AZORES | Regional Government signs cooperation protocol with GNR

The Regional Government of the Azores has recently signed a protocol with the National Republican Guard (GNR) with the aim of coordinating the operational activity of this entity in areas related to matters that fall under the Government’s jurisdiction.

The three-year protocol will consolidate and intensify the action of GNR in the Azores in a gradual and progressive manner and in accordance with their capabilities and resources, so as to reinforce the protection and security of the Azorean population or those residing in the Azores.

With this protocol, and based on the existence of natural, technological and mixed risks, a Protection and Relief Intervention Post (PIPS) will be established in the Region, on a permanent secondment basis, under the Emergency Protection and Relief Unit (UEPS). It will consist of military personnel trained in specialised areas of intervention, namely:

– Search and Rescue in Collapsed Structures (BREC);

– Mountain Search and Rescue (BRM);

– Hazardous Materials (MP) with intervention capacity with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS);

The aim is to carry out prevention and intervention activities in situations of major accidents and disasters, particularly in the event of hazardous materials, floods, earthquakes, search and rescue in various environments, especially in mountainous areas, as well as in other emergency situations, including aquatic and underwater environments.

Other missions and responsibilities assigned to the GNR include, for example, land and sea surveillance, land and maritime patrol along the entire coast and the territorial sea of the Azores (up to 12 nautical miles), control and inspection of vessels, passengers and cargo, and surveillance of catches, unloading, cultivation and commercialisation of marine species.

With the protocol now signed, the Regional Government and the GNR have taken the commitment to share information and disseminate activities publicly, and establish partnerships with various regional entities, both public and private, to build capabilities and improve efficiency, especially with regard to coastal protection. The protocol also aims to encourage the involvement of the population in prevention and awareness-raising actions.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU