The Regional Director for Science and Technology stated in Lisbon that the Azores have an "immense and rich diversity and variability of species and ecosystems." The archipelago is "one of the richest places in terms of terrestrial, marine and vegetable biodiversity, as recognised worldwide."
 
Bruno Pacheco stressed that biodiversity is "the anchor" of various activities developed in the Region, namely "science-based activities," adding that it is a "key area" of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3), currently under revision.
 
Speaking at the opening session of the 4th Annual Frontiers IN E3 Meeting, the Regional Director pointed out that biodiversity represents the "most important asset" from which "all wealth is generated in the Azores."
 
In this regard, the government official mentioned that the Region currently has internationally classified and recognised areas for environmental and scientific reasons, including the Natura 2000 Network, World Natural Heritage, RAMSAR Areas and Protected Marine Areas under the OSPAR Convention, among other national and international distinctions.
 
In his speech, the Regional Director also recalled that the islands of Graciosa, Flores and Corvo as well as the "fajãs" of São Jorge, were classified by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve, adding the Pico Island Vineyard Landscape was classified as World Heritage.
 
"All these awards became reality because the Azores have teams with solid scientific knowledge that allow policy-makers to adopt measures that have contributed to the accomplishment of these goals," said Bruno Pacheco.
 
The Regional Director assured that the Azorean Government intends to enhance the integration of the areas with potential for wealth generation as well as the involvement of all stakeholders. In this context, he pointed out the MOVE project, included in action 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. The Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT) coordinates this project, with the scientific coordination of the University of the Azores.
 
Bruno Pacheco pointed out that the biodiversity projects under development in the Azores represents an overall investment of three million Euros, distributed by several entities, with special emphasis on the University of the Azores and the Regional Fund for Science and Technology.
 
In this context, the Regional Director pointed out the INDICIT, MISTIC SEAS 2 and BEST III projects; the latter has already been implemented. It intends to create a platform for sharing information on financing opportunities in projects developed in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services in European outermost regions and overseas territories.
 
"In addition to the considerable investment in this type of projects, we currently have 15 advanced training projects that represent an investment over one million Euros," said the government official.
 
"In the Azores, we are well aware that, at least, 40% of the world's economy and 80% of the population's needs depend on biological resources," said Bruno Pacheco. Hence, the Regional Government will continue investing in the investment and development of projects in the field of biodiversity to ensure that "we will preserve the best we have."
 
"We are called to demonstrate the actual economic and social value that ecosystems represent for us," said the Regional Director.