The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed in Ponta Delgada the importance of the European Programme for Environment and Climate Action - LIFE as a key tool for the conservation of the Region's biodiversity; the latter has contributed to the international recognition of the Region for its high level of environmental quality.

 Marta Guerreiro spoke at a dissemination and information session on this programme. She revealed that the Regional Government is finalising an application "which includes a series of actions in the land and marine areas of Natura 2000; it represents a direct investment of about 15 million Euros from 2018 to 2023, in addition to mobilising a significant share of supplementary funds."

 The project, designated as LIFE AZORES NATURA, "is undoubtedly the biggest nature conservation project designed for the Region", said the Secretary for the Environment.
 "Should it be approved - as we hope - it will allow an unprecedented investment in protected habitats and species, further enhancing what is already one of the main assets of the Azores and their brand image - Nature," added the Regional Secretary.
 
Launched in 1992, LIFE is the EU financial tool for environment and climate action. It has co-financed more than 4,300 projects across the EU and third countries, mobilising 8.8 billion Euros and providing a total of 3.9 billion Euros for environmental protection and climate.

 LIFE projects demonstrate the current commitment of the European Commission in its emblematic package of measures for the circular economy, which has already granted a significant number of subsidies to assist Member States in transitioning to a more circular economy.

 "From the very first moment, the Azores had projects approved under LIFE and currently have two major projects in progress. Both are supported by the Azorean Government: LIFE Priolo Lands, promoted by the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA ), and LIFE CWR - Ecological Restoration and Conservation of Praia da Vitoria Coastal Wet Green infrastructure, promoted by Praia da Vitoria City Hall," said Mata Guerreiro.