AZORES PROTECTS 30% OF ITS SEA TO ESTABLISH LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN NORTH ATLANTIC
The Azores has created the largest Marine Protected Area network in the North Atlantic, protecting 287,000 square kilometers.
Congratulations to the people of the Azores for this historic milestone and all who have contributed.
The Azorean Sea, an area of almost 1,000,000 km², represents 55% of Portuguese waters and approximately 15% of European waters. Within the 30%, half is fully protected, where no extraction of natural resources takes place, and half is highly protected.
“The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean. The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally and economically.
We are committed to protect and recover our ocean to support a healthy blue economy. Our decision through a science-based and participatory process leading to the protection of 30% of our seas serves as an example that other regions must follow now to ensure the future health of the planet.”
- José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It contains some of the most important, unique and fragile island, open sea, and deep-sea environments in the North Atlantic.
The now-approved network of Marine Protected Areas creates a sanctuary for nature, such as sharks, fish, whales, deep sea corals and unique hydrothermal vent ecosystems, resulting in a healthy ocean, which the Blue Economy and Azorean communities depend upon.
Focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the Azores Sea, based on the best scientific knowledge, and with the participation of the community, the Blue Azores Program aims to contribute to the protection, promotion and enhancement of the archipelago's marine natural capital, creating new avenues for the sustainable economic development of the region. It thus promotes the conservation of the ocean, the enhancement of nature and the activities that depend on it, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy. It was born from a partnership between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute, and in collaboration with the University of the Azores.
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