The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed in Horta the collaboration between the Azorean Government and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) in the exchange of meteorological information to enhance the safety of the Azoreans.
 
"The protocol we signed today is precisely aimed at sharing meteorological information, reinforcing the prevention system and improving the response capacity to events associated with adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of people and their property," said Marta Guerreiro. The Regional Secretary spoke at the signing of a protocol between IPMA and the Regional Directorate for the Environment.
 
On the occasion, the government official pointed out, as example, floods, storms and strong winds, whereas it is important to “manage the different risks associated with these events, minimising the consequences of their occurrence in the territory and the community."
 
“In view of new climate challenges, it is becoming increasingly necessary to obtain more information in real time regarding the different meteorological parameters,” Marta Guerreiro stated, highlighting the contribution of the Azores Hydrometeorological Network. According to her, it is "a modern and extensive network of automatic hydrometeorological stations, comprising about a hundred stations on all islands, whose data will now be made available to IPMA."
 
The Regional Secretary stated that IPMA plays “a fundamental role” in the surveillance and safety of the national territory, issuing special warnings on adverse weather and seismological situations. As she emphasised, "this partnership will increase the availability and density of meteorological information in the Region."
 
Marta Guerreiro added that this exchange of information will be "another way to gain more knowledge on meteorological phenomena towards a permanent and necessary adaptation to climate change."
 
"Everyone can and should play an active role in these issues, which are on the agenda," the government official said, stressing that the Regional Government has been implementing a series of public policies aimed at safeguarding resources and promoting the resilience of the territory," stated the Regional Secretary. In this regard, the Legislative Assembly will approve the Regional Programme for Climate Change (PRAC) at the ongoing September plenary session, "being another structuring tool that will expand the knowledge and enhance the Region's ability to adapt itself to this phenomenon."