Azores channelled over €45 million into nature conservation via EU fund

The Azores Regional Government has invested more than €45 million in managing and preserving the region's protected areas through the EU's LIFE programme, according to regional environment secretary Alonso Miguel, speaking at a training event in Terceira. He said €2.5 million had also gone into equipment for island environmental services over the past four years. The government highlighted work by nature wardens, GNR's SEPNA unit, PSP's environmental brigade and the Regional Environment Inspectorate, and pledged further hires, including 12 new nature wardens and additional inspection staff.