The "Azores Between Seas 2018" campaign, organised by the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, starts on the European Maritime Day, May 20, on all islands of the archipelago and runs until June 8, World Oceans Day. This year' edition will be dedicated to the theme "Zero Waste in the Azores Sea."
 
This initiative takes place every year in the Region and is already in its ninth edition. It intends to promote the knowledge of the sea and the sustainability of maritime activities, involving the Azorean society in the protection and safeguarding of the archipelago's marine environment.
 
According to the Regional Director for Sea Affairs, "Azores Between Seas" is an opportunity to disseminate and raise awareness for the importance of knowledge on oceans. In this regard, the campaign aims to "develop our culture, which is intrinsically maritime, in a context of active citizenship and public participation."
 
Filipe Porteiro highlighted two key initiatives in this year's campaign, namely the second edition of the Multi-Arts Contest "The Sea is Already is Here," now designated as "Arts Between Seas Prize," in the painting, photography, video and comics categories.
 
This contest aims to encourage and stimulate the creativity and originality of participants, raising awareness for the protection and conservation of oceans, namely the Azores Sea. It is a jointly organised by the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs in partnership with the Regional Directorate for Culture and the Azores Sea Observatory.
 
A prize will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place for each category in competition: a sum of 1,200 Euros to the 1st place and a sum of 500 Euros to the 2nd place.
 
The "Zero Waste in the Azores Sea: Cleaning the Azores Coast" is another key initiative promoted in the context of "Between Seas 2018" campaign. It includes several coastal cleaning actions to be held simultaneously on all islands of the archipelago on May 26.
 
"Azores Between Seas" and, in particular, the cleaning of the archipelago's coastal areas falls within the celebrations of the European Maritime Day, which brings together various initiatives developed in European maritime countries.
 
The "Azores Between Seas" is coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, being implemented by Azorina and Island Natural Parks. It has established partnerships with schools, municipal councils, village councils, public and private companies and NGOs such as scouts groups and nautical clubs, among others.
 
For further information, those who are interested should contact their Island Natural Park or the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs at the email [email protected] or visit the "Between Seas" online page at http://www.azores.gov.pt/Gra/srrn-cigam/.