José Manuel Bolieiro highlights role of Blue Azores Programme in creating new Azores Marine Park - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the Blue Azores Programme team at an audience, highlighting its crucial role in implementing the new Azores Marine Park, approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in October 2024.

"The work carried out by the Blue Azores Programme has brought prestige to the Azores, placing our Region as an example of world leadership in ocean conservation, which is being closely monitored worldwide" said José Manuel Bolieiro.

The Blue Azores Programme, created in 2019, has been driving forward the goal of protecting 30% of the Azores Sea through the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA). This effort culminated in the creation of the new Marine Park, a historic milestone for ocean protection aligned with the UN and EU 2030 targets.

Based on the best available scientific knowledge and an unprecedented co-creation process in Portugal, the project involved scientists, NGOs, public entities, associations from the fishing and maritime-tourism sectors, and civil society.

"It was a balancing act between the conservation of marine ecosystems and the impact on economic activities," emphasised the President of the Regional Government.

The Blue Azores team will continue to be involved in the implementation of RAMPA, which is expected to last at least three years. This effort will be supported by a new memorandum of understanding, scheduled to be signed in February 2025.

With this initiative, the Azores are reiterating their commitment to sustainability and setting a global example in protecting marine heritage.