Azores are “case of study” in the protection of the oceans, says Barroso

O president of the Luso-American Foundation for Development (FLAD), José Manuel Durão Barroso, said today that the Azores “are a case of study in the area of protection and study of the oceans”, also assuming a geopolitical and strategic relevance.

“ Geography dictated over the years that the Azores had their future in their ocean. The Azores are at this very important intersection, not only geopolitical, but a cross-reference of fundamental priorities such as national sustainability, security and defence, on the other hand,” the president of FLAD said.

Durão Barroso spoke at the presentation session “Açores: Ciência, Oceane e Futuro Atlântico”, which included a visit to the research ship Azores Ocean, at the maritime terminal of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel.

In his speech, the former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal maintained that the geographical position of the Azores in the Atlantic, together with scientific research and ocean conservation, is an increasingly relevant strategic asset for Portugal and Europe.

“There is a very interesting convergence between environmental factors, conservation factors, factors that have to do with sustainability, but also with geopolitical factors, so we can be investing in sustainability, the environment and also in security and defense,” he added.

The president of FLAD also said that the current international circumstances, marked by profound changes and balance of forces at a global level, with conflicts that will inevitably leave a very different world, cause this unique and irreplaceable geographical position of the Azores to become a precious asset.

“ In recent years the Azores have gained even more strategic importance for Portugal, for Europe, in the conservation of oceans and maritime jurisdiction,” he said.

Therefore, this centrality in the Atlantic context could be reflected in the designation of the ocean itself.

“Change to the ocean of the Azores would undoubtedly be a well-justified name and the centrality of the Azores is clear,” he joked.

He also recalled the work carried out by FLAD over the years in support of scientific ocean research, stressing “the particular attention” that the institution has devoted to the Azores in this area.