The Government of the Azores will invest about 27.8 million Euros in the areas of spatial planning, environmental quality and energy next year.

The information was provided by the Secretary for the Environment and the Sea, who was heard today by the Commission on Parliamentary Affairs, Environment and Labour of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores on the proposals of the Regional Annual Plan and Budget for 2012.

According to Álamo Meneses, the major investment in the area of environment will focus on the "the construction of waste processing centres" in various islands.

"Waste is one of the areas that has absorbed more funds over the past year in the area of environment," which will remain a priority for 2012," said the government official.

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and the Sea reminded that "a large number of waste processing centres are being built," mainly on Corvo, Pico, São Jorge and Santa Maria; the Graciosa and Flores centres "will start to operate" soon, which also requires some investments.

Regarding the investments planned for next year in the environmental sector, Álamo Meneses also stressed "a series of other interventions aimed to cleanse streams, ensure the safety of people and property in the protection of coastal area and the conservation of nature."

The major environmental projects comprised by the Annual Investment Plan for 2012 will focus on waste, with 9.4 million Euros, water resources, with 3.2 million Euros, nature conservation, with 2.9 million Euros, and environmental promotion, with 2.5 million Euros.