Presidência do Governo Regional
Azores confirm international leadership in ocean conservation with José Manuel Bolieiro's prominent participation in United Nations Conference
Azores confirm international leadership in ocean conservation with José Manuel Bolieiro's prominent participation in United Nations Conference
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro delivers two new ambulances to Ponta DelgadaFire Brigade and reiterates "commitment" to Civil Protection
José Manuel Bolieiro delivers two new ambulances to Ponta DelgadaFire Brigade and reiterates "commitment" to Civil Protection
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
António Ventura marked Regional Forest Ranger Day
António Ventura marked Regional Forest Ranger Day
Nota de Imprensa
June 6, 2025 Azores confirm international leadership in ocean conservation with José Manuel Bolieiro's prominent participation in United Nations Conference The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, will take part in the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC3), which will take place in Nice, France, between June 9 and 13. His participation is part of the archipelago's endeavour to become a global benchmark in the implementation of marine conservation policies based on scientific knowledge, community participation and long-term political commitment. The presence of the President of the Government at this high-level summit, which brings together world leaders and experts from different countries, is an undeniable sign of the determination of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to actively contribute to the fulfilment of global ocean protection goals, namely the 30x30 objective - to protect at least 30% of the planet's marine areas by 2030. Among the speeches scheduled, the head of the Regional Government will participate in the session "Leading by Doing - Three Years of Progress and Meaningful Action Towards 30x30." He will present the Azores' journey in setting up the Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA), the largest in the North Atlantic, internationally recognised as an example of effective action in pursuing the commitments made under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The President of the Government will also host the event "Blue Azores: Driving Momentum for 30x30," a joint initiative of the Regional Government of the Azores, the Blue Ocean Foundation and the Waitt Institute. This moment of celebration and international projection of the regional marine conservation policy will bring together government representatives and civil society organisations to promote the adoption of similar commitments in other regions of the world. José Manuel Bolieiro is also scheduled to speak at the official reception, "An Ocean Odyssey," organised by the Blue Nature Alliance. The event will feature institutional representatives from leading regions in ocean conservation, such as the Azores, French Polynesia and New Caledonia, to share experiences and strengthen cooperation networks. The participation of the President of the Government falls within a broader representation of the Regional Government at UNOC3, which will include presentations at various thematic panels on marine protected areas, maritime spatial planning, ocean accounts and scientific expeditions, among other strategic topics. This presence demonstrates the Regional Government's commitment to ensuring an active and qualified role in international forums where the paths to ocean sustainability are defined.
June 6, 2025 Azores confirm international leadership in ocean conservation with José Manuel Bolieiro's prominent participation in United Nations Conference The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, will take part in the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC3), which will take place in Nice, France, between June 9 and 13. His participation is part of the archipelago's endeavour to become a global benchmark in the implementation of marine conservation policies based on scientific knowledge, community participation and long-term political commitment. The presence of the President of the Government at this high-level summit, which brings together world leaders and experts from different countries, is an undeniable sign of the determination of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to actively contribute to the fulfilment of global ocean protection goals, namely the 30x30 objective - to protect at least 30% of the planet's marine areas by 2030. Among the speeches scheduled, the head of the Regional Government will participate in the session "Leading by Doing - Three Years of Progress and Meaningful Action Towards 30x30." He will present the Azores' journey in setting up the Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA), the largest in the North Atlantic, internationally recognised as an example of effective action in pursuing the commitments made under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The President of the Government will also host the event "Blue Azores: Driving Momentum for 30x30," a joint initiative of the Regional Government of the Azores, the Blue Ocean Foundation and the Waitt Institute. This moment of celebration and international projection of the regional marine conservation policy will bring together government representatives and civil society organisations to promote the adoption of similar commitments in other regions of the world. José Manuel Bolieiro is also scheduled to speak at the official reception, "An Ocean Odyssey," organised by the Blue Nature Alliance. The event will feature institutional representatives from leading regions in ocean conservation, such as the Azores, French Polynesia and New Caledonia, to share experiences and strengthen cooperation networks. The participation of the President of the Government falls within a broader representation of the Regional Government at UNOC3, which will include presentations at various thematic panels on marine protected areas, maritime spatial planning, ocean accounts and scientific expeditions, among other strategic topics. This presence demonstrates the Regional Government's commitment to ensuring an active and qualified role in international forums where the paths to ocean sustainability are defined.
Nota de Imprensa
June 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro delivers two new ambulances to Ponta DelgadaFire Brigade and reiterates "commitment" to Civil Protection The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the delivery ceremony of two emergency ambulances to the Ponta Delgada Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters (AHBV-PD). Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, the head of the Azoren Government highlighted the importance of this initiative as part of a "strategy for the continuous enhancement" of firefighters and "improvement of the operational capacity" of regional fire brigades. The two ambulances now delivered represent an investment of about 200 thousand Euros, included in a larger package of nine vehicles acquired for the Region, totalling approximately one million Euros. In addition to these, a Fire Truck Tanker was recently delivered to the same association, corresponding to an investment of more than 310 thousand Euros, bringing the total amount invested in the Ponta Delgada corporation alone to over half a million Euros. José Manuel Bolieiro praised the Association's key role, acknowledging it as "a symbol of dedication, resilience and commitment to the life and well-being of the population." He also highlighted the regional importance of the corporation, which covers a vast geographical area encompassing the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa. It is responsible for an average of more than 13 thousand incidents per year, about 36 per day, corresponding to 47% of the operational activity on the island of São Miguel. The head of the Azorean Government also praised the leadership of the Association's current management and command. He highlighted the work done by President João Paulo Medeiros and Commander Nuno Barbosa, whose actions "have been decisive in the structuring, modernisation and sustained growth of the corporation," with special reference to the efforts towards financial consolidation and investment in infrastructures and the fire brigade. As the President of the Government mentioned, the Azorean fire brigade plays an irreplaceable role in the civil protection system, although it is a private entity. José Manuel Bolieiro also recalled the existing weaknesses when he took over the leadership of the Regional Government in 2020, with associations struggling financially, firefighters demanding better working conditions, and equipment and vehicles reaching the end of their useful life. "It was urgent and imperative to take action," he stressed. Since then, the Regional Government has adopted an innovative financing model based on criteria of fairness and transparency, promoted a historic review of salaries, with increases of more than 100 Euros per month, and revised the Firefighter Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, introducing direct support for volunteers and their families. In terms of equipment, an investment of more than 600 thousand Euros has been made in personal protective equipment over the last four years, including suits, helmets, boots, and gloves. The Government has also launched a Fire Fleet Renewal Plan, with the acquisition of fire vehicles for the first time since 2010. Nine new vehicles costing 3.3 million Euros have already been awarded. Tenders are currently underway for the acquisition of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles (800 thousand Euros) and another five operational vehicles (two million Euros). Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency (EMPH), which represents 90% of the operational activity of fire brigades in the Azores, has been a priority. The Investment Plan for 2025 provides for €7.9 million, representing a 61% increase over 2020. Since May of this year, São Miguel has had three additional medical emergency crews, with two assigned to the Ponta Delgada Association, representing an additional annual investment of approximately 230 thousand Euros. “Investing in firefighters is investing in life. And in the Azores, life is and always will be the top priority,” José Manuel Bolieiro, concluded, reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to the sector and t the safety of the population. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Furtado, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Ponta Delgada Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, João Medeiros, and the Commander of the Ponta Delgada Fire Brigade, Nuno Barbosa.
June 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro delivers two new ambulances to Ponta DelgadaFire Brigade and reiterates "commitment" to Civil Protection The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the delivery ceremony of two emergency ambulances to the Ponta Delgada Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters (AHBV-PD). Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, the head of the Azoren Government highlighted the importance of this initiative as part of a "strategy for the continuous enhancement" of firefighters and "improvement of the operational capacity" of regional fire brigades. The two ambulances now delivered represent an investment of about 200 thousand Euros, included in a larger package of nine vehicles acquired for the Region, totalling approximately one million Euros. In addition to these, a Fire Truck Tanker was recently delivered to the same association, corresponding to an investment of more than 310 thousand Euros, bringing the total amount invested in the Ponta Delgada corporation alone to over half a million Euros. José Manuel Bolieiro praised the Association's key role, acknowledging it as "a symbol of dedication, resilience and commitment to the life and well-being of the population." He also highlighted the regional importance of the corporation, which covers a vast geographical area encompassing the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa. It is responsible for an average of more than 13 thousand incidents per year, about 36 per day, corresponding to 47% of the operational activity on the island of São Miguel. The head of the Azorean Government also praised the leadership of the Association's current management and command. He highlighted the work done by President João Paulo Medeiros and Commander Nuno Barbosa, whose actions "have been decisive in the structuring, modernisation and sustained growth of the corporation," with special reference to the efforts towards financial consolidation and investment in infrastructures and the fire brigade. As the President of the Government mentioned, the Azorean fire brigade plays an irreplaceable role in the civil protection system, although it is a private entity. José Manuel Bolieiro also recalled the existing weaknesses when he took over the leadership of the Regional Government in 2020, with associations struggling financially, firefighters demanding better working conditions, and equipment and vehicles reaching the end of their useful life. "It was urgent and imperative to take action," he stressed. Since then, the Regional Government has adopted an innovative financing model based on criteria of fairness and transparency, promoted a historic review of salaries, with increases of more than 100 Euros per month, and revised the Firefighter Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, introducing direct support for volunteers and their families. In terms of equipment, an investment of more than 600 thousand Euros has been made in personal protective equipment over the last four years, including suits, helmets, boots, and gloves. The Government has also launched a Fire Fleet Renewal Plan, with the acquisition of fire vehicles for the first time since 2010. Nine new vehicles costing 3.3 million Euros have already been awarded. Tenders are currently underway for the acquisition of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles (800 thousand Euros) and another five operational vehicles (two million Euros). Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency (EMPH), which represents 90% of the operational activity of fire brigades in the Azores, has been a priority. The Investment Plan for 2025 provides for €7.9 million, representing a 61% increase over 2020. Since May of this year, São Miguel has had three additional medical emergency crews, with two assigned to the Ponta Delgada Association, representing an additional annual investment of approximately 230 thousand Euros. “Investing in firefighters is investing in life. And in the Azores, life is and always will be the top priority,” José Manuel Bolieiro, concluded, reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to the sector and t the safety of the population. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Furtado, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Ponta Delgada Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, João Medeiros, and the Commander of the Ponta Delgada Fire Brigade, Nuno Barbosa.
Comunicado
June 6, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on June 4, 2025, in the city of Horta, adopted the following measures: 1. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the “Young Investor” programme. This amendment adapts the “Young Investor” programme to the current social and economic reality, promoting greater efficiency in its implementation and strengthening support for young entrepreneurs in creating innovative and sustainable companies in the Region. Integrated into Construir 2030, the "Young Investor" programme aims to boost the creation of companies by young Azoreans, with a focus on economic sectors with high growth and innovation potential. This Regional Implementing Decree also introduces a revision of the criteria for eligible expenses and merit, making incentives more effective and tailored to the needs of projects. The new regulations simplify the procedures for assessing job creation and make the conditions for participation more flexible, allowing minority participation by non-young people in the capital of companies, while promoting majority participation by young people through the application of a specific bonus. Additionally, the achievement bonus will now be awarded at the end of the investment, recognising and valuing the creation of skilled jobs in the context of the projects developed. With these amendments, the Regional Government further reinforces its commitment to innovation, youth entrepreneurship and the diversification of the regional economy, creating better conditions for young people to put into practice their business projects and contribute to the sustainable development of the Region. 2. Approve the authorisation to grant a guarantee to Portos dos Açores, S.A., in the amount of €10,684,920.57. 3. Approve the Resolution renewing the term of the free transfer of use of the land located in Areias, within the perimeter of Santa Maria Island Airport, to Agromariensecoop – Santa Maria Island Agricultural Producers' Cooperative. The renewal of the transfer, for the free use of this land, is intended for the production of Santa Maria cantaloupe melons for a further period of 10 years. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, IPRA, to grant the Parish Council of Almagreira the use of the building located in Brejo de Baixo, parish of Almagreira, municipality of Vila do Porto, for the pursuit of its respective duties and powers according to its activities. 5. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a contract-programme between the Region and the RAEGE Açores Association - Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations. This contract-programme is intended for the effective implementation of the Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations in the Region, and the promotion of its scientific and technical activity in 2025, up to a maximum amount of €280,000.00. 6. Approve the Resolution authorising the sale of petrol and diesel containing additives in the Region. By Resolution of 2016, the Government of the Azores approved the mechanisms for the sale of coloured and marked diesel in the Region. Under this Resolution, the sale of 98 octane unleaded petrol was authorised on a free pricing regime. It has been noted that petrol and diesel containing additives are sold on the national market and considered premium products, whereas such products are not currently available for sale to the public in the Region. As such, the Government of the Azores now authorises the sale of such products in the Region, despite the fact that they are residual fuels, subjecting them to the free pricing regime. 7. Approve the Resolution authorising expenditure for the purchase of three fire vehicles for the aerodromes of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, with a base price of €3,300,000.00.
June 6, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on June 4, 2025, in the city of Horta, adopted the following measures: 1. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the “Young Investor” programme. This amendment adapts the “Young Investor” programme to the current social and economic reality, promoting greater efficiency in its implementation and strengthening support for young entrepreneurs in creating innovative and sustainable companies in the Region. Integrated into Construir 2030, the "Young Investor" programme aims to boost the creation of companies by young Azoreans, with a focus on economic sectors with high growth and innovation potential. This Regional Implementing Decree also introduces a revision of the criteria for eligible expenses and merit, making incentives more effective and tailored to the needs of projects. The new regulations simplify the procedures for assessing job creation and make the conditions for participation more flexible, allowing minority participation by non-young people in the capital of companies, while promoting majority participation by young people through the application of a specific bonus. Additionally, the achievement bonus will now be awarded at the end of the investment, recognising and valuing the creation of skilled jobs in the context of the projects developed. With these amendments, the Regional Government further reinforces its commitment to innovation, youth entrepreneurship and the diversification of the regional economy, creating better conditions for young people to put into practice their business projects and contribute to the sustainable development of the Region. 2. Approve the authorisation to grant a guarantee to Portos dos Açores, S.A., in the amount of €10,684,920.57. 3. Approve the Resolution renewing the term of the free transfer of use of the land located in Areias, within the perimeter of Santa Maria Island Airport, to Agromariensecoop – Santa Maria Island Agricultural Producers' Cooperative. The renewal of the transfer, for the free use of this land, is intended for the production of Santa Maria cantaloupe melons for a further period of 10 years. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, IPRA, to grant the Parish Council of Almagreira the use of the building located in Brejo de Baixo, parish of Almagreira, municipality of Vila do Porto, for the pursuit of its respective duties and powers according to its activities. 5. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a contract-programme between the Region and the RAEGE Açores Association - Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations. This contract-programme is intended for the effective implementation of the Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations in the Region, and the promotion of its scientific and technical activity in 2025, up to a maximum amount of €280,000.00. 6. Approve the Resolution authorising the sale of petrol and diesel containing additives in the Region. By Resolution of 2016, the Government of the Azores approved the mechanisms for the sale of coloured and marked diesel in the Region. Under this Resolution, the sale of 98 octane unleaded petrol was authorised on a free pricing regime. It has been noted that petrol and diesel containing additives are sold on the national market and considered premium products, whereas such products are not currently available for sale to the public in the Region. As such, the Government of the Azores now authorises the sale of such products in the Region, despite the fact that they are residual fuels, subjecting them to the free pricing regime. 7. Approve the Resolution authorising expenditure for the purchase of three fire vehicles for the aerodromes of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, with a base price of €3,300,000.00.
Nota de Imprensa
June 6, 2025 António Ventura marked Regional Forest Ranger Day The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, marked Regional Forest Ranger Day on Wednesday in Faial, praising these professionals as “sustainability activists” who greatly contribute to the preservation and development of the Region’s rich forest heritage. "It is important to recognise the importance of forest rangers for our Region, as they work in a wide range of economic, recreational, social and environmental areas," stated the government official. António Ventura added that forest rangers “are part of the development of the Azores, having been involved in opening up many paths, providing access for agriculture and communities, and ensuring awareness of forest conservation for a long time.” "The Azoreans regard forest rangers as guardians and promoters of our forest and its specific diversity, which occupies 30% of the Region's territory," he added. Producing plants in nurseries, monitoring construction work, improving and maintaining forest and rural roads, and restoring uncultivated pastures, in addition to ensuring their maintenance and treatment, are also part of the duties of forest rangers in the Azores. At the same time, they are also responsible for managing hunting and fishing resources, supervising hunting and fishing in ponds and streams, and conducting censuses. Regional Forest Ranger Day was established in 1997 as a public recognition of the important role played by these professionals in the conservation and rational use of the Azores' forest and natural resources. The Mayor of Horta, Carlos Ferreira, attended the celebration. He praised the organisation of this event on Faial Island and the work of forest rangers in the Azores.
June 6, 2025 António Ventura marked Regional Forest Ranger Day The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, marked Regional Forest Ranger Day on Wednesday in Faial, praising these professionals as “sustainability activists” who greatly contribute to the preservation and development of the Region’s rich forest heritage. "It is important to recognise the importance of forest rangers for our Region, as they work in a wide range of economic, recreational, social and environmental areas," stated the government official. António Ventura added that forest rangers “are part of the development of the Azores, having been involved in opening up many paths, providing access for agriculture and communities, and ensuring awareness of forest conservation for a long time.” "The Azoreans regard forest rangers as guardians and promoters of our forest and its specific diversity, which occupies 30% of the Region's territory," he added. Producing plants in nurseries, monitoring construction work, improving and maintaining forest and rural roads, and restoring uncultivated pastures, in addition to ensuring their maintenance and treatment, are also part of the duties of forest rangers in the Azores. At the same time, they are also responsible for managing hunting and fishing resources, supervising hunting and fishing in ponds and streams, and conducting censuses. Regional Forest Ranger Day was established in 1997 as a public recognition of the important role played by these professionals in the conservation and rational use of the Azores' forest and natural resources. The Mayor of Horta, Carlos Ferreira, attended the celebration. He praised the organisation of this event on Faial Island and the work of forest rangers in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
June 6, 2025 3rd Seminar “DemocraciAZ” debates representative and participatory democracy The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, is promoting the 3rd Seminar "DemocraciAZ" on Thursday, June 12, at the Velas Municipal Auditorium, São Jorge Island, as part of the Regional Plan for Youth Literacy and Democratic Participation. This third edition is dedicated to reflection on representative and participatory democracy. The opening session will be chaired by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, followed by a presentation by Jorge Botelho Moniz, associate researcher at IPRI-NOVA and CIPES of Lusófona University, titled "Representative Democracy and the need to be the voice of citizens." “The individual responsibility of being the voice of a collective: the importance of youth and community representation” is the theme of the round table discussion featuring João Machado, Member of the Board of the National Youth Council; Tiago Félix, Member of the Velas Municipal Youth Council; Leoter Viegas, President of the Board of AIPA; and Jaime Vieira, President of the Student Association of Velas Basic Education and Secondary School. The round table will be moderated by Eládio Braga, Regional Director for Youth. In the afternoon, the seminar will continue at the Velas Basic Education and Secondary School with a workshop on "Representative and participatory democracy" for young people. The Seminar "DemocraciAZ" falls within the consultation and debate process to define the operational goals of the Regional Plan for Youth Literacy and Democratic Participation – DemocraciAZ. An initiative of the Regional Government, it aims to be a multilevel, transdisciplinary and interdepartmental tool for promoting more active citizenship among young people in the Azores.
June 6, 2025 3rd Seminar “DemocraciAZ” debates representative and participatory democracy The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, is promoting the 3rd Seminar "DemocraciAZ" on Thursday, June 12, at the Velas Municipal Auditorium, São Jorge Island, as part of the Regional Plan for Youth Literacy and Democratic Participation. This third edition is dedicated to reflection on representative and participatory democracy. The opening session will be chaired by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, followed by a presentation by Jorge Botelho Moniz, associate researcher at IPRI-NOVA and CIPES of Lusófona University, titled "Representative Democracy and the need to be the voice of citizens." “The individual responsibility of being the voice of a collective: the importance of youth and community representation” is the theme of the round table discussion featuring João Machado, Member of the Board of the National Youth Council; Tiago Félix, Member of the Velas Municipal Youth Council; Leoter Viegas, President of the Board of AIPA; and Jaime Vieira, President of the Student Association of Velas Basic Education and Secondary School. The round table will be moderated by Eládio Braga, Regional Director for Youth. In the afternoon, the seminar will continue at the Velas Basic Education and Secondary School with a workshop on "Representative and participatory democracy" for young people. The Seminar "DemocraciAZ" falls within the consultation and debate process to define the operational goals of the Regional Plan for Youth Literacy and Democratic Participation – DemocraciAZ. An initiative of the Regional Government, it aims to be a multilevel, transdisciplinary and interdepartmental tool for promoting more active citizenship among young people in the Azores.
