CPLP Nations Unveil 2030 Strategic Ocean Cooperation Plan
On World Oceans Day, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) took a decisive step toward securing the future of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Ministers from across the Lusophone world met in Lisbon on June 8 to unanimously approve the Strategic Cooperation Plan for the Ocean (2026–2030), a landmark roadmap designed to unify maritime policy and protect marine ecosystems.
The meeting, chaired by East Timor’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, brought together officials in person and virtually to address the pressing environmental and economic challenges facing the community’s nine member states. The new plan outlines a coordinated approach to ocean governance, focusing on the development of a “sustainable blue economy” while prioritizing scientific research and technological innovation.
A Shield Against Climate Change
Minister Marcos da Cruz emphasized that the plan is more than just a policy document; it is a vital shield against the escalating threats of climate change and environmental degradation. “This plan represents a renewed commitment to sustainable development, food security, and the resilience of our coastal communities,” da Cruz stated. He noted that the CPLP has evolved into a “privileged platform” capable of turning shared visions into effective, concrete actions on the global stage.
The strategic pillars of the agreement include:
- Strengthening maritime security and surveillance.
- Enhancing ocean literacy and public awareness.
- Deepening technical cooperation and knowledge transfer between nations.
- Protecting marine biodiversity and restoring ecosystems.
Global Strength Through Geography and Language
Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Ferreira Fernandes, highlighted the strategic advantage of the CPLP’s combined maritime reach. With Brazil and Portugal possessing some of the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), Fernandes argued that unity strengthens the group’s global influence. “The oceans unite us,” Fernandes told Lusa. “This cooperation allows us to better benefit from our vast maritime territories, reinforcing our strength on a global scale.”
In a drive toward better data sharing, the ministers also called for the creation of national committees under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. While Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde have already established these bodies, the goal is to create a complete shared network across all member states to foster a deeper understanding of marine science.
The approval comes as the CPLP prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary on July 17. The organization comprises Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor, which currently holds the rotating presidency.
Image: Pexels – Richard Wilson
