Brussels approves Azores Transport Plan until 2030

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The European Commission has approved the Azores Transport Plan until 2030. This plan, submitted by the region, includes an initial investment of 53 million euros for inter-island public service obligations, under Specific Objective RSO3.2. Financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Azores 2030 Transport Plan aims to strengthen regional and local mobility, promoting a sustainable, climate change resilient and intermodal approach, as well as improving access to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and cross-border mobility. More information: HERE

Certificação Florestas Açores

Renewal of Forest Certification in São Miguel

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The renewed certification of the Forest Perimeter and Regional Forests on the island of São Miguel is granted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)®, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible forest management around the world. This revalidation of the certification reflects the commitment of the Government of the Azores to promote a forestry policy that guarantees not only the economic utilisation of forests and technical knowledge, but also appropriate land-use planning, the preservation of natural values and the well-being of communities that are directly or indirectly linked to the forest. More information: HERE

Leading Destinations World Azores

Azores integrated into “Leading Destinations of the World” programmed

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EarthCheck has just integrated the Azores into the “Leading Destinations of the World” programmed, based on the work carried out by the Government of the Azores, through the Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure, with regard to sustainable tourism development. The Azores became the first archipelago in the world to receive the “Sustainable Tourism Destination” certification in 2019, now reinforced by its inclusion in this prestigious programmed, highlighting the region’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices in tourism. This international recognition is proof of the work of excellence carried out in the Azores in favor of sustainable development. The “Leading Destinations of the World” programmed allows sustainable tourism destinations to establish contacts and share ideas in an open environment and together with other regions of the world.

Ponta Delgada introduces card-accessible eco-islands for waste collection

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Ponta Delgada is getting a new sustainable look with the installation of accessible eco-islands. The municipality has begun a process of transitioning the waste collection model, which aims to gradually remove containers from the streets and replace them with these innovative eco-islands. These structures not only contribute to a cleaner, more organized aesthetic for the city, but also promote environmental awareness by facilitating selective waste collection through a card-accessible system for residents. Photo: Foto: CMPD/ Açoriano Oriental Source: Açoriano Oriental

Azores renew Quality Coast award

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The Azores continue to establish themselves as a benchmark destination by renewing their Quality Coast award. This recognition, awarded by the European Coastal and Marine Union, highlights the excellence of the Azorean islands in terms of the sustainable management and preservation of their coastal areas. With their unique natural beauty and ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, the Azores reinforce their position as a tourist destination of excellence, providing authentic and responsible experiences for visitors looking to explore their stunning landscapes and diverse marine ecosystems. Source: Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures

9 Circular Islands: Online platform that allows you to buy, exchange, and donate products.

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Introducing a collaborative online marketplace that empowers Azoreans to purchase, exchange, and donate products across diverse categories, all while accessing services in alignment with the principles of the circular economy. The 9 Circular Islands platform is a proactive initiative by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, responding to the growing demand for promoting a more sustainable lifestyle across the islands. This platform offers Azoreans the opportunity to breathe new life into their belongings, simultaneously contributing to the extension of materials’ useful life in the Azores. Through this innovative online marketplace, users can not only purchase items at affordable prices but also sell items they no longer need, actively fostering product circularity within the region. Through this platform, users can buy items at affordable prices and sell items that they no longer use, promoting the circularity of products in the region. https://9ilhascirculares.ambiente.azores.gov.pt/ Source: Açores RTP

Graciosa: Leading the Way in Renewable Energy Usage

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Graciólica’s hybrid energy production system, which began supplying electricity to the island of Graciosa on 21 August 2019, is an outstanding example of the use of renewable energies. Since its operational debut, the project has achieved noteworthy outcomes, resulting in a savings of 8.9 million liters of diesel fuel at the Eletricidade dos Açores (EDA) hydroelectric plant. Moreover, between July 18, 2019, and August 31, 2023, the initiative has contributed to substantial financial savings, amounting to an impressive 8.2 million euros. Graciólica has emerged as an emblematic project in the field of renewable energy utilization, enjoying the support of the Government of the Azores. This initiative not only exemplifies the Azores’ commitment to a greener future but also demonstrates the positive impact of harnessing hybrid energy solutions. More information: https://siaram.azores.gov.pt/energia/projeto-graciolica/_texto.html Source: Jornal Açores 9

Navy organises coastal and underwater clean-up in solidarity

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The Navy organised a coastal and underwater clean-up operation in the port of Vila Franca do Campo, in São Miguel. The initiative, carried out in partnership with various institutions, aimed to raise public awareness of the problem of marine litter. As a result of this action, the rubbish collected will be converted into a charitable donation that will revert to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila Franca do Campo, to be used in the “O Farol-E9G” social project, for children and young people aged 6 to 14 in Ponta Graça, as part of the ocean literacy educational programme. More information: Here Source: RTP

Azores are “Best Adventure Destination,” according to the World Travel Awards

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The Azores were designated as the “Best Adventure Destination” in the world at the World Travel Awards ceremony held on December 1 in Dubai. This prestigious global acknowledgment highlights the excellence of the experiences provided by the Azores, which had previously secured the title of Best Adventure Destination in Europe consecutively in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Source: Ambitur