The Regional Director for the Environment highlighted the work under way within the "LIFE IP Azores Natura" project at a meeting that discussed the development of actions for the near future. On the occasion, he noted the "good development of the project, being in line with the commitments made and the planned schedule."
 
Hernâni Jorge stressed the importance of "enhancing the visibility of the largest and most comprehensive nature conservation project ever created for the Azores," pointing out its relevance "for the conservation of protected species and habitats in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems on all Azorean islands."
 
The Regional Director spoke on the sidelines of a project management meeting that was attended by all parties involved, including the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Sea Affairs, Azorina, SPEA and the La Palma Biosphere Reserve.
 
The "LIFE IP Azores Natura" project encompasses 23 Special Conservation Areas, 15 Special Protection Areas and three Sites of Community Interest within the Natura 2000 network. It will be in force for a period of nine years with an overall budget of 19.1 million Euros.
 
"This project covers most of the Natura 2000 network sites in the Azores in order to provide a significant contribution to the conservation of species and habitats protected by the Birds and Habitats Directives in the terrestrial and marine ecosystems on all islands of the archipelago" stressed Hernâni Jorge.
 
"The 'LIFE Azores Natura' strategy and the project works are based on a strong institutional that will actively contribute to these goals, involving a group of different entities with complementary technical capabilities. Accordingly, the project will benefit from a solid and valuable technical, political and operational knowledge, ensuring the continuation of these actions after the end of the project," added the government official.
 
The Regional Director also emphasised that this is another measure confirming "the growing investment of the Regional Government in nature conservation towards the consolidation of natural heritage as one of the Region's main assets."