15th Azores Waste Week to take place in November 2024

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The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, will host the 15th Azores Waste Week from 16 to 24 November 2024. This event is part of the 16th European Week for Waste Reduction and aims to engage public and private entities in awareness-raising activities across all islands of the archipelago. The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) seeks to promote actions encouraging sustainable resource and waste management, aiming to change citizens’ consumption habits. This year’s focus will be on reducing food waste, with the theme “Food Waste Has No Taste”. In 2023, a total of 143 activities were organized across the Azores, involving 95 entities. More information: HERE Source: Parques Naturais Açores

Azores Government approves over 246,000 euros for Regional Handicrafts

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The Regional Government of the Azores has announced an investment of over 246 thousand euros aimed at developing the archipelago’s handicrafts sector through the Incentive System for the Development of Azores Handicrafts (SIDART). This amount marks an increase of 31 thousand euros compared to the previous year. A total of 160 projects have been approved, 11 more than in 2023, reflecting the growing interest of local artisans in the program. The funding supports various areas, including innovation, qualification, sector development, and training. Read more: HERE

“Novos Idosos” – New Seniors’ program a success in the Azores

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The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores highlighted the success of the ‘Novos Idosos – New Seniors’ program in changing the ageing paradigm in the region. Launched in 2022, the program has enabled hundreds of elderly people to maintain their autonomy close to their families and communities. Developed by the Mission Structure for the Promotion of Social Responses for the Elderly, the project initially provided 250 places and is currently expanding with 221 additional places. Read more: HERE Source: Governo Regional dos Açores

Electric vehicles keep supporting the social sector in the Azores

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The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security highlighted the importance of the ‘Generations on the Move’ program (GERMOV – PRR) by handing over five new electric vehicles to various charities. The vehicles were distributed to organizations such as Olhar Poente, Lar D. Pedro V, Grupo Social de Santo Agostinho, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo and Educação Primeiro – Associação de Apoio à Infância, benefiting the elderly, children and the distribution of meals. The total investment amounts to more than 200 thousand euros. GERMOV, funded by the PRR, has already acquired more than 60 electric vehicles, reinforcing its support for the IPSS and Misericórdias in the Azores and promoting social cohesion and inclusion in the region. Read more: HERE Source: Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

Azorean government reinforces its commitment to the blue economy and the preservation of the deep sea

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The President of the Regional Government of the Azores reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to the valorization of marine resources and the development of the blue economy. During a visit to the Azores Sea School (EMA), he highlighted the creation of the Regional Sea Council and a Sea Forum, initiatives that aim to place the Azorean Sea at the center of regional, national and European priorities. He also emphasized the importance of promoting a sustainable blue economy that protects marine ecosystems, reiterating his opposition to seabed mining due to the high environmental risks and the lack of knowledge about the impact of these activities. Read more: HERE Source: Governo dos Açores

Plant production is vital for forest redevelopment in the Azores

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The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food emphasized the importance of plant production by forest nurseries for the redevelopment of the Azorean Forest. With 18 nurseries and a capacity to produce five million plants, the Azorean cryptomeria stands out as the most cultivated species, due to its growth adapted to the region. The increase in the production of endemic species, essential for the recovery of ecosystems and for environmental projects such as LIFE, which are supported by the Forestry Services, was also emphasized. Read more: HERE

Young students displaced from their island of residence can now take advantage of the “Return Home” initiative

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From 23 July, young Azorean students who have been displaced can apply for the “Return Home” initiative, which offers support for one round trip or two one-way flights between their island of residence and their place of study. Applications are open until 15 August on the website juventude.azores.gov.pt. Part of the “+ Young” package, this initiative is aimed at young people up to the age of 26 who attend level 4 to 8 courses away from their island of residence, promoting ties with the Azores and encouraging them to return after their training. More information is available at: https://juventude.azores.gov.pt/ Read more: HERE

Recycling rate to increase significantly in the Azores in 2023

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The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action publicly presented the Regional Waste Information System report for 2023. It highlights the Region’s positive evolution in terms of waste prevention and management, the result of legislation, policies and investments by the Regional Government, as well as collaborative efforts between local councils, parish councils and waste operators, and the growing environmental awareness of Azorean society. The report reveals a growth of around 17% in recycling between 2021 and 2023, with the Preparedness for Reuse and Recycling Rate standing at 36.4% in 2023. Although still far from the 55% target for 2025, there has been a decrease in waste production and an increase in material and energy recovery. These results, which do not yet include the new treatment centres in São Miguel, reflect positive progress in waste management and a trend towards sustainable growth. Read more: HERE

Azorean government supports young people who commit to working in the archipelago

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The Government of the Azores will grant between 2,000 and 8,000 euros to young people who commit to working in the archipelago for at least five years. The measure, whose regulations have been published in the Official Journal, is part of the ‘+ Jovem’ package, organized by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, and aims to attract and retain talent in the region. The amount of support varies according to academic level: 2,000 euros for bachelors, 5,000 euros for masters and 8,000 euros for doctors. Applications are now open and can be submitted via the website: empregojovem.azores.gov.pt Read more: HERE Source: Açoriano Oriental