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Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec
Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Azorean Diaspora Council holds its third plenary meeting in Ponta Delgada
Azorean Diaspora Council holds its third plenary meeting in Ponta Delgada
May 20, 2026
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
May 17, 2026
Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec
May 15, 2026
Azorean Diaspora Council holds its third plenary meeting in Ponta Delgada
News
Nota de Imprensa
May 20, 2026
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired today the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço) and the Association for the Development and Training of the Azores Sea (ADFMA), the entity responsible for managing the Azores Maritime School. The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, was also present at the session. The agreement aims to promote structural synergies between the space and maritime sectors, establishing the Autonomous Region of the Azores as an integrated Atlantic ecosystem for technological innovation. According to Paulo Estêvão, who is responsible for the space sector within the Azorean Government, the joining of forces between both entities enhances the Region’s geostrategic value. Reiterating the importance of the regional commitment, Paulo Estêvão pointed out “the strategic advantages that come with the creation of a space ecosystem in the Azores. He pointed out that this will highlight the importance of the archipelago, which was already, from a maritime standpoint, very important, and which is now being reinforced in a new sector as important as space.” One of the key priorities of the agreement now signed is the functional expansion of the future Azores Technology Free Zone (ZLT) to the island of Santa Maria. The Azores Maritime School will actively collaborate in boosting the maritime component of this infrastructure, creating operational conditions for conducting technological trials, ocean-space testbeds, demonstrations of technologies applied to both sectors, and other relevant activities. The partnership also focuses on technical and operational capacity building, promoting training initiatives that apply space technology to the blue economy. Key training areas include Earth observation, satellite navigation, use of drones and autonomous systems, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and digital mapping. In terms of research and innovation, the document provides for the development of direct applications for sustainability and the ocean economy. The collaboration aims to leverage the use of spatial data for coastal and ocean monitoring, marine pollution detection, fisheries and aquaculture support, smart port management, ocean-climate observation, creation of digital twins of the ocean, civil protection and natural hazard monitoring, as well as maritime spatial planning and management. EMA-Space remains responsible for the strategic coordination and framework of the space dimension, whilst ADFMA ensures operationalisation, capacity building and the application of technology to the maritime sector. For ADFMA, as represented by the President of the Board of Directors, Ana Rodrigues, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the institution’s role in innovation within the maritime sector. “Establishing this partnership enables us to integrate cutting-edge knowledge and technology in the maritime sector, reinforcing our mission to train highly qualified professionals who are prepared for the emerging challenges of the blue economy,” she emphasised. With this joint initiative, the Regional Government is establishing the archipelago as a centre of excellence and an international benchmark in the convergence of space and the ocean.
May 20, 2026
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired today the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço) and the Association for the Development and Training of the Azores Sea (ADFMA), the entity responsible for managing the Azores Maritime School. The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, was also present at the session. The agreement aims to promote structural synergies between the space and maritime sectors, establishing the Autonomous Region of the Azores as an integrated Atlantic ecosystem for technological innovation. According to Paulo Estêvão, who is responsible for the space sector within the Azorean Government, the joining of forces between both entities enhances the Region’s geostrategic value. Reiterating the importance of the regional commitment, Paulo Estêvão pointed out “the strategic advantages that come with the creation of a space ecosystem in the Azores. He pointed out that this will highlight the importance of the archipelago, which was already, from a maritime standpoint, very important, and which is now being reinforced in a new sector as important as space.” One of the key priorities of the agreement now signed is the functional expansion of the future Azores Technology Free Zone (ZLT) to the island of Santa Maria. The Azores Maritime School will actively collaborate in boosting the maritime component of this infrastructure, creating operational conditions for conducting technological trials, ocean-space testbeds, demonstrations of technologies applied to both sectors, and other relevant activities. The partnership also focuses on technical and operational capacity building, promoting training initiatives that apply space technology to the blue economy. Key training areas include Earth observation, satellite navigation, use of drones and autonomous systems, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and digital mapping. In terms of research and innovation, the document provides for the development of direct applications for sustainability and the ocean economy. The collaboration aims to leverage the use of spatial data for coastal and ocean monitoring, marine pollution detection, fisheries and aquaculture support, smart port management, ocean-climate observation, creation of digital twins of the ocean, civil protection and natural hazard monitoring, as well as maritime spatial planning and management. EMA-Space remains responsible for the strategic coordination and framework of the space dimension, whilst ADFMA ensures operationalisation, capacity building and the application of technology to the maritime sector. For ADFMA, as represented by the President of the Board of Directors, Ana Rodrigues, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the institution’s role in innovation within the maritime sector. “Establishing this partnership enables us to integrate cutting-edge knowledge and technology in the maritime sector, reinforcing our mission to train highly qualified professionals who are prepared for the emerging challenges of the blue economy,” she emphasised. With this joint initiative, the Regional Government is establishing the archipelago as a centre of excellence and an international benchmark in the convergence of space and the ocean.
Nota de Imprensa
May 17, 2026
Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec
During an official visit to Montreal, Canada, on Saturday, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Azorean Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with and promoting Azorean communities around the world, emphasising the vital role these communities play in preserving Azorean cultural identity among younger generations. On the occasion, the Regional Secretary expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome received at the House of the Azores of Quebec and praised the work carried out by the institution, highlighting “the dedication, quality and sense of mission” that have guided their work over the years. The Regional Secretary recalled that the Azores are marking 50 years of Autonomy this year, highlighting that this journey has been marked by a continuous effort to engage with communities through policies promoting cultural, institutional and identity-based values. “There are currently 20 Houses of the Azores scattered across the world, as well as countless associations, institutions and media outlets that keep alive the connection between Azoreans and their descendants and their homeland,” he emphasised. In his speech, the historical and strategic importance of the Azores within the national and Atlantic context was also highlighted, at a time when preparations are underway for the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, a celebration that will include several events in the Region, Mainland Portugal and the Azorean communities in the diaspora. The government official also highlighted the value of Azorean traditions, particularly the Holy Spirit Festivities, as elements of identity preserved by emigrant communities over several generations. “The sense of belonging to the Azores remains alive even after several generations away from the Region. It is up to us to continue building bridges, strengthening community ties and involving younger generations in our traditions, associations and Houses of the Azores,” he said. The Government of the Azores also reiterated its recognition of the contribution made by the Azorean communities abroad to the establishment of the Azorean and Portuguese identity around the world, expressing its pride in representing all Azoreans, regardless of where they live. The government official's official visit to Canada is part of the celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal. On this mission, Paulo Estêvão is accompanied by the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade. The Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal, which were first held on May 15, 1966, are one of the most significant religious and cultural expressions of the Azorean diaspora in Canada. Organised by the “Saudades da Terra Quebequente” Association and based at the Santa Cruz Mission, these celebrations have been a cornerstone in the preservation of faith, community ties and Azorean identity for the past six decades. The Azorean community based in the province of Quebec – whose immigration increased significantly in the 1950s and 1970s – is today a remarkable success story. Despite being part of a French-speaking society, Azorean emigrants have achieved a high level of socio-economic and cultural integration without abandoning their roots or the Portuguese language. In this ongoing effort to preserve Azorean identity, the role of the House of the Azores Quebec is particularly noteworthy. Founded in 1978, the institution plays a vital role in bringing the community together, organising initiatives that celebrate the islands’ traditions, as well as promoting and upholding the Azores within Quebec society.
May 17, 2026
Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec
During an official visit to Montreal, Canada, on Saturday, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Azorean Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with and promoting Azorean communities around the world, emphasising the vital role these communities play in preserving Azorean cultural identity among younger generations. On the occasion, the Regional Secretary expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome received at the House of the Azores of Quebec and praised the work carried out by the institution, highlighting “the dedication, quality and sense of mission” that have guided their work over the years. The Regional Secretary recalled that the Azores are marking 50 years of Autonomy this year, highlighting that this journey has been marked by a continuous effort to engage with communities through policies promoting cultural, institutional and identity-based values. “There are currently 20 Houses of the Azores scattered across the world, as well as countless associations, institutions and media outlets that keep alive the connection between Azoreans and their descendants and their homeland,” he emphasised. In his speech, the historical and strategic importance of the Azores within the national and Atlantic context was also highlighted, at a time when preparations are underway for the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, a celebration that will include several events in the Region, Mainland Portugal and the Azorean communities in the diaspora. The government official also highlighted the value of Azorean traditions, particularly the Holy Spirit Festivities, as elements of identity preserved by emigrant communities over several generations. “The sense of belonging to the Azores remains alive even after several generations away from the Region. It is up to us to continue building bridges, strengthening community ties and involving younger generations in our traditions, associations and Houses of the Azores,” he said. The Government of the Azores also reiterated its recognition of the contribution made by the Azorean communities abroad to the establishment of the Azorean and Portuguese identity around the world, expressing its pride in representing all Azoreans, regardless of where they live. The government official's official visit to Canada is part of the celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal. On this mission, Paulo Estêvão is accompanied by the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade. The Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal, which were first held on May 15, 1966, are one of the most significant religious and cultural expressions of the Azorean diaspora in Canada. Organised by the “Saudades da Terra Quebequente” Association and based at the Santa Cruz Mission, these celebrations have been a cornerstone in the preservation of faith, community ties and Azorean identity for the past six decades. The Azorean community based in the province of Quebec – whose immigration increased significantly in the 1950s and 1970s – is today a remarkable success story. Despite being part of a French-speaking society, Azorean emigrants have achieved a high level of socio-economic and cultural integration without abandoning their roots or the Portuguese language. In this ongoing effort to preserve Azorean identity, the role of the House of the Azores Quebec is particularly noteworthy. Founded in 1978, the institution plays a vital role in bringing the community together, organising initiatives that celebrate the islands’ traditions, as well as promoting and upholding the Azores within Quebec society.