The operational programme PROCONVERGENCIA was distinguished with the prize for best “Promotional photo of a co-funded project” with a photo of the “Redevelopment of Capelinhos Lighthouse - Interpretation Centre” at the RegioStars Awards 2011, a contest launched by the European Commission for the Operation Programmes of the 27 Member States.

The photo was chosen by public voting, garnering over 3,400 votes.
The project aims to redevelop the site, turning it into a sustainable, historical and environmental tourist attraction. The visitor centre provides information on the island’s volcanic activity, the formation of the archipelago, the various stages of the lighthouse since its construction in 1903 to present day, including the volcanic eruption in 1957/1958.

The photo has been in advertisements, articles and posters under the slogan “Uma nova geração de equipamentos públicos apoiada pelaUnião” (A new generation of public facilities supported by the European Union).

The prize-delivery ceremony took place in Brussels, under the conference “Regions for Economic Change,” and was chaired by the Commissioner for Regional Policy, accompanied by the president of the jury, who personally delivered the certificates and plaques to the winners. The Azorean programme was represented by its manager, the Regional Director for Planning and Structural Funds, Rui Amann, and the head of the communication unit of PROCONVERGENCIA.