Regional government supports University of the Azores for technological modernisation of Pico Mountain Observatory - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action signed a contract-programme with the University of the Azores last Thursday on the Ponta Delgada Campus for the technological modernisation of the Pico Mountain Observatory.

According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, "this contract is aimed at the acquisition of new technological equipment to support scientific activity with a view to modernising the observatory."

The Regional Secretary stressed that "mitigating and adapting to climate change effects is a fundamental pillar of the Government's action. It is also one of the main investment areas of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, with emphasis on the implementation and development of measures such as the Regional Programme for Climate Change, the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality and the Legal and Financial Support Scheme for Climate Emergencies."

For Alonso Miguel, "it is also essential to promote cooperation with other entities for monitoring, research and scientific development, harnessing the privileged geostrategic position of the Azores to consolidate the Region as a benchmark in monitoring and analysing global climate phenomena."

"This project represents an investment of just over 250 thousand Euros, reaffirming the Regional Government's commitment to science and innovation. An investment that reflects the Region's strategic vision of leading cutting-edge initiatives that foster scientific excellence and a deeper understanding of atmospheric and climatic dynamics, with a view to environmental protection and safeguarding people and property," emphasised Alonso Miguel.

The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the privileged location of the Pico Mountain Observatory, at an altitude of 2225 metres, a feature that makes this infrastructure an international benchmark for scientific research, unparalleled in the North Atlantic." He added that "this unique position allows detailed and prolonged studies to be carried out on the presence of aerosols, gases transported by air masses over long distances, and volcanic phenomena, both local and from distant plumes."

"The data collected are fundamental for characterising and understanding global climate phenomena, especially in the context of Climate Change," he added.

Alonso Miguel stressed that "investment in the technological modernisation of the Pico Mountain Observatory is fundamental and strategic, both for the Region and the world."

"The Regional Government is deeply committed to mitigating and adapting to climate change, promoting sustainable policies to ensure a safer and more balanced future. This partnership with the University of the Azores represents another important step along this path," concluded the Regional Secretary.