Empowering Communities to Protect Their Ocean
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BLUE
AZORES
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.
Learn more by following the program on Facebook and Instagram.
FOUNDING
PARTNERS
KEY
STATISTICS
287,000
amount of ocean that will be safeguarded
sq. km.
of ocean protected committed as "fully protected"
15%
of ocean protected committed as "highly protected"
15%
PROGRAM
OBJECTIVES
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Protect 30% of the Azorean Sea through Marine Protected Areas, with at least 15% as fully protected marine areas.
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Prepare and implement management plans for all marine protected areas, including existing ones and those to be designated.
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Contribute to marine spatial planning.
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Support the restructuring of the fishing sector.
PROJECT
TIMELINE
MOU
GOVERNANCE & WORK PLANNING
ASSESSMENTS
PLANNING & LEGAL DEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
PROJECT
MILESTONES
2019
2021
2023
MOU is signed between the Regional Government of the Azores and local partners.
The Oceanic Participatory Process began
Public consultations were held 3 held in Faial, Terceira, and São Miguel, mobilizing more than 120 participants
2024
Approval of RAMPA proposal to protect 30% of Azores waters.
PROGRAM
TEAM
LUIS BERNARDO BRITO E ABREU
Luis Bernardo is an Advisor to the President of the Government of the Azores, in the areas of Sea Affairs and Fisheries. In this context, he is the Government Representative and Coordinator of the Blue Azores Program. He has a degree in Naval Military Sciences, from the Portuguese Naval Academy, and a Master in Architecture from the University of Lisbon.
Born in Ponta Delgada, for 21 years he served as a naval officer, assigned to various leadership positions, in the areas of navigation, oceanography, fisheries inspection, search and rescue and naval communications.
Since July 2022, he has coordinated the activity of Blue Azores between the Regional Government, the Partners and the stakeholders, being a member of the high-level management of the program.
MARIA JOÃO CRUZ
CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES
Maria João holds a degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, with a specialization in Marine Ecology. She worked as a researcher at the University of the Azores, focusing on the interactions between cetaceans and fisheries. She joined the Blue Azores Program in 2019. Originally from Alcochete, she has lived in the Azores for over 15 years, bringing to the program her scientific expertise and a close relationship with the fishing community.
ADRIANO QUINTELA
MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING
Adriano has a degree in Marine Biology and a Ph.D. in Geography specializing in integrated coastal zone management from the University of the Azores. With experience in coastal and watershed planning projects, he has worked as an environmental consultant and researcher at the University of Aveiro in maritime spatial planning and environmental impact assessment.
He joined the Blue Azores Program in 2021. A native of Aveiro, Adriano brings his scientific knowledge and experience in stakeholder participatory processes to the program.
MARIANA ANDRADE
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Mariana holds a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Technology, and Management, specializing in Integrated Marine Management. Her doctoral thesis investigated the efficient monitoring of Marine Protected Areas. She joined the Blue Azores Program team in 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Mariana brings her multidisciplinary experience and scientific expertise in the designation and effective implementation of Marine Protected Areas to the program.
ANA MONTEIRO
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAM SUPPORT
Ana is a dedicated activist who has worked for many years defending the natural heritage of the Azores. She holds a degree in Radiology, a master’s in Socio-Organizational Health Intervention, and a degree in European Studies and International Politics. She has been contributing to the implementation of the Blue Azores Program since 2021, responsible for community engagement and supporting its execution. Originally from Flores Island, Ana brings her local knowledge and passion for nature conservation to the program.
MAFALDA NEUVILLE
COMMUNICATION
Mafalda holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Lisbon and has gained experience in communication strategy and branding in creative agencies. Since moving to the Azores, she has taken courses in sustainability, participatory practices, and project financing. She joined the Blue Azores team in 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Mafalda brings her multidisciplinary experience in management and communication strategy to the program.
INÊS JORGE
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & CONTENT
Inês has a degree in Social and Cultural Communication with experience in marketing, event organization, and journalism, having collaborated with several national and international companies. She has been part of the Blue Azores Program since 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Inês has lived in São Miguel for eight years and brings her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to the program.
“The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with [the decision to protect 30% of Azores seas], 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
