The Azorean Government highlighted its investment in environmental literacy, capacity-building of conservation and enforcement teams, revealing that more than 45 million euros have been channeled, through the LIFE Programme, for the management and preservation of protected areas.
The information was advanced by the regional secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, on Terceira Island, at the opening session of a training action under the theme “Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Protection,” aimed at entities with competence in environmental surveillance and enforcement, which will also be replicated on the islands of São Miguel and Faial.
On this occasion, the official stated that the success of environmental policies depends not only on the definition of management strategies and instruments, but also on investment in training, in technical and operational capacity, and in the existence of adequate means to ensure monitoring and enforcement of the territory.
The official also highlighted the “strong commitment” of the Regional Government to environmental education and literacy, equally valuing the work carried out within the context of Island Natural Parks, environmental centers, the Azores Geopark, and the Biosphere Reserves.
Cited in a note issued by the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), Alonso Miguel underscored the decisive role of the LIFE Programme as a “financial and operational tool, which has already enabled the allocation of more than 45 million euros to the management, preservation, and enhancement of the region’s protected areas.”
“In the last four years, more than 2.5 million euros have been invested in strengthening the Environmental and Climate Action Services of the islands,” equipping them with new vehicles, boats, machines and industrial equipment, drones, uniforms and personal protective equipment, he revealed.
The regional secretary also highlighted the work carried out by the Nature Wardens, by the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA) of the GNR, by the Environmental Protection Brigade (BRiPA) of the PSP, and by the Regional Environment Inspectorate, the entity responsible for coordinating inspection activity and processing administrative offense procedures in the environmental area.
Affirming that “the region has managed to chart a remarkable path” in the environmental sector, the regional secretary considered that firm steps have been taken in environmental management, nature conservation, climate action, and land-use planning.
Alonso Miguel reaffirmed that “the Regional Government will continue to strengthen the means allocated to environmental enforcement” and recalled the recent hiring of 12 nature wardens and the opening of competitive procedures, currently underway, for the recruitment of a senior inspector, a senior environmental technician, and a jurist for the Regional Environment Inspectorate.
“We now have an active and proactive inspection, which combines high levels of knowledge, discipline and rigor, with a pedagogical, educational and preventive attitude, which is valued and recognized in the region and abroad,” he noted.
The training, promoted by the Regional Environment Inspectorate and taking place this week in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, brings together 33 trainees from the various entities responsible for environmental enforcement.
