strategy

NATIONAL OCEAN STRATEGY 2021-2030

FOREWORD

Speaker: Ricardo Serrão Santos, Minister of the Sea.
Agreement on Ocean Importance: Acknowledged universally across political parties, academia, business leaders, NGOs, and society.
History: Portugal's first National Ocean Strategy established in 2009; third strategy spans from 2021 to 2030.
Public Consultation Process: Inclusive process involved thousands of participants nationwide.
Geographical Context: Portugal's territories encompass approximately 4 million square kilometers of the ocean.
Response to Global Challenges: Emphasizes the ocean's role in recovery from COVID-19, climate crisis, and the need for sustainable solutions.
New Vision: Shift from anthropocentric to ecosystemic focus on ocean and maritime policy.
Goals: Provide guidelines for ocean policies and investments, balancing economic development with environmental protection.

INTRODUCTION

Portugal's Oceanic Identity:
- Coastline: Approximately 2,500 km.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 1.7 million km², rich in ecosystems and resources.
- Maritime Triangle: Includes Continental Portugal, Azores, and Madeira, covers 48% of EU maritime jurisdiction.
Continental Shelf Expansion: Delimitation beyond 200 nautical miles, goal to manage a maritime area of 4.1 million km².
Historical Perspective: The return to ocean-centric policies reflects Portugal's maritime cultural heritage.
- Notable Programs: Marine Sciences and Technologies Enhancement Program, National Ocean Strategies, hypercluster initiatives.
Recent Advances: Successful engagement in international frameworks such as UN SDGs and marine conservation discussions.
Ocean Economy: Contributions to Portugal's GDP (5.1% in 2018) and vision to enhance economic potential while conserving marine resources.

VISION

Core Focus: Promote healthy oceans to maximize sustainable blue development and the well-being of Portuguese citizens.
Leadership: Position Portugal as a leading nation in science-based ocean governance, emphasizing environmental and social responsibility.

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE DECADE

Overview: Organized around ten strategic goals (SG) aimed at addressing urgent global challenges.

SG1 - Fight Climate Change and Pollution and Protect and Restore Ecosystems

Objectives: Address climate and environmental challenges through science and technology.
Actions: Reduce pollution, protect marine biodiversity, implement restoration measures.

SG2 - Foster Employment and a Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy

Focus: Employment growth in blue economy sectors, emphasizing sustainability and circularity.
Goal: Transition towards inclusive economy practices, fostering equity in resource use.

SG3 - Decarbonize the Economy and Promote Renewable Energies and Energy Autonomy

Commitments: Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on blue carbon and renewable energy projects.

SG4 - Invest in Guaranteeing Sustainability and Food Security

Focus Areas: Promote sustainable exploitation of marine resources; increase domestic aquaculture production.

SG5 - Facilitate Water Access & Supply

Strategies: Enhance water resource management and efficiency, promote desalination technology.

SG6 - Promote Health and Wellbeing

Connections: Link between ocean health and human health, promoting marine dietary practices and recreational activities.

SG7 - Stimulate Scientific Knowledge, Technological Development and Blue Innovation

Focus: Enhance scientific research and innovation in ocean science and technology.

SG8 - Improve Education, Qualification, Culture and Ocean Literacy

Goals: Expand education and training opportunities related to oceanics, fostering a culture connected to the maritime environment.

SG9 - Incentivize Reindustrialization and Productive Capacity and Ocean Digitalization

Aim: Reinforce Portugal's industrial capabilities linked to the blue economy, including emerging technologies and digitalization.

SG10 - Ensure Safety, Sovereignty, Cooperation and Governance

Key Focus: Foster international cooperation while ensuring national sovereignty over maritime areas.

PRIORITY INTERVENTION AREAS (PIAs)

Detail strategic areas critical for achieving overarching strategic goals:

PIA1 - Science and Innovation

Importance of scientific excellence for decision-making, sustainable innovation, and technological advancements.

PIA2 - Education, Qualification, Culture and Ocean Literacy

Focus on building maritime culture and enhancing educational pathways related to ocean careers.

PIA3 - Biodiversity and Marine Protected Areas

Commitment to protect and manage marine diversity, achieving 30% protected area status by 2030.

PIA4 - Bioeconomy and Blue Biotech

Development of sustainable biotechnological solutions utilizing marine resources.

PIA5 - Fisheries, Aquaculture, Processing and Commerce

Enhancing sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture, ensuring traceability and quality standards.

PIA6 - Robotics and Digital Technologies

Utilize robotics for enhancing marine and scientific operations across various ocean-related sectors.

PIA7 - Renewable Ocean Energy

Explore and invest in renewable ocean energy technologies, aiming for significant installed capacity.

PIA8 - Tourism, Recreational Boating and Sports

Promote sustainable tourism linked to ocean activities, balancing economic interests with conservation.

PIA9 - Ports, Maritime Transport, Logistics and Communications

Strengthening Portugal's position as a logistics hub, enhancing transport infrastructure while considering environmental implications.

PIA10 - Shipyards, Shipbuilding and Ship Repair

Support the development of sustainable and innovative shipbuilding practices while focusing on modernization.

PIA11 - Coastal Management, Construction and Infrastructures

Sustainable management of coastlines as integral to economic development and environmental protection.

PIA12 - Non-living Resources

Exploring sustainable extraction of non-living marine resources, addressing technological and ecological challenges.

PIA13 - Maritime Security, Defence and Surveillance

Emphasize maritime security as essential for ecological sustainability and economic growth.

TARGETS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Establish quantifiable targets to assess the effectiveness and reach of the strategy,
Examples: Protect 30% of national maritime areas, double employment in the blue economy, increase ocean production efficiency.

MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

Strategies for efficient monitoring and assessment of implementation will establish a feedback loop for improvement.
Collaborative approaches to collecting ocean data and analysis will support ongoing evaluation of impacts.

MODEL FOR GOVERNANCE, COORDINATION AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

Establish interconnectivity between national and international agencies, fostering cohesive policies and practices across oceans.

FLAGSHIP ACTIONS FOR THE OCEAN 2030

Key actionable items aimed to ensure impactful implementation aligning with strategic goals. Examples of flagship actions discussed include:
- Mapping marine habitats and ecosystem services.
- Classification of protected marine areas.
- Development of national strategies for aquaculture.

Note: The above document outlines an extensive plan addressing various aspects of marine governance, management, and preservation in Portugal as part of the National Ocean Strategy 2021-2030. Further detailed data can be extracted from specific sections as necessary for study.