Information: Regional Government maintains incentive scheme that has enabled farmers to purchase 1,400 hectares of land
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources stressed today the importance of "collaborating" with banks for the renewal of the lines of credit supported by the Azorean Government. This measure has enabled farmers to purchase about 1,400 hectares of agricultural land. "In a few years, we have already restructured approximately 1,400 hectares of land," stressed Luís Neto Viveiros at the signi... more >>

Information: Council of Europe recognises "Furnas LandLab" project as international reference
The Council of Europe has considered the "Furnas LandLab" project (Furnas Landscape Laboratory - Project for Ecological and Landscape Recovery of Furnas Hydrographic Bay) as a case study as well as an example of good practices for similar projects to be implemented in Europe. This initiative was implemented by the Government of the Azores. This follows the distinction awarded to the "LandLab Fur... more >>

Information: Ocean Sunfish measuring 1.80 metres and weighing over a tonne recovered on the island of Faial
An Ocean Sunfish specimen (Masturus lanceolatus) measuring 1.80 metres and weighing over a tonne washed up on Porto Pim beach in the early hours of today. It was rescued by locals, who were aided by the biologists from Flying Sharks, a company headquartered in Porto Pim Aquarium - Live Fish Station (Faial Natural Park). The specimen was in good health. After being fed, the fish recovered at the ... more >>

Information: Azores Agricultural Fair promotes regional agriculture and farmers
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources said in Ribeira Grande that the Azores Agricultural Fair is an "event of major importance for the development of agriculture in the Region," stressing that this annual event "enhances the potential of farmers, producers as well as of agroindustry in the archipelago." Speaking at a press conference for the presentation of this year's Azores Agricultural... more >>

Information: Government of the Azores develops Forest Improvement Plan with the planting of over 10,000 Azores juniper specimens
The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources, has planted seven thousand Azores Juniper species (Juniperus brevifolia) in the Forest Perimeters of São Miguel and Terceira in the first quarter of 2014. This regional department expects to plant another three thousand species by the end of the year. The purpose of these actions is to det... more >>

Information: Luís Neto Viveiros stresses importance of POPA to the sustainability and image of regional Fisheries
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources stressed in Horta the importance of the Azores Fisheries Observation Programme (POPA) to the sustainable management of resources and the promotion of marine products. "We live in a period of greater importance to the Azores Sea. Now, more than ever, we need to consider and implement strategies that ensure the balance of marine ecosystems while diversi... more >>

Information: Luís Neto Viveiros says Fundopesca already supported 16,310 applications in the Azores amounting to 5.8 million Euros
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources said today that a total of 16,310 applications have been support since the creation of Fundopesca, which corresponds to a total amount of 5.8 million Euros. Unlike the national legislation, the regional fund currently covers a larger number of professionals in the fishing sector and the financial support may be granted in conjunction with other social b... more >>

Information: Luís Neto Viveiros says accreditation of CVRAçores boosts wine production sector
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources stated in Madalena that the accreditation of the Regional Wine Commission (CVR) of the Azores as a "Product Certification Body" contributes to "the enhancement of viticulture and wine production" in the Region. For Luís Neto Viveiros, the initial accreditation granted by the Portuguese Accreditation Institute (IPAC) to a product certification ent... more >>

Information: Climbs to Pico Mountain increased 30 percent in 2013
The Regional Secretary for Natural Resources revealed today that the Pico Mountain was climbed 10 thousand times in 2013. The figures represent an increase of about 30 percent compared to the previous year and justify the reinforced cooperation between the Madalena Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters (AHBVM) in the amount of 25 thousand Euros. Speaking at the signing ceremony of th... more >>

Information: Azores applied once again for Quality Coast award
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariats for Tourism and Transport and for Natural Resources, has submitted another application of the archipelago to the "Quality Coast" programme, which certifies and promotes sustainable coastal tourist destinations at an international level in accordance with environmental, socio-economic and cultural criteria. Since 2009, the Azores have... more >>