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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government highlights excellent results in waste management in 2024, bringing Region closer to meeting EU targets
Regional Government highlights excellent results in waste management in 2024, bringing Region closer to meeting EU targets
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
EuReCa-THREE study reveals prestigious results for the Azores, praises Alonso Miguel
EuReCa-THREE study reveals prestigious results for the Azores, praises Alonso Miguel
August 8, 2025
Regional Government highlights excellent results in waste management in 2024, bringing Region closer to meeting EU targets
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
August 5, 2025
EuReCa-THREE study reveals prestigious results for the Azores, praises Alonso Miguel
News
Nota de Imprensa
August 8, 2025
Regional Government highlights excellent results in waste management in 2024, bringing Region closer to meeting EU targets
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presented today in São Miguel the results of the Regional Waste Information System (SRIR) Report concerning 2024. He highlighted the "exceptional progress" achieved by the Region in the field of waste management and recovery. The government official acknowledged that "the results of the 2024 SRIR are a source of enormous satisfaction for the Regional Government, and will certainly also be a source of pride for the Azoreans, local authorities, companies, associations and society as a whole." According to the government official, the indicators now revealed "reflect the very positive progress that has been made in recent years in terms of waste prevention and management in the Azores as a result of a joint, sustained and committed effort by the Regional Government and all entities involved in waste management." Alonso Miguel pointed out that "77% of urban waste produced in the Azores in 2024 underwent recovery operations, with 31% in material recovery, 30% in organic recovery and 16% in energy recovery." For the Regional Secretary, "there are two indicators that stand out, which are truly differentiating and prestigious for the Region, namely the Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate and the Landfill Diversion Rate." “The Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate reached 48% in 2024, reflecting a 33% increase compared to 2023 and a 54% increase compared to 2020, when the rate was only 31.2%. This is an increase of 16.8 percentage points in just four years, which is truly remarkable, bringing us very close to achieving the EU 55% target for 2025," he stressed. The government official revealed that this significant increase, between 2023 and 2024, was strongly driven by the remarkable improvement in the performance of São Miguel Island. This is largely due to the entry into operation of the Mechanical and Organic Processing Plants at the São Miguel Ecopark, which jointly represented an investment of more than 19 million Euros by Musami. Alonso Miguel praised the "enormous financial effort made by Musami at the São Miguel Ecopark, which, considering the construction of the recently opened Energy Recovery Plant, amounts to 120 million Euros." "Following the efforts made and the progress achieved, it has already been possible to reach a Reuse and Recycling Preparation Rate of 56% on São Miguel Island in 2024, even exceeding the target set in the Azores Strategic Waste Management Plan (PEPGRA 20+) for 2025," he pointed out. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action stated that "another remarkable achievement is the reduction in the Landfill Waste Diversion Rate, which fell from 45% in 2020 to 24% in 2024. This means that the 30% target set in PEPGRA 20+ for 2025 has already been exceeded and that we are on the right track to achieve the EU 10% target by 2035," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged, however, that "despite the good results, complex challenges remain, particularly on Terceira Island, where the Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate remains stagnant, even registering a slight reduction compared to 2023. As such, efforts are being made, in conjunction with TERAMB, to find sources of community funding, or through the Environmental Fund, to implement solutions that can help remedy this situation," he assured. The government official added that "these results are even more impressive when compared with national figures, which, according to the latest data from 2023, show that Mainland Portugal has a Reuse and Recycling Preparation Rate of only 32%, while the figure achieved in the Region in 2024 stood at 48%." Alonso Miguel considered that "this performance and these very positive indicators are the result of a concerted effort between all entities responsible for waste management, starting with the Regional Government, but also including Municipal Councils, Parish Councils, waste management operators, companies, associations and other entities. We are also seeing growing environmental awareness among the Azorean population." The Regional Secretary assured that improving waste management has been a priority for the Regional Government, achieved through a sustained focus on environmental awareness and education, legislative updates and the implementation of a wide range of measures for waste management and the circular economy. Special emphasis was given to the investment of 9.1 million Euros in the modernisation of the regional Waste Processing Centres and the implementation of the pilot project for the Non-Reusable Packaging Deposit System, which represented an investment of 2 million Euros. Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterating the “Regional Government’s commitment to continuous improvement in waste management and to the transition to a circular economy, which are fundamental aspects for ensuring the sustainable development of the islands."
August 8, 2025
Regional Government highlights excellent results in waste management in 2024, bringing Region closer to meeting EU targets
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presented today in São Miguel the results of the Regional Waste Information System (SRIR) Report concerning 2024. He highlighted the "exceptional progress" achieved by the Region in the field of waste management and recovery. The government official acknowledged that "the results of the 2024 SRIR are a source of enormous satisfaction for the Regional Government, and will certainly also be a source of pride for the Azoreans, local authorities, companies, associations and society as a whole." According to the government official, the indicators now revealed "reflect the very positive progress that has been made in recent years in terms of waste prevention and management in the Azores as a result of a joint, sustained and committed effort by the Regional Government and all entities involved in waste management." Alonso Miguel pointed out that "77% of urban waste produced in the Azores in 2024 underwent recovery operations, with 31% in material recovery, 30% in organic recovery and 16% in energy recovery." For the Regional Secretary, "there are two indicators that stand out, which are truly differentiating and prestigious for the Region, namely the Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate and the Landfill Diversion Rate." “The Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate reached 48% in 2024, reflecting a 33% increase compared to 2023 and a 54% increase compared to 2020, when the rate was only 31.2%. This is an increase of 16.8 percentage points in just four years, which is truly remarkable, bringing us very close to achieving the EU 55% target for 2025," he stressed. The government official revealed that this significant increase, between 2023 and 2024, was strongly driven by the remarkable improvement in the performance of São Miguel Island. This is largely due to the entry into operation of the Mechanical and Organic Processing Plants at the São Miguel Ecopark, which jointly represented an investment of more than 19 million Euros by Musami. Alonso Miguel praised the "enormous financial effort made by Musami at the São Miguel Ecopark, which, considering the construction of the recently opened Energy Recovery Plant, amounts to 120 million Euros." "Following the efforts made and the progress achieved, it has already been possible to reach a Reuse and Recycling Preparation Rate of 56% on São Miguel Island in 2024, even exceeding the target set in the Azores Strategic Waste Management Plan (PEPGRA 20+) for 2025," he pointed out. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action stated that "another remarkable achievement is the reduction in the Landfill Waste Diversion Rate, which fell from 45% in 2020 to 24% in 2024. This means that the 30% target set in PEPGRA 20+ for 2025 has already been exceeded and that we are on the right track to achieve the EU 10% target by 2035," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged, however, that "despite the good results, complex challenges remain, particularly on Terceira Island, where the Preparation for Reuse and Recycling Rate remains stagnant, even registering a slight reduction compared to 2023. As such, efforts are being made, in conjunction with TERAMB, to find sources of community funding, or through the Environmental Fund, to implement solutions that can help remedy this situation," he assured. The government official added that "these results are even more impressive when compared with national figures, which, according to the latest data from 2023, show that Mainland Portugal has a Reuse and Recycling Preparation Rate of only 32%, while the figure achieved in the Region in 2024 stood at 48%." Alonso Miguel considered that "this performance and these very positive indicators are the result of a concerted effort between all entities responsible for waste management, starting with the Regional Government, but also including Municipal Councils, Parish Councils, waste management operators, companies, associations and other entities. We are also seeing growing environmental awareness among the Azorean population." The Regional Secretary assured that improving waste management has been a priority for the Regional Government, achieved through a sustained focus on environmental awareness and education, legislative updates and the implementation of a wide range of measures for waste management and the circular economy. Special emphasis was given to the investment of 9.1 million Euros in the modernisation of the regional Waste Processing Centres and the implementation of the pilot project for the Non-Reusable Packaging Deposit System, which represented an investment of 2 million Euros. Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterating the “Regional Government’s commitment to continuous improvement in waste management and to the transition to a circular economy, which are fundamental aspects for ensuring the sustainable development of the islands."
Nota de Imprensa
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
On Wednesday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered two new emergency ambulances to the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of São Roque do Pico and Calheta, reinforcing pre-hospital emergency medical services in these two municipalities. Alonso Miguel emphasised that this action "symbolises not only the strengthening of operational resources but also the public recognition of the tireless and commendable work that these fire brigades carry out daily for the benefit of their community." According to the government official, "pre-hospital medical emergencies, as a fundamental pillar of Civil Protection, face new and complex challenges today." For this reason, it is essential to "continue to invest strategically, ensuring that our firefighters have the knowledge, resources and conditions to deliver excellent service to those who need it most." "The ambulances delivered today in São Roque do Pico and Calheta, São Jorge Island, are part of a series of nine vehicles acquired by the Regional Government, an overall investment of around 1 million Euros. Now, the only remaining delivery is the last ambulance in this batch, specifically to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters," he said. The Regional Secretary responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores revealed that "pre-hospital medical emergencies account for around 80% of the operational activity of the fire brigades in these two municipalities, and for this reason, these ambulances address a pressing need." “It is important to note that, between 2024 and 2025, the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade responded to more than 650 calls for urgent medical assistance to its population, while in Calheta, during the same period, there were more than 400 requests of this kind,” he added. Alonso Miguel stated that this marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Fire Department's ability to respond to medical emergencies by upgrading the regional fleet of emergency ambulances. The Regional Secretary confirmed that "the Regional Government's investment in pre-hospital medical emergencies has been growing significantly," noting that "we have gone from 4.9 million Euros in 2020 to 7.9 million Euros in 2025." "This is a 61% increase in investment, which reflects the Regional Government's firm commitment and clear focus on responding immediately to emergencies and supporting the professionals working in this area. This is reflected not only in the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet but also in the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical crews," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged that ‘it is not enough to invest in equipment alone, as it is also necessary to invest in people, and this has been one of the Regional Government's top priorities.’ In this regard, he highlighted measures such as “the creation of the Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, salary raises, acquisition of personal protective equipment and, above all, the increase in resources allocated to the training and qualification of professionals, whose investment grew from 194 thousand Euros in 2020 to 360 thousand Euros in 2025.” Alonso Miguel also recalled that "the Civil Protection and Firefighting Investment Plan for 2025 is the largest ever, amounting to about 14 million Euros, which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2024 or 64% compared to 2020." The government official concluded by reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the Azorean firefighters and guaranteeing that it will continue to invest, support and endeavour "to safeguard the most precious asset: human life."
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
On Wednesday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered two new emergency ambulances to the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of São Roque do Pico and Calheta, reinforcing pre-hospital emergency medical services in these two municipalities. Alonso Miguel emphasised that this action "symbolises not only the strengthening of operational resources but also the public recognition of the tireless and commendable work that these fire brigades carry out daily for the benefit of their community." According to the government official, "pre-hospital medical emergencies, as a fundamental pillar of Civil Protection, face new and complex challenges today." For this reason, it is essential to "continue to invest strategically, ensuring that our firefighters have the knowledge, resources and conditions to deliver excellent service to those who need it most." "The ambulances delivered today in São Roque do Pico and Calheta, São Jorge Island, are part of a series of nine vehicles acquired by the Regional Government, an overall investment of around 1 million Euros. Now, the only remaining delivery is the last ambulance in this batch, specifically to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters," he said. The Regional Secretary responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores revealed that "pre-hospital medical emergencies account for around 80% of the operational activity of the fire brigades in these two municipalities, and for this reason, these ambulances address a pressing need." “It is important to note that, between 2024 and 2025, the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade responded to more than 650 calls for urgent medical assistance to its population, while in Calheta, during the same period, there were more than 400 requests of this kind,” he added. Alonso Miguel stated that this marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Fire Department's ability to respond to medical emergencies by upgrading the regional fleet of emergency ambulances. The Regional Secretary confirmed that "the Regional Government's investment in pre-hospital medical emergencies has been growing significantly," noting that "we have gone from 4.9 million Euros in 2020 to 7.9 million Euros in 2025." "This is a 61% increase in investment, which reflects the Regional Government's firm commitment and clear focus on responding immediately to emergencies and supporting the professionals working in this area. This is reflected not only in the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet but also in the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical crews," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged that ‘it is not enough to invest in equipment alone, as it is also necessary to invest in people, and this has been one of the Regional Government's top priorities.’ In this regard, he highlighted measures such as “the creation of the Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, salary raises, acquisition of personal protective equipment and, above all, the increase in resources allocated to the training and qualification of professionals, whose investment grew from 194 thousand Euros in 2020 to 360 thousand Euros in 2025.” Alonso Miguel also recalled that "the Civil Protection and Firefighting Investment Plan for 2025 is the largest ever, amounting to about 14 million Euros, which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2024 or 64% compared to 2020." The government official concluded by reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the Azorean firefighters and guaranteeing that it will continue to invest, support and endeavour "to safeguard the most precious asset: human life."