The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed that the preparation of the Regional Strategy for Control and Prevention of Exotic and Invasive Species shows "a clear commitment to the conservation of natural heritage and environmental quality, being areas in which the Regional Government has increased its investment over the years. The project begins with an "important partnership" with the Azorean University.
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke in Ponta Delgada at the signing of an agreement between Azorina and the University of the Azores, through the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, amounting to 304 thousand Euros plus VAT, for the acquisition of research services for a period of two years.
 
"This partnership with our University will give shape to a strategy of paramount importance in a Region such as the Azores," stressed the Regional Secretary.
 
According to the government official, "with the preparation of this strategy, the aim is to create conditions for the implementation of a regulatory framework as well as of an institutional and operational structure. They will be based on the accurate knowledge of the reality and the adequate training of public agents dealing with this issue, so that our action can be consistent and effective."
 
"Controlling the pressure of exotic and invasive species on natural species is an endless battle as we have already emphasised. For that reason, the Island Natural Parks and their collaborators are permanently mobilised for this fight, which requires significant financial allocations from our part on an annual basis," added Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Regional Secretary pointed out that "the current investment plan provides for an allocation of 13.8 million Euros for nature conservation policies." This demonstrates the "continuity of the path followed where all nature conservation projects are important, necessary and fundamental."
 
The Secretary for the Environment recalled that this is a measure "within the scope of the actions developed under LIFE IP Azores Natura, as already stated. It is the largest and most comprehensive nature conservation project ever developed for the Azores with an overall allocation of 19.1 million Euros for a nine-year period."