Azores confirm international leadership in ocean conservation with José Manuel Bolieiro's prominent participation in United Nations Conference - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, will take part in the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC3), which will take place in Nice, France, between June 9 and 13. His participation is part of the archipelago's endeavour to become a global benchmark in the implementation of marine conservation policies based on scientific knowledge, community participation and long-term political commitment.

The presence of the President of the Government at this high-level summit, which brings together world leaders and experts from different countries, is an undeniable sign of the determination of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to actively contribute to the fulfilment of global ocean protection goals, namely the 30x30 objective - to protect at least 30% of the planet's marine areas by 2030.

Among the speeches scheduled, the head of the Regional Government will participate in the session "Leading by Doing - Three Years of Progress and Meaningful Action Towards 30x30." He will present the Azores' journey in setting up the Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA), the largest in the North Atlantic, internationally recognised as an example of effective action in pursuing the commitments made under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The President of the Government will also host the event "Blue Azores: Driving Momentum for 30x30," a joint initiative of the Regional Government of the Azores, the Blue Ocean Foundation and the Waitt Institute. This moment of celebration and international projection of the regional marine conservation policy will bring together government representatives and civil society organisations to promote the adoption of similar commitments in other regions of the world.

José Manuel Bolieiro is also scheduled to speak at the official reception, "An Ocean Odyssey," organised by the Blue Nature Alliance. The event will feature institutional representatives from leading regions in ocean conservation, such as the Azores, French Polynesia and New Caledonia, to share experiences and strengthen cooperation networks.

The participation of the President of the Government falls within a broader representation of the Regional Government at UNOC3, which will include presentations at various thematic panels on marine protected areas, maritime spatial planning, ocean accounts and scientific expeditions, among other strategic topics. This presence demonstrates the Regional Government's commitment to ensuring an active and qualified role in international forums where the paths to ocean sustainability are defined.