José Manuel Bolieiro highlights the Azores' "leadership"in protecting the seas in welcoming One Ocean Expedition - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the official welcome ceremony of the Norwegian vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl at the Ponta Delgada port, as part of the One Ocean Expedition. The event highlighted the strategic importance of international cooperation in promoting ocean sustainability and marine scientific knowledge.

On that occasion, and addressing national and foreign entities, the head of the Azorean Government highlighted the symbolism of the meeting between the Azores and the emblematic sail training vessel. It has been travelling the world to inspire the protection of the seas and raise awareness among communities and decision-makers about the challenges of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

"It is an honour to welcome this iconic vessel to the heart of the Atlantic. Its mission inspires action, knowledge sharing and fosters unity among nations and generations in defence of the ocean," he said. 

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the "leading" role that both Portugal and Norway have played in ocean policy.

The President of the Government recalled Portugal's vast heritage and strategic vision in the maritime domain, highlighting the Blue Azores programme, responsible for creating the largest network of marine protected areas in the North Atlantic. He also noted that the Azores are working to "transform" the blue economy into a priority not only regionally but also truly Atlantic and European, based on science, innovation and international partnerships.

Recognising Norway as a world leader in ocean science and management, with the highest number of marine researchers per capita, the head of the Azorean Government praised the country's contribution to the implementation of the Ocean Decade through solid investments and capacity-building programmes. He also highlighted the partnership developed under the EEA Grants, which has benefited the Azores in areas such as Blue Growth, Environment, Culture, Active Citizenship and Work-Life Balance.

"The future demands greater ambition from us. We need to transform science into action, for the benefit of all humanity," he stressed.

The President of the Regional Government also mentioned that the Azores will be present in Norway as keynote speakers at the International Conference on Marine Protected Areas to be held in Bodø next week.

According to the President of the Government, the One Ocean expedition is a living example of this global and inclusive effort. In bringing together scientists, students and communities from different latitudes, this initiative brings generations and cultures together around a common good: ocean health.

“As it sails from port to port, this vessel carries with it the spirit of unity and shared responsibility that our ocean so desperately needs,” he concluded.

The welcome ceremony for the vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl was attended by distinguished national and international figures, including the Norwegian Ambassador to Portugal, Hanne Brusletto, and the Honorary Consul of Norway in the Azores, João Oliveira. Also present were the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Pinho, as well as the Director-General for Maritime Policy, Marisa Lameiras da Silva, and the Deputy Director-General for Maritime Policy, Sandra Cruz. The presence of these personalities evidenced the institutional and cooperative nature of the event in strengthening ocean policies and blue diplomacy.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government