Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal, Oct. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - The Portuguese Azores Islands regional secretary for tourism, mobility and infrastructure, Berta Cabral, said on Thursday that the region is a "living laboratory" of the Atlantic and that the Azores want to be "co-creators of solutions" based on space technology.

At the opening session of the 4th European Symposium of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies) in Ponta Delgada, Berta Cabral considered that the archipelago's geostrategic position "is more than geography, it is a mission", recalling 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.

The minister also highlighted the role of the Azores as a "living laboratory of the Atlantic" and as a privileged platform for the development and application of space technologies at the service of Europe.

Berta Cabral said that the Azores do not want to be "just users, but co-creators of solutions based on space technology," aiming to "consolidate itself as an Atlantic hub for data, operations and talent at the service of people and sustainability."

According to the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure, the Azores Space Strategy covers areas ranging from downstream applications, technological trials and local networks to access to space, scientific research and the promotion of scientific culture among the population.

Berta Cabral considered that the Azores' commitment to space research and innovation translates into concrete contributions to the areas of civil protection, through monitoring systems and rapid response to natural disasters, the blue economy, promoting "sustainable management of marine resources", and defence and security, "reinforcing surveillance and response capacity in risk scenarios".

"The regions have an irreplaceable role because they know the terrain, know how to mobilise actors and test solutions on the right scale. The Azores are an example of this," she said.

For Berta Cabral, the Azores "are an example of how tourism, science and technology can go hand in hand, promoting economic and social development without compromising environmental balance."

The Azores are hosting the fourth edition of the European Symposium of Regions NEREUS - Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies until Friday.

The event brings together a total of 15 member regions in São Miguel.

JME/AYLS // AYLS

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