The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stated today that all Azores Natural Parks will be provided with an electric vehicle by the end of this year "with the aim of fostering a low-carbon economy in the Azores."
 
"This is just another small step towards the sustainable development strategy we are implementing in the Azores," said Marta Guerreiro, who spoke after delivering the fifth electric vehicle to Pico Natural Park. The remaining four have already been delivered to the Natural Parks of Santa Maria, Flores, São Miguel and São Jorge.
 
The Secretary for the Environment pointed out that the "Government of the Azores takes a clear investment option in strengthening the action of Nature Watchers as well as in their training and equipment, as evidenced by this moment."
 
"The islands of Faial and Terceira will also receive an electric vehicle later this month, followed by Corvo and Graciosa, thus reaching all the islands of the archipelago, assured the government official.
 
"With the Environmental Services supported by committed and technically qualified Nature Watchers, the Region will be better prepared to face the new problems and challenges posed by the management and conservation of nature and the preservation of environmental quality, stressed Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Regional Secretary reinforced the importance of Nature Watchers "for their decisive role in creating conditions for the preservation of natural resources, based on a paradigm of balanced and sustainable development." Moreover, they are "the agents who at the forefront in the detection and resolution of small environmental problems that may occur on our islands, in addition to playing an important role in developing preservation, awareness and surveillance actions.
 
Marta Guerreiro also highlighted an ordinance published today in the Official Journal regulating the uniforms to be used by Nature Watchers.
 
"The types of uniforms to be used by Nature Watchers and other distinctive elements were approved in 2008. Currently, they are out of touch with the actual needs of these professionals, so this update in the regulations allows an adjustment to the evolution and requirements of their functions. This will be achieved through the introduction of improvements in terms of aesthetics, comfort and quality of uniforms, thus asserting a modern and active corporate image," stressed the Regional Secretary.