30x30 Ocean Action Plan 2025

30x30 Ocean Action Plan19 18The Azores – Designated and Leading by Example In 2024, the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores (ALRAA) approved the creation of the largest network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the North Atlantic, covering nearly 287,000 km2 (this increased ocean protection by almost 0.08%). This designation represents a landmark moment not only for the Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago of nine islands, but for global efforts to meet the 30x30 target. The Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Azores (RAMPA) will protect 30% of the Azores’ waters once implemented, with 16% designated as fully protected preventing extractive activities, and 14% as highly protected.20 The process behind the designation of the Azores MPAs offers a compelling example of how robust political commitment, partnerships, transparent governance, and inclusive stakeholder engagement can combine to deliver ambitious, durable marine conservation outcomes. From the outset, the Azores initiative was grounded in science-based planning, with a focus on identifying priority areas for conservation that support marine biodiversity, including vulnerable marine ecosystems that align with international standards of the IUCN and evaluative tools like the The MPA Guide.21,22,23 The network was designed around a set of conservation objectives, grounded in science and refined through stakeholder consultation and approval. These objectives were set so that the network could minimise impacts on activities while maximising protection of ecosystems, providing benefits for the entire Azores waters. Central to this approach was the use of participatory mapping tools such as SeaSketch, which enabled fishers, scientists, conservation NGOs, and local communities to contribute local ecological knowledge, spatial data, and socio-economic information in real time and design the network in a collaborative manner. This approach ensured that planning was not only Case Study 1. deliberative and data-rich, but also socially attuned—helping to integrate conservation priorities with economic realities and future blue economy opportunities and creating ownership by stakeholders. The designation process was structured and inclusive, with multiple phases of consultation and clear policy alignment with the Azores’ broader ocean governance frameworks across governments, facilitated through the Blue Azores programme which was created by a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019 between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation, and the Waitt Institute.24 By embedding the MPA management strategy within existing sustainable ocean plans and committing to long- term monitoring and enforcement, the regional government ensured that protection would be effective, meaningful and lasting. Another defining feature of the Azores approach was its commitment to engage communities beyond designation. Through community engagement and ocean literacy initiatives, marine citizen science programmes, the initiative actively involved local schools, tourism operators, and fishers in biodiversity monitoring.25 These initiatives continue to serve not only to generate valuable ecological data but also to foster public understanding and ownership of marine protection. Community members are empowered to report observations, monitor restored fish stocks, and witness improvements to coastal resilience—contributing to a culture of stewardship that reinforces long-term success. Now entering its second phase, the Azores is focusing on implementation: operationalising management plans, ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms are in place, and deploying effective monitoring and enforcement strategies and implementing a revision of coastal MPAs. These next steps will be crucial to ensuring that the designation translates into real- world impact for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being.