Intervenção do Presidente do Governo - Comunicação

Presidência do Governo Regional

Texto integral da intervenção do Presidente do Governo, José Manuel Bolieiro, proferida hoje, em Ponta Delgada, na receção do navio norueguês Statsraad Lehmkuhl, no âmbito da One Ocean Expedition:

“It is a great honor to be with you aboard this iconic vessel, here in Ponta Delgada, at the heart of the Atlantic, as we celebrate the One Ocean Expedition and reaffirm our shared commitment to the goals of the United Nations Ocean Decade.

Portugal and Norway stand as pillars of ocean leadership.

Portugal, through its vast maritime dimension and heritage and strategic vision, has prioritized marine conservation and scientific research,

where the Blue Azores program has played a significant role, by creating the largest marine protected areas network in the North Atlantic.  

We are working to make blue economy not just a regional or national project, but a truly Atlantic and European endeavor -

—one that leverages science, innovation, and international partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for our ocean.

Norway, with the highest number of marine researchers per capita in the world, is a global leader in ocean science and management.

The Norwegian government’s substantial investments and solid support for the UN Ocean Decade

—both through direct funding and capacity-building programs—

have accelerated scientific cooperation and knowledge-sharing worldwide. Norway’s collaboration with international partners, exemplifies the spirit of global responsibility that the Ocean Decade calls for.

Collaboration in ocean science between Norway and Portugal is extensive and has been going on for 100 years.

The relationship between the EEA Grants and Portugal has been characterized by concrete actions that have supported a wide range of projects across five key programmes:

Blue Growth, Environment, Work-life Balance, Culture, and the Active Citizens Fund.

The collaboration with the Azores in this area has also been very positive, and in this context, it highlights how the EEA Grants Blue Growth Program has had a significant impact in the region -

— promoting a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive blue economy.

Actually, next week, in Bodo, Norway, members of the Government of the Azores and the Blue Azores program will be key-note speakers at the International Conference of Marine Protected Areas, enhancing our shared commitment and leadership in ocean conservation.

Together, our countries have already achieved significant milestones like expanding marine protected areas, advancing ocean literacy, fostering innovation in sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and marine technology.

Yet, we recognize that much remains to be done.

Our plans for the future should be even more ambitious,

either by deepening scientific cooperation, promoting sustainable blue economies or ensuring that ocean science translates into effective action for the benefit of all humanity.

The One Ocean Expedition is a living testament to these ambitions.

By bringing together scientists, students, and communities across the globe, this voyage is building bridges between nations and generations.

It is raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action—

helping to transform the vision of the UN Ocean Decade into tangible progress.

As this ship sails from port to port, it embodies the spirit of unity and shared stewardship that our ocean so urgently needs.

Let us seize this moment to renew our commitment: to science, to cooperation, and to the sustainable future of our ocean.

The Azores, at the crossroads of continents and cultures, will continue to be an active and responsible partner in this global venture.

Thank you.”