PROTECT, PROMOTE AND VALUE THE MARINE NATURAL CAPITAL OF THE AZORES

FOR A HEALTHY OCEAN
AND A SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY

Name: Blue Azores
Address: PT

The Blue Azores Program was born in 2019 from a partnership between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute, which came together around a common vision - to protect, promote and value the marine natural capital of the Azores - which supports an ambition to ensure a healthy ocean as the basis of a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.

AZORES ESTABLISHES THE LARGEST MPA
NETWORK IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

PROTECT THE AZORES SEA

2019 OBJECTIVE:

15% PROTECTION

In 2019, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish the Blue Azores Program between the XII Regional Government of the Azores and its partners, celebrating the commitment to create Fully Protected Marine Protected Areas covering 15% of the Azores' sea.

2021 OBJECTIVE:

30% PROTECTION

In 2021, the XIII Regional Government of the Azores reaffirmed its protection commitment and strengthened this ambition by implementing the target of 30% protection by 2023, ahead of national and international deadlines.

2024: DESIGNATION OF
RAMPA

In 2024, the Azores Regional Legislative Assembly discussed and approved the second amendment to the Azores Marine Park legislation with 30% protection, designating RAMPA and thus establishing the largest network of Marine Protected Areas in the North Atlantic.

WHY 30% PROTECTION?

The ecosystems of the Azores Sea are threatened due to climate change, pollution and intensive exploitation.

The Azores Sea contains unique natural values that must be protected.

National and international policies define targets of 30% protection:

2020 - European Biodiversity S trategy 2030

2021 - National Sea Strategy 2030

2022 - UN Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the most effective instrument for the protection and recovery of marine life.

Using the best scientific information as well as community involvement is the way to guarantee its adequate implementation and management.

WHY NOW?

Science unequivocally shows the urgency of protecting the ocean.

Each year of inaction is equivalent to a loss of value, impacting all sectors linked to the sea.

Azoreans are tied to the sea:
socially, culturally, economically
and through identity.

The Regional Government of the Azores has committed to leading by example in the management and protection of its sea.

The designation of RAMPA is the first step toward its effective implementation and management by 2030.

Its enforcement is not immediate.
It requires the development of a management strategy (EGRAMPA), the approval of corresponding management and zoning plans, and the allocation of human and financial resources to ensure the effective implementation of this network.