As the world prepares for the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBDCOP16), the Autonomous Region of the Azores has taken a landmark step in marine conservation by designating the largest network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the North Atlantic. This historic decision, which safeguards 30% of the surrounding sea, covers an impressive 287,000 square kilometers, setting a strong precedent ahead of upcoming global biodiversity negotiations.

The new network is divided into fully protected and highly protected areas. Half of the designated region will be fully protected, with no extraction of natural resources permitted, while the other half will have stringent restrictions. This bold move by the Azores contributes significantly to the global marine conservation agenda and aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030 (known as the 30×30 target).

The Azores’ initiative also supports the European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, reinforcing the region’s leadership in marine protection. Marine Protected Areas are widely regarded as the most effective tool in combating biodiversity loss and building ocean resilience against climate change. With less than 3% of the world’s oceans currently fully or highly protected, the Azores’ decision offers hope and serves as a model for other regions.

In a statement, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, emphasized the significance of this action: “The Azores has long been known for its unique ocean nature, and with this decision, we are driving the way forward to a productive, vibrant ocean. The sea is an integral part of our collective identity, being vital socially, culturally, and economically. 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.”

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, is home to some of the most ecologically significant island and deep-sea environments in the region. With an area covering 1,000,000 km², the Azorean sea represents 55% of Portuguese waters and around 15% of European waters, providing a sanctuary for a wide range of marine life, including sharks, whales, fish, and unique deep-sea coral ecosystems.

This achievement was made possible through a broad participatory process involving more than 40 meetings with various stakeholders, including representatives from the fishing industry, maritime transport, tourism operators, and environmental organizations.
The result was a collaboratively designed MPA network that balances the needs of people, nature, and the economy, grounded in the best available regional science.

With this forward-thinking legislation, the Azores demonstrates the powerful role that regions can play in global conservation efforts and sets a new standard for ocean protection as the world prepares to tackle the pressing challenges of biodiversity and climate change.