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January 11, 2025

Policy & Place

Marine Protection in The Azores: Bio-Economies & Autonomy

With the Future of Cities expansion to Europe, we’ve been keeping our finger on the pulse for innovative conservation efforts, particularly in Portugal.

Initiatives like the Azores Marine Protected Area exemplify the critical intersection of biodiversity preservation, sustainable economic opportunity and cultural well-being. This new legislation, announced in October 2024 leading up to the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, establishes the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic 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.

A Milestone for Ocean Protection

Spanning 287,000 square kilometers (about 110,800 square miles), the Azores’ new marine protected area (MPA) safeguards 30% of the surrounding ocean. This effort aligns with the global goal set in 2022 to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030—a target aimed at addressing the urgent biodiversity crisis. Currently, only 8% of the ocean is under protection, and less than 3% is fully or highly safeguarded, making the Azores’ achievement a monumental step forward.

The Azores’ marine conservation effort isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to science-driven and participatory governance. The Azores Archipelago began their efforts with marine protection in the 1980s, evolving through joint collaboration among government, universities, and local communities. The Blue Azores program, launched in 2019 from a partnership between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute, and the University of the Azores, has contributed to significant advances in marine conservation in the region.

“The benefits from this Marine Protected Area network will be far-reaching across Europe, North America and North Africa,”

says Bernardo Brito E Abreu, who’s been leading the Blue Azores team and is the Advisor to the President of the Government of the Azores on Sea Affairs and Fisheries.


This process ensures the preservation of deep-sea corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, unique hydrothermal vent ecosystems, and countless other marine species as MPAs are widely recognized as the most effective tool in the global effort to reverse biodiversity loss.

The Azores is an autonomous region off the coast of Portugal, consisting of a stunning archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located about 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) west of mainland Portugal, the Azores are renowned for their breathtaking natural landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage.

  1. Geography and Nature:
    • The islands are volcanic in origin, featuring dramatic cliffs, lush green valleys, crater lakes, hot springs, and rugged coastlines.
    • The archipelago includes nine islands divided into three groups:
      • Eastern Group: São Miguel and Santa Maria
      • Central Group: Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial
      • Western Group: Flores and Corvo
  1. Marine Biodiversity:
    • The waters surrounding the Azores are a hotspot for marine life, including whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and deep-sea corals.
    • The region is particularly known for whale watching and as a migratory route for various marine species.
  1. Culture and Autonomy:
    • The Azores have a distinct cultural identity, shaped by centuries of Portuguese heritage combined with the isolated geography of the islands.
    • The islands operate as an autonomous region of Portugal with their own government, legislative assembly, and administrative policies.
  1. Sustainability and Conservation:
    • The Azores are globally recognized for their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
    • Recent initiatives, such as the creation of the Azores Marine Protected Area Network, underscore the region’s dedication to protecting biodiversity.

The Azores is a prime example of a region balancing environmental conservation with economic development, making it an inspiring model for regenerative living and sustainable tourism.

Why Marine Conservation Matters for Urban Life

What does an oceanic conservation milestone have to do with the health of cities and their residents? The answer lies in the interconnectedness of ecosystems and urban environments. Marine ecosystems are vital to the planet’s climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and food security—all factors that directly or indirectly impact urban populations.

Healthy oceans contribute to civic health by:

The Azores as a Model for Autonomy & Sustainability

The Azores’ achievement serves as a model for how science-based, community-driven initiatives can lead to sustainable growth. By prioritizing conservation, the region not only protects biodiversity but also sets a precedent for urban areas to integrate nature-based solutions into their development plans.

The work of organizations like Pristine Seas, which has contributed to 29 marine protected areas globally, showcases the importance of partnerships in achieving such ambitious goals. For urban planners, policymakers, and environmental advocates, the Azores’ success underscores the value of cross-sector collaboration in tackling the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and civic well-being.

Together, we can co-create a future where land and ocean conservation are deeply intertwined with the health and vitality of urban communities.

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