Bermuda & Azores Discuss Ocean Management
An Azorean delegation, led by President José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Premier David Burt and Deputy Premier Walter Roban to discuss marine management and enhance bilateral cooperation.
A Government spokesperson said, “During their recent visit, the high-level delegation from the Azores, led by President José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Premier David Burt and Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban to discuss marine management and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Atlantic island regions. The meeting follows the Azores’ action to pass historic legislation to protect 30% of their waters, creating the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic.
“The Azores and Bermuda are united by the Sargasso Sea, which provides a migration route for birds and marine life and a rich maritime history and cultural exchange. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Portuguese and Azorean heritage in Bermuda. Today, about 20% of Bermuda’s population is Portuguese, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the regions, which are connected closely 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 process based on science to best determine the future management and development of ocean spaces.”
“Strengthening the relationship between Bermuda and the Azores provides a strategic opportunity to learn from each other and improve the way we manage our ocean,” said President of the Azores, José Bolieiro. “As isolated island regions in the North Atlantic, we have the opportunity to create a blueprint for the rest of the world on how to sustainably manage our ocean while building a thriving economy.”
The spokesperson said, “High-level meetings focused on knowledge sharing between the two regions to improve marine research, monitoring, and surveillance systems of offshore areas through satellite technology, and capacity building through marine training programs, such as the Azores School of the Sea.”
Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban added, “As islands in the Atlantic, we share unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The Azores’ success in protecting 30% of their 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 toward our shared commitment to sustainable development.”
“Our regions are also exploring innovative financing models and knowledge-sharing platforms to drive 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, sets a compelling framework for sustainable financing and economic growth related to the ocean. The work done in Bermuda offers valuable insights that can strengthen our ocean management efforts in the Azores.”
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan includes 20% full protection of its waters and a framework to sustainably build the island’s blue economy. Following years of public consultation and community involvement, the document was released for public feedback in April 2024 . A review panel independent from the Marine Spatial Plan development provided feedback to Minister Roban to be considered and incorporated before finalizing the Plan.”
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