Blue Azores programme resumes discussion on the conservation and sustainable use of the sea - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, met today, as part of the Blue Azores programme, to resume the works on the conservation and sustainable use of the sea, which will enhance the position of the Azores in this area at a national and international level.

The meeting, which took place in Ponta Delgada, brought together about two dozen entities involved in the programme and was intended to present the proposals for marine protected areas (MPAs) to be included in the future offshore MPA network.

José Manuel Bolieiro reminded those present of the Region's recent presence at the Oceans Conference in Lisbon, a venue where "a position was taken" and where the Azores presented themselves in a "very good position in terms of their reputation."

The Regional Government "will continue to lead the Blue Azores, always in conjunction with stakeholders and in dialogue with scientists and other entities, stated the President of the Government.

The next steps of this programme include the scientific review of the MPA proposed by the stakeholders, a process to be conducted by the University of the Azores that is expected to be completer after the summer.

The Blue Azores programme emerged from a partnership between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Waitt Institute and the Blue Ocean Foundation. It has the support of several regional entities and was built on a common vision: to protect, promote and enhance the natural marine capital of the Azores, with the ambition to ensure a healthy ocean as the basis for a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.

Based on robust scientific data and in collaboration with diverse partners and entities, the Blue Azores programme aims to build new avenues for the sustainable economic development of the archipelago in direct cooperation with key stakeholders.

Working closely with the scientific teams of the University of the Azores, this programme benefits from decades of scientific knowledge, ensuring informed support in the implementation of marine protected areas.

The Regional Government of the Azores began in December last year the process of involvement and dialogue with different entities to define new marine protected areas, with a view to achieving the target of 30% of Marine Protected Areas in the Azores Sea and, at least, 15% of the area fully protected.

At this stage, the work of involvement and dialogue continues in order to achieve this goal, while respecting fishers' income and the sustainable use of the Azores sea and its resources.