The Azores are a “living laboratory in the Atlantic” and a privileged platform for the development and application of space technologies at the service of Europe, said the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure, Berta Cabral, yesterday at the opening session of the 4th European Symposium of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies).

The minister, who was speaking on behalf of the President of the Government, said that the archipelago’s geostrategic position “is more than geography, it is a mission,” and noted that the Azores were pioneers in the creation of the Space Mission Structure and are co-founders of the Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space, based on the island of Santa Maria, and that they have already adopted a regional strategy for the sector.

“Our vision is clear: we want to be not only users, but co-creators of solutions based on space technology. The Azores aim to consolidate themselves as an Atlantic hub for data, operations, and talent, serving people and sustainability,” she said.

The Regional Secretary also emphasized that the Azores Space Strategy encompasses areas ranging from downstream applications and technological testing to in situ networks, access to space, scientific research, and the promotion of scientific culture among the population.

Inspired by the central theme of the symposium, Berta Cabral noted that the Azores’ commitment to space research and innovation translates into concrete contributions to three critical areas: Civil Protection, through monitoring systems and rapid response to natural disasters; the Blue Economy, promoting the sustainable management of marine resources; and Defense and Security, strengthening surveillance and response capacity in risk scenarios.

In Diário Insular, José Lourenço, director, and Armando Mendes (PhD), editor-in-chief.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.