COOL AÇORES—The Convention of Organizations for a Clean Ocean, an initiative promoted by the Oceano Azul Foundation and supported by Blue Azores, is taking place in Terceira this weekend, today, September 14, and tomorrow, September 15.
According to a note sent to DI newspaper in Terceira island by the organization, the Convention will bring together various civil society organizations and experts to debate “the need for urgent protection and enhancement of the Azorean sea, with a special focus on the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA).”
COOL Azores aims ” to unite organizations and entities for the conservation of the Azorean Sea, promote the sharing of experiences, foster collaboration and strengthen the ecosystem of NGOs and citizens’ movements operating in the region”.
The event will feature panel discussions, round tables, and group dynamics.
The proceedings are scheduled at the Luís da Silva Ribeiro Public Library and Regional Archive in Angra do Heroísmo. Mário Pinho, Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, will open the event.
The protection of the Azorean Sea is under debate in the archipelago, particularly the protected areas already defined, which some experts consider inadequate for the regional reality.
João Pedro Barreiros, an expert on the subject and a professor at the University of the Azores, has already said that many of the areas defined for protection are of no interest, leaving out others that should be protected.
Barreiros’ criticisms, made on RTP-Azores (Conversas com Ciência) and in this newspaper, have never been refuted.

in Diário Insular-José Lourenço, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.