The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources will provide an electronic platform for public participation in the drafting of the new Management Plan of the Hydrographic Region of the Azores, which will enter into force between 2016 and 2021.

Those who are interested in taking part in this process, which will culminate in the second generation of that management plan, may use the email address created by the Hydrographic Administration of the Azores (AHA): http://servicos.srrn.azores.gov.pt/form/PGRHA.

Public participation in the search for solutions for the management of water resources in the Azores is considered of utmost importance by the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources.

The complexity and diversity of environmental issues and quality problems associated with them require an ongoing prospective reflection and a thorough analysis of the issues related to the management of Water Resources.

In 2013, the Government intends to stimulate a dynamic process of public participation in the search for new and comprehensive solutions in order to provide a response to the issues raised by economic agents, local authorities and administration.

This initiative also aims to encourage and increase public participation in the decision-making process regarding the themes of public concern as well as to stimulate the development of transparent processes, thus contributing to the achievement the environmental goals established by the legislation in force.

Participants may defend the reinforcement of the aspects they consider positive or oppose the trends they consider negative in the fields of water services, water quality and pressure. Furthermore, participants are also invited to share their perception on the water resources of their islands.

The Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources is disseminating information of public interest on its different areas of expertise in the field of Environment until June 5, the date when the World Environment Day is celebrated.