UNOC3: Azores bring to Nice the largest protected maritime zone in the North Atlantic

From June 9-13, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is taking place in Nice, France. Political leaders from around the world, along with scientists, civil society organisations, and the private sector are gathering to discuss solutions for ocean preservation and sustainability.

Located in the North Atlantic, the Azores archipelago plays a notable role: it has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in Europe and has been strengthening its position as a model of commitment to marine conservation. A prime example of this is the Blue Azores program, an initiative of the Regional Government of the Azores, in partnership with the Oceano Azul Foundation and the international organisation Waitt Institute, as Luís Bernardo Brito e Abreu, Advisor to the President of the Government of the Azores and Coordinator of the Blue Azores Program, explained to RFI’s reporting team.