Portugal wants to lead the protection and economic valorization of the ocean.

Portugal must take a leading role in the protection and economic valorization of the ocean. The idea was defended by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, at the opening of the 1st Mar Portugal Forum, held in Faro, where she highlighted the need to reconcile environmental defense with sustainable growth.

In the session promoted by the Algarve Sea Science Center, the minister stated that the ocean is a strategic asset of enormous importance for Portugal and for humanity, remembering the size of the Portuguese exclusive economic zone and the country’s responsibility in its preservation and valorization. Maria da Graça Carvalho defended a strategy based on the protection of marine environments, but also on the development of the blue economy, with activities guided by principles of environmental sustainability and ecological transition. Among the examples highlighted were sustainable marine ecotourism and blue biotechnology, including the potential for the development of new pharmaceuticals, always safeguarding marine habitats.

The minister also considered that Portugal must lead by example in defending the ocean as an essential ecosystem for regulating the planet’s climate and a fundamental reserve of biodiversity. At the forum, the president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community formally presented the letter of intent “Algarve Natural Capital” to the minister, through which the 16 Algarve municipalities undertake to affirm the region as a reference in the sustainable valorization of natural capital, with special attention to the protection of the ocean and coastal ecosystems.

The 1st Mar Portugal Forum brought together political decision-makers, researchers, financial institutions, companies and international organizations to debate the role of the ocean as a driver of development and reinforce Portugal’s position in the ecological transition.

Photo: Sara Matos/MAEN

This post was generated from information in the original feed. Credits and reference to the source were included at the end of the text.

Source: