Local and regional leaders gathered at the Whaling Industry Museum in São Roque do Pico for a presentation on the Blue Azores Project. The initiative aims to conserve and sustainably use the Azorean Sea, safeguarding its rich marine biodiversity while fostering sustainable development for the archipelago.
A Collaborative Effort
Blue Azores is an international partnership involving the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation, and the Waitt Institute. Together, they strive for a shared vision of marine conservation and sustainable growth.
Marine Protected Areas and Biodiversity
In his presentation, Luis Bernardo Brito e Abreu, Adviser to the Azores Government, explained that the program has established Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with 15% of the Azorean Sea now fully protected. These areas are home to:
- 28 marine mammal species
- 6 species of turtles
- Over 560 fish species
Such measures address concerns over declining fish stocks, as highlighted in interviews with fishermen and local fish sellers. A whale-watching entrepreneur also shared how the prohibition of whaling significantly boosted tourism, emphasizing the potential of MPAs to attract even more visitors.
Brito e Abreu added that Blue Azores exemplifies how participatory processes and international collaboration can lead to tangible outcomes for marine conservation. By protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable industries like tourism, the program offers a blueprint for other regions striving to balance conservation and development.
Voices of Leadership
Highlighting the broader vision behind Blue Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores, stated: “We can be an outermost region and small, but we can also be central and huge when we take into account the sea. This initiative is about turning the wheel—not just extracting from the sea but valuing it and using its resources sustainably. We were in a phase of acceptance of the MPA. Now that this is approved, we are moving into a phase of explaining—to the central government, to Europe, and to our people—why this is important and how it will benefit everyone.”
Global and Local Recognition
The initiative has gained international attention, with over 180 media outlets reporting on the MPAs. Distinguished attendees included:
• MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral
• Luís Lambrechts of the Oceano Azul Foundation
• Jesús Gamallo Aller, Director-General for External Relations with the EU, Region of Galicia (EPP-CoR)
• Luís Filipe Silva, Mayor of São Roque do Pico
• Duarte Freitas, Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Public Administration