The Regional Director for Communities praised in Ponta Delgada all Azoreans and their descendants that have contributed to the dissemination of the Azores in the world, namely through photographic records."

"It is possible to have privileged spaces in several countries to perpetuate the Azorean legacy, which has been disseminated over 250 years," said Paulo Teves. The government official emphasised that these initiatives "disseminate the archipelago in its various areas of activity, promote investment opportunities and contribute to the sharing of internationally recognised environmental practices."

The Regional Director spoke during the informal debate on "Talks about Photography," held Wednesday, at a session titled "Catching up with Orlando Azevedo," a Terceira-born photographer who currently lives in Brazil. The event was promoted by the Regional Directorate for Communities in partnership with the Association of Amateur Photographers of the Azores (AFAA).

In his speech, Paulo Teves highlighted the importance of boosting and supporting initiatives that, simultaneously, "strengthen the emotional ties of emigrants to their origins and disseminate the Azores, thus contributing to the sharing of experiences and knowledge between the Azoreans living in the Region and Azorean emigrants."

"An Azorean emigrant living in Curitiba, capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná, Orlando Azevedo contributes, through his work, to the promotion of the Azores, strengthening our timeless connection to that country," the Regional Director stressed, adding that these projects are the result of partnerships established by the Regional Government in the area of Communities.

Photographer Orlando Azevedo, who has been living in Brazil since 1963, is in the Azores, with the support of the Regional Director for Communities and for Tourism, to make a photographic record of all aspects depicting the landscapes and specificities of the archipelago's culture with the aim of featuring this work in a book as well as in several exhibitions to be held in Brazil.

Throughout his career, he has published over ten books. The latest is titled "Expedição Coração do Brasil - Paranaguá, Largamar," following the "Expedição Coração do Brasil," a project that started in 1999. In addition to organising solo exhibitions, he has also participated in collective exhibitions in various countries.

Orlando Azevedo has collaborated with several Brazilian and international magazines. He has represented Brazil at the discussion forum of the "Mois de la Photo," an international photography exhibition held in Paris. In 2003, he was distinguished with the Paraná Talent Award.

In 2005, the City Council of Curitiba awarded him the Certificate of Honour and Merit for his participation in the Portuguese Community in Curitiba and in local culture. Two years later, in 2007, he won the Cidade de Curitiba Culture and Dissemination Award.