Azores and Catalonia forge joint initiative to boost ocean sustainability and blue economy

Representatives from the Azores and Catalonia used the opening session of the international “Smart Oceans: Sustainability, Technology, and Economic Growth” forum in Angra do Heroísmo to launch a joint framework for ocean-focused cooperation. Vice-President Artur Lima emphasized the archipelago’s commitment to pioneering marine propulsion, port decarbonisation and coastal community empowerment, positioning the region as a centre for sustainability research.

Rui Reis underscored Catalonia’s advanced science-technology-industry network and Barcelona’s status as a Mediterranean gateway, arguing that the two territories’ complementary strengths can be turned into mutual advantage. The participants called for integrated research, shared data, European project participation and pilot solutions for decarbonising ports and boosting the blue economy. Delegations included universities, ports, tech firms and the UN Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre, aiming to produce tangible outcomes that benefit both economies and marine ecosystems.