Mário Rui Pinho highlights commitment to blue economy and innovation for sustainable development of the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The "Natural Heritage and Marine Protected Areas of the Azores" training course was held at the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in Horta, as part of the Life IP Azores Natura Project.

This training focussed on essential topics for preserving the Azores' marine and coastal biodiversity and was attended by technicians from the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies.

The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, emphasised at the welcoming session for participants that "training, for the Government, is about developing the Region," noting the importance of accomplishing three major goals within the scope of the blue economy.

The first goal is to get to know the Azores Sea, deepening our knowledge of the marine ecosystem, and covering its surface, seabed and archipelago area. This knowledge is fundamental to understanding the relations between the ocean and the climate, emphasising the regulating role of the sea in climate change and the importance of the Region's biodiversity.

The second goal concerns the application of knowledge to technological development, requiring the creation of new technologies and policies aimed at the blue economy. This includes controlling and managing the Azores' offshore areas, where the Regional Government has invested heavily in innovation. Among the initiatives highlighted is the creation of an experimental research and development centre linked to the Azores Sea, designated as MARTEC, and the acquisition of a new research vessel, which will strengthen the Region's scientific and operational capacity.

The third and final goal, linked to the second, is to transform knowledge and innovation into economic value for the Azores, promoting more efficient management of marine resources, generating new jobs and fostering a sustainable economy.

"The importance of all this knowledge must be transferred to companies and citizens, with the sole aim of boosting the economy and promoting the development, licensing and management of existing, emerging and future activities," stressed the Regional Secretary.

This event will be replicated on March 14 on Terceira Island and March 17 on São Miguel Island, broadening the discussion and raising awareness about marine conservation in the Azores.