The Government of the Azores defended that the promotion of the "good ecological status" of the Azores Sea and the sustainability of existing and emerging maritime activities are a differentiation factor. This idea was defended at the Atlantic Conference 2013 - Atlantic's Blue Growth that ends today in Lisbon.

"As a differentiation factor, the Azores have reiterated their mission to promote and maintain the good ecological status of the sea and the sustainability of existing and emerging maritime activities," stated the Regional Director for Sea Affairs.

In order to promote blue growth, Filipe Porteiro stressed that the Azores have not only stimulated the activities with development potential, such as maritime tourism activities and maritime transport, but have also promoted new economic opportunities based on solid scientific criteria.
In this context, the Regional Director pointed out, as examples, biotechnology and deep sea mining.

This initiative takes place two years after the first Atlantic Conference, when the debate on the European Strategy was started. During the forum, the Government of the Azores highlighted the political and geographical specificities of the Region, emphasising its maritime vocation, as well as the complexity of maritime affairs at the level of governance.

In addition to developing a strategy for the sea in conjunction with various governmental departments, the Government of the Azores intends to encourage the involvement of public and private companies, universities, professional associations, among other activities.

"An active and informed citizenship is regarded as a crucial factor to the progress of a sustainable maritime economy," said Filipe Porteiro.
The Atlantic Conference 2013 aims, among other goals, to present priority projects and the funds available for the period 2014-2020.