Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Compensation for fisheries and aquaculture operators paid on October 15, announces Mário Rui Pinho
Compensation for fisheries and aquaculture operators paid on October 15, announces Mário Rui Pinho
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral highlights the Azores as agents of change and sustainability leaders
Berta Cabral highlights the Azores as agents of change and sustainability leaders
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Demographic and public health challenges require "joint effort" to "structurally change" Azorean society, stresses Artur Lima
Demographic and public health challenges require "joint effort" to "structurally change" Azorean society, stresses Artur Lima
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Azores emerging as Atlantic hub for space technologies, says Berta Cabral
Azores emerging as Atlantic hub for space technologies, says Berta Cabral
Nota de Imprensa
October 3, 2025 Compensation for fisheries and aquaculture operators paid on October 15, announces Mário Rui Pinho The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, informs that, under the Compensation Scheme for Operators in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector for additional production costs arising from Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, support payments will be made on October 15 by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). Overall, 312 applications were submitted, with 267 being approved, including 262 from the production sector and five from the distribution and processing sector. The aid granted amounts to €3.26 million, of which €2.28 million is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and €980,000 allocated under the Regional Budget. The support allocated includes €1.38 million for the production sector, €1.4 million for the distribution sector, and €401,000 for the processing sector. The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries emphasised that the fisheries and aquaculture sector is strategic for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, due to the added value of its products and its socio-economic impact on fishing communities. In this regard, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to providing support mechanisms to strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of these sectors, thus honouring the commitment made to operators.
October 3, 2025 Compensation for fisheries and aquaculture operators paid on October 15, announces Mário Rui Pinho The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, informs that, under the Compensation Scheme for Operators in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector for additional production costs arising from Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, support payments will be made on October 15 by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). Overall, 312 applications were submitted, with 267 being approved, including 262 from the production sector and five from the distribution and processing sector. The aid granted amounts to €3.26 million, of which €2.28 million is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and €980,000 allocated under the Regional Budget. The support allocated includes €1.38 million for the production sector, €1.4 million for the distribution sector, and €401,000 for the processing sector. The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries emphasised that the fisheries and aquaculture sector is strategic for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, due to the added value of its products and its socio-economic impact on fishing communities. In this regard, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to providing support mechanisms to strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of these sectors, thus honouring the commitment made to operators.
Nota de Imprensa
October 3, 2025 Berta Cabral highlights the Azores as agents of change and sustainability leaders The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, closed the 2nd Regional Sustainability Conference on Thursday. This event brought together experts, companies, as well as public and private entities to share best practices and challenges associated with the ESG pillars – Environmental, Social and Governance. In her speech, the government official highlighted “the growing importance of sustainability as an opportunity and not just an obligation.” She also pointed out that the Region has strategic instruments such as the Azores Sustainability Charter and the Azores Tourism Sustainability Policy, which are fundamental for guiding investments and business decisions. Among the key topics discussed, she highlighted the circular economy, electric mobility, sustainable management of corporate fleets, access to financing for responsible projects, and the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a benchmark for public and private policies. The Regional Secretary pointed out that “the Azores have unique conditions to become a living laboratory for sustainable solutions.” She mentioned the initiatives in the energy sector, the progress towards sustainable tourism certification, and the ongoing electric mobility projects as examples. “More than just model students, we have been true agents of change, with a highly active network extending across our nine islands and all corners of our society,” she emphasised. Furthermore, the Regional Secretary noted that achieving Gold Level certification from EarthCheck as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination" is international recognition that validates the tourism development strategy. It positions the Region as a global benchmark, which should be acknowledged and valued internally without reservation. The closing ceremony ended with a call for collective action: "We need everyone – businesses, public institutions, communities and citizens – to turn commitments into tangible results, ensuring that sustainability is the driving force for our economic, social and environmental development."
October 3, 2025 Berta Cabral highlights the Azores as agents of change and sustainability leaders The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, closed the 2nd Regional Sustainability Conference on Thursday. This event brought together experts, companies, as well as public and private entities to share best practices and challenges associated with the ESG pillars – Environmental, Social and Governance. In her speech, the government official highlighted “the growing importance of sustainability as an opportunity and not just an obligation.” She also pointed out that the Region has strategic instruments such as the Azores Sustainability Charter and the Azores Tourism Sustainability Policy, which are fundamental for guiding investments and business decisions. Among the key topics discussed, she highlighted the circular economy, electric mobility, sustainable management of corporate fleets, access to financing for responsible projects, and the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a benchmark for public and private policies. The Regional Secretary pointed out that “the Azores have unique conditions to become a living laboratory for sustainable solutions.” She mentioned the initiatives in the energy sector, the progress towards sustainable tourism certification, and the ongoing electric mobility projects as examples. “More than just model students, we have been true agents of change, with a highly active network extending across our nine islands and all corners of our society,” she emphasised. Furthermore, the Regional Secretary noted that achieving Gold Level certification from EarthCheck as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination" is international recognition that validates the tourism development strategy. It positions the Region as a global benchmark, which should be acknowledged and valued internally without reservation. The closing ceremony ended with a call for collective action: "We need everyone – businesses, public institutions, communities and citizens – to turn commitments into tangible results, ensuring that sustainability is the driving force for our economic, social and environmental development."
Nota de Imprensa
October 2, 2025 Demographic and public health challenges require "joint effort" to "structurally change" Azorean society, stresses Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, chaired today the opening session of the event "Towards Blue Zones: How Digital Transformation Promotes Longevity" in Ponta Delgada, an event promoted by INOVA - Azores Institute for Technological Innovation. The initiative is based on the concept of Blue Zones, five regions around the world known for the high longevity of their populations - Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California, USA) - to reflect on and promote longevity in the Azores, with quality of life as a priority. The Vice-President began by mentioning the "extraordinary importance" of the event organised by INOVA, as "it focuses on ageing with quality rather than just longevity." The five Blue Zones are "success stories about local longevity. They are success stories about healthy habits, sense of purpose, and belonging, and valuing family life," he said. In view of the demographic and public health challenges facing the Region, Artur Lima stressed that there must be "a comprehensive and global determination, from the youngest to the eldest, including political, economic, financial and social actors" to "structurally change society." "If it is not a joint effort, we will not get there," he said. During the opening session, the Vice-President recalled that average life expectancy in the Azores is lower than that recorded in Mainland Portugal. "Our average life expectancy has decreased, and that makes me deeply concerned," he said. "We live less in terms of life expectancy at birth and in life expectancy from the age of 65 onwards. This is where the Portuguese State’s responsibility for our quality of life comes in, as it is responsible for providing equal opportunities for its citizens, whether they live in Corvo or Lisbon," he stressed. With reference to the Draft Bill on the retirement age in the Region submitted this year by the Government of the Azores, Artur Lima maintained that "Azoreans should retire at the right age, and the right age is two years and eight months less than in Mainland Portugal. It is a matter of justice and social equality; it is a right." According to the Vice-President of the Government, "the elderly enjoy a better quality of life in the Azores than in Mainland Portugal." He continued: "We live shorter lives, but there has been a good, continuous investment in social responses such as nursing homes, private social solidarity institutions (IPSS) and day centres." However, "this commitment must be made in other areas, particularly in structural areas, namely in factors that determine life expectancy," he emphasised. The programme provides people with the opportunity to "age at home, with quality of life, close to their family, community and belongings. This is a step towards the Blue Zones," he said.
October 2, 2025 Demographic and public health challenges require "joint effort" to "structurally change" Azorean society, stresses Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, chaired today the opening session of the event "Towards Blue Zones: How Digital Transformation Promotes Longevity" in Ponta Delgada, an event promoted by INOVA - Azores Institute for Technological Innovation. The initiative is based on the concept of Blue Zones, five regions around the world known for the high longevity of their populations - Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California, USA) - to reflect on and promote longevity in the Azores, with quality of life as a priority. The Vice-President began by mentioning the "extraordinary importance" of the event organised by INOVA, as "it focuses on ageing with quality rather than just longevity." The five Blue Zones are "success stories about local longevity. They are success stories about healthy habits, sense of purpose, and belonging, and valuing family life," he said. In view of the demographic and public health challenges facing the Region, Artur Lima stressed that there must be "a comprehensive and global determination, from the youngest to the eldest, including political, economic, financial and social actors" to "structurally change society." "If it is not a joint effort, we will not get there," he said. During the opening session, the Vice-President recalled that average life expectancy in the Azores is lower than that recorded in Mainland Portugal. "Our average life expectancy has decreased, and that makes me deeply concerned," he said. "We live less in terms of life expectancy at birth and in life expectancy from the age of 65 onwards. This is where the Portuguese State’s responsibility for our quality of life comes in, as it is responsible for providing equal opportunities for its citizens, whether they live in Corvo or Lisbon," he stressed. With reference to the Draft Bill on the retirement age in the Region submitted this year by the Government of the Azores, Artur Lima maintained that "Azoreans should retire at the right age, and the right age is two years and eight months less than in Mainland Portugal. It is a matter of justice and social equality; it is a right." According to the Vice-President of the Government, "the elderly enjoy a better quality of life in the Azores than in Mainland Portugal." He continued: "We live shorter lives, but there has been a good, continuous investment in social responses such as nursing homes, private social solidarity institutions (IPSS) and day centres." However, "this commitment must be made in other areas, particularly in structural areas, namely in factors that determine life expectancy," he emphasised. The programme provides people with the opportunity to "age at home, with quality of life, close to their family, community and belongings. This is a step towards the Blue Zones," he said.
Nota de Imprensa
October 2, 2025 Azores emerging as Atlantic hub for space technologies, says Berta Cabral The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted today the role of the Azores as a "living laboratory of the Atlantic" and as a privileged platform for the development and application of space technologies at the service of Europe. She spoke at the opening session of the 4th European Symposium of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies). Speaking on behalf of the President of the Government, the government official pointed out that the archipelago's geostrategic position "is more than geography, it is a mission." In this regard, she recalled that the Azores were pioneers in creating the Mission Structure for Space and are co-founders of the Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space, based on the island of Santa Maria, and have already adopted a regional strategy for the sector. “Our vision is clear: we want to be not only users but also co-creators of solutions based on space technology. The Azores aim to consolidate their position as an Atlantic hub for data, operations and talent, serving people and sustainability,” she said. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the Azores Strategy for Space encompasses areas ranging from downstream applications, technological testing and in-situ networks to space access, scientific research and the promotion of scientific culture among the population. Inspired by the main theme of the symposium, Berta Cabral highlighted that the Azores' commitment to space research and innovation results in tangiblr contributions to three critical areas: Civil Protection, through monitoring systems and rapid response to natural disasters; the Blue Economy, promoting the sustainable management of marine resources; and Defence and Security, strengthening surveillance and response capacity in risk scenarios. In this context, the Regional Secretary also acknowledged that "regions play an irreplaceable role as they know the field, know how to mobilise players and test solutions on the right scale. The Azores are an example of this," she said. The Regional Secretary also noted that the focus on the area aligned with the overall vision of sustainability for the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is certified as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination" by the EarthCheck system, having been distinguished at the World Travel Awards as Europe's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination and World's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination. “The Azores are an example of how tourism, science and technology can go hand in hand, promoting economic and social development without compromising environmental balance,” she stressed. Berta Cabral ended with a call for joint action: “Together, we can turn regional challenges into opportunities, using space technologies to build a safer, more prosperous and sustainable future for our communities.” The Azores are hosting the fourth edition of the European Symposium of NEREUS Regions, running from today until Friday, providing an opportunity to promote fruitful and inspiring discussions to leverage a more robust European space sector. As a founding member of NEREUS and an active player on its board of directors, the Azores reaffirm their commitment to the mission of this network: promoting the use of space technologies to serve European regions, encouraging innovation, sustainability and interregional cooperation. The event will bring together 15 NEREUS member regions in São Miguel, strengthening their role as agents of change, promoting innovative solutions based on space data and technologies. It should be noted that the Azorean Government is determined to consolidate the Region's role as an Atlantic hub for the space sector, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and innovative Europe. The unique geographical location and exceptional natural conditions endow the Region with several advantages in various areas of space activities, such as satellite monitoring, Earth observation and access to space. NEREUS aims to achieve, among other things, goals such as involvement in European Union programmes with a view to responding to the needs of technology end users, increasing citizen participation in European space policy, and harnessing the potential for using space technologies to sustain economic growth in the regions.
October 2, 2025 Azores emerging as Atlantic hub for space technologies, says Berta Cabral The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, highlighted today the role of the Azores as a "living laboratory of the Atlantic" and as a privileged platform for the development and application of space technologies at the service of Europe. She spoke at the opening session of the 4th European Symposium of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies). Speaking on behalf of the President of the Government, the government official pointed out that the archipelago's geostrategic position "is more than geography, it is a mission." In this regard, she recalled that the Azores were pioneers in creating the Mission Structure for Space and are co-founders of the Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space, based on the island of Santa Maria, and have already adopted a regional strategy for the sector. “Our vision is clear: we want to be not only users but also co-creators of solutions based on space technology. The Azores aim to consolidate their position as an Atlantic hub for data, operations and talent, serving people and sustainability,” she said. The Regional Secretary also emphasised that the Azores Strategy for Space encompasses areas ranging from downstream applications, technological testing and in-situ networks to space access, scientific research and the promotion of scientific culture among the population. Inspired by the main theme of the symposium, Berta Cabral highlighted that the Azores' commitment to space research and innovation results in tangiblr contributions to three critical areas: Civil Protection, through monitoring systems and rapid response to natural disasters; the Blue Economy, promoting the sustainable management of marine resources; and Defence and Security, strengthening surveillance and response capacity in risk scenarios. In this context, the Regional Secretary also acknowledged that "regions play an irreplaceable role as they know the field, know how to mobilise players and test solutions on the right scale. The Azores are an example of this," she said. The Regional Secretary also noted that the focus on the area aligned with the overall vision of sustainability for the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is certified as a "Sustainable Tourism Destination" by the EarthCheck system, having been distinguished at the World Travel Awards as Europe's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination and World's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination. “The Azores are an example of how tourism, science and technology can go hand in hand, promoting economic and social development without compromising environmental balance,” she stressed. Berta Cabral ended with a call for joint action: “Together, we can turn regional challenges into opportunities, using space technologies to build a safer, more prosperous and sustainable future for our communities.” The Azores are hosting the fourth edition of the European Symposium of NEREUS Regions, running from today until Friday, providing an opportunity to promote fruitful and inspiring discussions to leverage a more robust European space sector. As a founding member of NEREUS and an active player on its board of directors, the Azores reaffirm their commitment to the mission of this network: promoting the use of space technologies to serve European regions, encouraging innovation, sustainability and interregional cooperation. The event will bring together 15 NEREUS member regions in São Miguel, strengthening their role as agents of change, promoting innovative solutions based on space data and technologies. It should be noted that the Azorean Government is determined to consolidate the Region's role as an Atlantic hub for the space sector, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and innovative Europe. The unique geographical location and exceptional natural conditions endow the Region with several advantages in various areas of space activities, such as satellite monitoring, Earth observation and access to space. NEREUS aims to achieve, among other things, goals such as involvement in European Union programmes with a view to responding to the needs of technology end users, increasing citizen participation in European space policy, and harnessing the potential for using space technologies to sustain economic growth in the regions.
Nota de Imprensa
October 2, 2025 Civil Protection creates innovative tool to support Junior and Cadet Schools in the Azores The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the importance of approving the Regulation supporting the establishment and promotion of Junior and Cadet Schools (EIC) in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which had already been published through Regulatory Order no. 31/2025 of October 1, 2025. According to Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection, "this law allows us to define clear rules for the establishment, operation and support of these schools, ensuring conditions for their development and sustainability in all fire departments across the Region." On the occasion, the governor emphasised that "the Autonomous Region of the Azores is a pioneer in the country with the creation of its own regulatory framework for these schools." As he further stated, they are a privileged space for the education and training of children and young people aged between six and 16 in the areas of citizenship, volunteering, protection and rescue. Among the measures approved, Alonso Miguel highlighted "annual financial support of €40 for each junior or cadet, which will cover costs with uniforms, and €300 per school to promote the activity plan." The monitoring and assessment of the activities implemented, as well as the allocation of support to Humanitarian Associations operating fire brigades in areas where these schools are located, shall be the responsibility of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA). The Regional Secretary also pointed out the educational dimension provided by EIC, noting that the goal is to ‘instil values such as discipline, resilience, rigour, pride and altruism. This is an opportunity to boost young people's future integration into the firefighting career, while also preparing them to be more informed citizens capable of dealing with serious accidents or disasters." The Junior and Cadet Schools of the fire brigades are aimed at two age groups: Juniors, aged between six and 13, who receive training focused on learning fundamental values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, first aid and basic civil protection concepts, and Cadets, aged between 14 and 16, who have access to more advanced training, including technical content related to firefighting, rescue and other operational activities. There are currently 10 active Junior and Cadet Schools in the Azores: Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Faial, and Santa Cruz das Flores, totalling 251 enrolled members.
October 2, 2025 Civil Protection creates innovative tool to support Junior and Cadet Schools in the Azores The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the importance of approving the Regulation supporting the establishment and promotion of Junior and Cadet Schools (EIC) in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which had already been published through Regulatory Order no. 31/2025 of October 1, 2025. According to Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection, "this law allows us to define clear rules for the establishment, operation and support of these schools, ensuring conditions for their development and sustainability in all fire departments across the Region." On the occasion, the governor emphasised that "the Autonomous Region of the Azores is a pioneer in the country with the creation of its own regulatory framework for these schools." As he further stated, they are a privileged space for the education and training of children and young people aged between six and 16 in the areas of citizenship, volunteering, protection and rescue. Among the measures approved, Alonso Miguel highlighted "annual financial support of €40 for each junior or cadet, which will cover costs with uniforms, and €300 per school to promote the activity plan." The monitoring and assessment of the activities implemented, as well as the allocation of support to Humanitarian Associations operating fire brigades in areas where these schools are located, shall be the responsibility of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA). The Regional Secretary also pointed out the educational dimension provided by EIC, noting that the goal is to ‘instil values such as discipline, resilience, rigour, pride and altruism. This is an opportunity to boost young people's future integration into the firefighting career, while also preparing them to be more informed citizens capable of dealing with serious accidents or disasters." The Junior and Cadet Schools of the fire brigades are aimed at two age groups: Juniors, aged between six and 13, who receive training focused on learning fundamental values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, first aid and basic civil protection concepts, and Cadets, aged between 14 and 16, who have access to more advanced training, including technical content related to firefighting, rescue and other operational activities. There are currently 10 active Junior and Cadet Schools in the Azores: Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Faial, and Santa Cruz das Flores, totalling 251 enrolled members.
