The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, will implement the "Green Spirit" prizes in 2019. The initiative aims to highlight the environmental commitment and reward companies, institutions and personalities distinguished by good environmental practices, as well as by environmental research, activism, volunteering and patronage.
 
The regulation, now published in the Official Journal, states that these prizes are awarded annually in the following categories: "Natural Resources and Quality," " Research and Development," "Circular, Green and Blue Economy," "Education, Communication and Volunteering" and "Personality or Institution."
 
In September of each year, the Regional Directorate for the Environment will announce the deadline for the submission of applications, which must be made during the month of October through a digital form available on the Regional Government Portal.
 
The winner of each category is awarded a prize that intends to highlight the role of citizens as an important and determinant part of the sustainable development of the Azores.
 
The "Green Spirit" prizes are another essential measure to affirm the environmental aspect of citizenship in light of other programmes already implemented in the Region: "Eco-Village," "Clean Village," "Miosotis Azores," "School Park" and "Open Park." They are privileged tools in raising the awareness as well as in promoting good practices and active citizenship in the environment and sustainable development of the Azores.