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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Enhancing Climate Resilience: Coastal and marine ecosystems, like mangroves and coral reefs, act as natural barriers against storms and rising sea levels. Protecting these ecosystems supports urban areas vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
- Ensuring Food Security: Sustainable fishing practices within MPAs ensure long-term food supply chains for urban and rural populations alike.
- Boosting Economic and Cultural Vitality: Coastal cities benefit economically and culturally from marine tourism and sustainable industries tied to vibrant ocean ecosystems.
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.
Join Us in Portugal
Sources:
- National Geographic: The Azores Establishes Largest Marine Protected Area Network in Europe
- National Geographic Expeditions: Exploring Portugal and the Azores
- https://iucn-members.us/2024/11/08/azores-archipelago-become-north-atlantics-largest-mpa/
- https://www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/azores-marine-protected-area
Miami’s vibrant art and environmental communities are showcasing creativity and ecological innovation at an unparalleled scale.
The Miami Reef Star, a groundbreaking collaboration by artist Carlos Betancourt and architect Alberto Latorre, is now on display at the Climate & Innovation HUB powered by Future of Cities before its ultimate deployment as an underwater sculptural art installation in 2025. Commissioned by The ReefLine, this project represents a fusion of art, architecture, and environmental science that breathes new life into Miami’s marine ecosystems.
A Star Born from Innovation
The Miami Reef Star is much more than an Art Week art installation; it’s a hybrid reef designed with ecological purpose. Crafted using 3D-printed environmentally friendly concrete, the star’s jagged textures and intricately designed openings replicate the natural features of coral reefs. These design elements create an ideal habitat for marine organisms, providing shelter for smaller creatures and allowing light to filter through to support a thriving internal ecosystem.
A unique “Coral Lok” mechanism further elevates the star’s functionality. This innovative feature facilitates coral planting, turning the sculpture into a dynamic, living reef that will contribute to the restoration of Miami’s underwater habitats. By combining artistic vision with ecological engineering, the Miami Reef Star embodies the future of sustainable marine conservation.
The All-Star Team
The creation of the Miami Reef Star brought together a stellar team of visionaries, including Carlos Betancourt, Alberto Latorre , and Ximena Caminos, Brandi Reddick and the entire ReefLine team.
During Art Week Miami Beach from December 2-8, 2024, the prototype was on display between 36th and 37th streets, offering visitors an interactive glimpse into its transformative potential & it’s innovative 3D printed texture.
From Shoreline to Seafloor
The Miami Reef Star will soon make its journey underwater, where it will be relocated 15-20 feet beneath the surface, within easy swimming distance from the shore slated for 2025 deployment. This transition marks the next phase of its life as part of The ReefLine’s ambitious 7-mile underwater sculpture park. Masterplanned by the renowned architecture firm OMA and ReefLine founder Ximena Caminos, this park blends environmental awareness with artistic expression to foster a deeper connection between Miami’s residents, visitors, and marine life.
The ReefLine’s underwater installations, including the Miami Reef Star, are designed to promote marine biodiversity while serving as a beacon of Miami Beach’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Inspired by the starfish’s natural migration patterns, the Miami Reef Star and its counterparts will form a vibrant underwater landscape, drawing both marine organisms and human admirers to this unique ecological art destination.
A Celebration of Collaboration
The Miami Reef Star’s new home on land at the Climate & Innovation HUB powered by Future of Cities underscores the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By merging art, science, and community, The ReefLine and its partners are charting a course toward a more sustainable future—one that celebrates Miami’s unique relationship with the ocean and the stars above.
Together, we are reimagining our role as stewards of both art and the environment, proving that when stars align, anything is possible. Schedule a tour of the Future of Cities headquarters and visit the Miami Reef Star IRL.
3D Prototypes printed by: Kind Design, MADCO3D and 3D Potter