José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “pioneering” network safeguarding 30% of Azores sea at “OCEAN with David Attenborough” presentation - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the presentation of the documentary "OCEAN with David Attenborough." This initiative brought together ocean enthusiasts and partners involved in the Azores' marine conservation strategy in the Region, a moment of reflection on the future of the sea.

The session included a screening of the film starring David Attenborough, who, drawing on a lifetime of experience dedicated to nature, reveals some of the most spectacular underwater habitats on Earth, highlighting that we are living in the greatest era of ocean discovery and emphasising its vital importance to life on the planet. Without hiding the challenges that threaten marine ecosystems today, the documentary delivers a message of hope, showing that the recovery of marine life on an unprecedented scale is within humanity's reach, provided there is commitment and action.

The head of the Azorean Government expressed his “great satisfaction” at participating in the event, emphasising that the session brought together “ocean enthusiasts and all those who, together with the Regional Government and the Blue Azores Programme, have contributed to consolidating the Region’s marine conservation efforts.”

The President of the Government considered that this meeting had special symbolism as it took place just a few days after the entry into force of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network, which he described as "the largest in the North Atlantic." In this context, he pointed out that this decision allows the Azores to protect 30% of its sea, with 15% under full protection and 15% under high protection, anticipating by five years the international goals set by the UN and the European Union for 2030.

This is a historic milestone that strengthens the Azores' leadership in ocean conservation," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out that the path to this result required a prolonged and coordinated effort, recalling that it was not a simple process, but rather "five years of rigorous scientific work, public participation and political commitment," led by the Regional Government and supported by the contribution of the Blue Azores Programme and the University of the Azores. According to him, this achievement reflects a clear strategy and long-term vision for the Azores sea, based on scientific knowledge, dialogue with society and firm political decisions.

The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the role of the Blue Azores Programme, stressing that it represents more than just a conservation initiative.

"Blue Azores is not just a conservation programme: it is an integrated vision for a healthy ocean and a sustainable blue economy," he said, pointing out community involvement, the promotion of ocean literacy and the creation of opportunities as fundamental pillars for building a future that balances nature and development.

Likewise, he emphasised that protecting the sea also means ensuring conditions for ocean-related economic activities to thrive sustainably, defending that conservation and development must go hand in hand.

After the screening of the documentary, a round table discussion was moderated by Paula Gouveia, director of the "Açoriano Oriental" newspaper, with the participation of Débora Gutierrez, from the University of the Azores, Adriano Quintela, from Blue Azores, and Bruno Sérgio, biologist and managing partner of a maritime tourism company. The conversation delved deeper into the importance of science, public policy, and the involvement of local agents in implementing an effective and participatory model for ocean protection.

José Manuel Bolieiro addressed the individual and collective conscience directly, inviting those present to reflect on the role that each person can play in protecting the sea.

"This documentary shows that change is possible and that it depends on collective and individual choices," he said, pointing out the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network as a tangible example of this transformation and as a sign of the Region's ability to lead by example. Defending that this session should serve as inspiration, the President of the Government reiterated the importance of continuing on the path towards building "a future where the ocean, a source of life and identity for the Azores, is preserved for forthcoming generations."

Also present at the session were the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Luís Bernardo Brito e Abreu.