topics such as nature conservation, the natural and cultural heritage of the Azores, geodiversity, climate change, water resources, waste and the circular economy," he emphasised. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, in addition to OASAE, various initiatives are promoted associated with commemorative days and regional campaigns, involving partner entities and the general public, namely families, local communities and different civil society actors, such as World Environment Day, National Nature Conservation Day, Waste Week, Geodiversity Week and the "SOS Cagarro" campaign. Alonso Miguel pointed out that, "since the implementation of OASAE in 2022, more than 3,500 activities have been organised, involving around 80,000 young people across all islands of the archipelago. This demonstrates the impact and success of the initiative in the environmental education of younger generations." "The Azores Network of Environmental Interpretation Centres, consisting of 19 centres spread across the nine islands of the archipelago, plays a strategic role in promoting knowledge, awareness and responsible use of the Region’s natural heritage," acknowledged the Secretary for the Environment in the Azores. Alonso Miguel noted that "the mission of these centres is to raise awareness of protected areas, habitats and species of high ecological value, geosites and other elements of recognised environmental interest, reinforcing awareness of the importance of their preservation. In 2025, this network registered more than 420,000 visitors, a very interesting figure that highlights its significant impact on environmental education, bringing citizens closer to nature and the sustainable development of the Azorean territory." The government official also recalled that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action was once again the coordinating entity for the 16th Azores Waste Week, held under the 17th European Week for Waste Reduction, which took place between November 22 and 30, 2025. Alonso Miguel pointed out that, throughout this week, 114 awareness-raising actions were promoted in the Azores, spread across all the islands of the archipelago: 20 in Pico, 23 in São Miguel, 12 in Terceira, 14 in Faial, 9 in Santa Maria, 10 in Graciosa, 9 in São Jorge, 12 in Flores and 5 in Corvo. According to the government official, "these initiatives covered the five thematic areas of Waste Week, namely cleaning, reuse and preparation for reuse, prevention and reduction at source, waste sorting and recycling, including a focus area dedicated to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (WEEE). Alonso Miguel also highlighted the strong regional mobilisation, noting that "143 entities participated in this edition, including public administration services, local authorities, private companies, waste management entities and operators, school establishments, environmental associations and non-governmental organisations, as well as several citizens." For the Regional Secretary, these actions, carried out throughout the Region, have the main goal of raising awareness among the population about proper waste management as well as informing them about appropriate destinations to promote prevention and reduction at source, thus contributing to minimising waste production on each island. Accordingly, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reiterates its commitment to an environmental policy based on knowledge, civic participation and sustainability, preparing present and forthcoming generations for environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the Azores.
January 27, 2026
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marks World Environmental Education Day
On Monday, January 26, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action marked World Environmental Education Day, emphasising the importance of environmental awareness and education as essential tools for building a more sustainable future. According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, “environmental literacy is one of the key pillars of the mission set out for the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action. It seeks to raise awareness within the community about environmental challenges, foster a sense of belonging and individual responsibility, and ensure the protection and preservation of the Azores’ extraordinary natural heritage.” Established in 1975, within the framework of the United Nations Conference on the Environment, World Environmental Education Day continues to be a fundamental milestone in strengthening the transformative role of education in preserving the planet, aligned with the goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda. Alonso Miguel pointed out that environmental education is a shared responsibility, crucial for building a more conscious, informed and responsible society, adding that "schools play a fundamental role in forming citizens who are prepared to exercise active, critical citizenship and who are committed to the future of the planet." The government official emphasised that the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, "has been developing its action based on an integrated strategy of promotion, awareness-raising and environmental education. This area is a fundamental tool in responding to climate change challenges, promoting more sustainable behaviours and strengthening the resilience of communities." "It is in this context that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action promotes awareness-raising activities among the school community through the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE), which is held annually and aimed at all schools across the Region," he explained. Alonso Miguel recalled that "OASAE for the 2025/26 school year includes a total of 65 activities aimed at all levels of education. They include interpretive trails, practical actions to control invasive species and plant native species, educational games, recreational -educational activities, activities developed by the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, the Biosphere Reserves and the LIFE projects, as well as visits to the Environmental Centres of the nine islands." "This initiative offers a diverse range of activities covering various areas under the remit of the environmental department, with a focus on topics such as nature conservation, the natural and cultural heritage of the Azores, geodiversity, climate change, water resources, waste and the circular economy," he emphasised. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, in addition to OASAE, various initiatives are promoted associated with commemorative days and regional campaigns, involving partner entities and the general public, namely families, local communities and different civil society actors, such as World Environment Day, National Nature Conservation Day, Waste Week, Geodiversity Week and the "SOS Cagarro" campaign. Alonso Miguel pointed out that, "since the implementation of OASAE in 2022, more than 3,500 activities have been organised, involving around 80,000 young people across all islands of the archipelago. This demonstrates the impact and success of the initiative in the environmental education of younger generations." "The Azores Network of Environmental Interpretation Centres, consisting of 19 centres spread across the nine islands of the archipelago, plays a strategic role in promoting knowledge, awareness and responsible use of the Region’s natural heritage," acknowledged the Secretary for the Environment in the Azores. Alonso Miguel noted that "the mission of these centres is to raise awareness of protected areas, habitats and species of high ecological value, geosites and other elements of recognised environmental interest, reinforcing awareness of the importance of their preservation. In 2025, this network registered more than 420,000 visitors, a very interesting figure that highlights its significant impact on environmental education, bringing citizens closer to nature and the sustainable development of the Azorean territory." The government official also recalled that the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action was once again the coordinating entity for the 16th Azores Waste Week, held under the 17th European Week for Waste Reduction, which took place between November 22 and 30, 2025. Alonso Miguel pointed out that, throughout this week, 114 awareness-raising actions were promoted in the Azores, spread across all the islands of the archipelago: 20 in Pico, 23 in São Miguel, 12 in Terceira, 14 in Faial, 9 in Santa Maria, 10 in Graciosa, 9 in São Jorge, 12 in Flores and 5 in Corvo. According to the government official, "these initiatives covered the five thematic areas of Waste Week, namely cleaning, reuse and preparation for reuse, prevention and reduction at source, waste sorting and recycling, including a focus area dedicated to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (WEEE). Alonso Miguel also highlighted the strong regional mobilisation, noting that "143 entities participated in this edition, including public administration services, local authorities, private companies, waste management entities and operators, school establishments, environmental associations and non-governmental organisations, as well as several citizens." For the Regional Secretary, these actions, carried out throughout the Region, have the main goal of raising awareness among the population about proper waste management as well as informing them about appropriate destinations to promote prevention and reduction at source, thus contributing to minimising waste production on each island. Accordingly, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action reiterates its commitment to an environmental policy based on knowledge, civic participation and sustainability, preparing present and forthcoming generations for environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development in the Azores.