President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa visited the Okeanos – Institute for Marine Sciences Research on Faial Island, Azores, today, where he addressed the press, cautioning political leaders against taking short-term measures that could harm environmental preservation. He urged against actions that might satisfy immediate demands but ultimately damage essential environmental conservation efforts.
“I ask that measures are not taken that undermine the sea, species, and the work of researchers at the University of the Azores,” stated the President.
Marcelo also highlighted the Azores’ “global leadership” in certain areas of marine biodiversity research, particularly in deep-sea studies.
During his visit to the University of the Azores institute, the President learned about the work conducted by various research teams and heard concerns regarding the precarious employment conditions many researchers face at Okeanos.
Concerning these precarious conditions, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa remarked on the complexity of the issue, noting how it involves contrasts between universities with long-standing researchers who block new opportunities and new researchers striving for stable positions.
“There were arguments on both sides,” he said. Achieving balance is crucial to ensure fairness for those who have dedicated their lives to research while providing opportunities for younger researchers who encounter challenges due to limited positions and resources, he explained.
The President was informed that precarious employment affects 80% of those in the marine sciences research area he visited, a figure he described as “very high” for those committed to advanced, critical projects.
For the President, this represents a “permanent challenge” for the government, suggesting that the solution lies between avoiding rigidity that stifles generational change and ensuring justice for those who have dedicated years to research and face precariousness near retirement.
The President is on the second of a four-day tour of the Azores, with this visit focusing on marine research and the geostrategic significance of the sea.
