Data of the Regional Government of the Azores will be protected and safeguarded in the event of a catastrophe, thanks to the initiative of the Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructures (SRCTE) of transforming the entire technological infrastructure to provide the Government’s data centre with a disaster recovery platform.
The guarantee was given today by the Secretary José Contente, during the parliamentary debates regarding the Medium-term Guidelines and Regional Investment and Budget Plan for 2009, in a speech that emphasised the importance of a project that ensures public and civil safety at a level of data protection.
In the field of science, technology and communications, the Secretary referred that the investment plan of SRCTE “privileges the densification of a society where knowledge and technologies are at the service of a future sustainability, connecting innovation to people.”
José Contente pointed out the strategic guidelines of the Integrated Plan for Science, Technology and innovation (PICTI), mainly the consolidation of the Regional Scientific and Technological System, the internationalisation of the Azorean investigation and development units and also the increase of human resources to engage activities in the field of Science and Technology.
Regarding communication infrastructures, the Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures emphasised the fibre optic cable that connects seven islands of the Azores and that, in a short term, will be extended to Corvo and Flores.
For the current legislature, the Secretary enumerated some high-end projects, such as the implementation of more three Geodesy and Radio astronomy, to be achieved through a protocol with the National Geographic Institute of Spain.
It was also announced the implementation of the GeoCid project, which aims to make available cartographic information to citizens, the update of the Cartograf project and also the promotion of the Road map of Science Centres of the Azores, “as spaces for the dissemination of scientific and technological culture, which aim to integrate all citizen in the Society of Knowledge,” underlined José Contente.
“A new level of knowledge of the Region” is the ultimate challenge of investment and encouragement of scientific research,” said the Regional Secretary.
José Contente also announced the creation of multimedia rooms in the Azorean prisons, in order to allow the access to cultural, training and recreational contents. Concerning the cultural domain, the SRCTE intends to make available, online or pre-recorded, concerts and theatre plays.
The Secretary said that another concern of the Government is the continuity of the development of a system of land transports, safe and sustainable from a financial, environmental and social point of view.
In what regards the Civil Protection Service, José Contente also stressed the attention of the Government to the land emergency services.