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Bermuda and Azores discuss ocean management

Pabio November 18, 2024

An Azorean delegation, led by President José Manuel Bolieiromet with Prime Minister David Burt and Deputy Prime Minister Walter Roban to discuss maritime management and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

A government spokesperson said: “During its recent visit, the high-level Azores delegation, led by President José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Prime Minister David Burt and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of ‘Interior Walter Roban to discuss maritime management and strengthen bilateral cooperation. between the Atlantic island regions. The meeting follows the Azores’ action to pass historic legislation to protect 30% of its waters, creating the largest network of marine protected areas in the North Atlantic.

“The Azores and Bermuda are united by the Sargasso Sea, which provides a migration route for birds and marine life as well as a rich maritime history and cultural exchange. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Portuguese and Azorean heritage in Bermuda. Today, approximately 20% of Bermuda’s population is Portuguesereflecting the strong cultural ties between the regions, which are closely linked to the ocean through livelihoods, economic activity and culture.

“Bermuda and the Azores began developing ocean management initiatives, including a network of marine protected areas, in 2019. Both regions have focused on a highly participatory, science-based process to determine best management and the future development of ocean spaces.

“Strengthening relations between Bermuda and the Azores provides a strategic opportunity to learn from each other and improve how we manage our oceans,” said Azores President José Bolieiro. “As isolated island regions in the North Atlantic, we have the opportunity to create a model for the rest of the world on how to sustainably manage our oceans while building a thriving economy. »

The spokesperson said: “The high-level meetings focused on sharing knowledge between the two regions to improve marine research, monitoring and surveillance systems of offshore areas using satellite technology, and the capacity building through maritime training programs, such as the Azores Sea School. .”

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Secretary Walter Roban added: “As Atlantic islands, we share unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The Azores’ success in protecting 30% of its waters inspires and informs our work in Bermuda, just as our Blue Prosperity Plan can inform their future initiatives. By sharing our experiences, we accelerate progress towards our shared commitment to sustainable development.

“Our regions are also exploring innovative financing models and knowledge sharing platforms to boost sustainable ocean industries, marine technology development and ocean education initiatives,” said Luis Bernardo Brito e Abreu, Advisor to the President of the government of the Azores. “Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan, particularly its innovative Blue Economy Strategy, establishes a compelling framework for sustainable financing and ocean-linked economic growth. The work carried out in Bermuda provides valuable information that can strengthen our ocean management efforts in the Azores.

The spokesperson said: “Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan includes full protection of 20% of its waters and a framework to sustainably build the island’s blue economy. After years of public consultation and community engagement, the document was released for public consultation in April 2024. An independent review panel into the development of the Marine Spatial Plan provided comments to Minister Roban for consideration taken into account and integrated before finalizing the plan.