Portuguese President Named UNESCO Ocean Decade Patron
Portuguese President António José Seguro has officially accepted UNESCO’s invitation to serve as a Patron of the Ocean Decade, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment to global marine preservation. The announcement came on Tuesday during a maritime conference on the island of Boa Vista, marking the third and final day of Seguro’s state visit to Cape Verde.
Seguro follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, by joining an elite group of heads of state dedicated to the initiative. He will serve alongside his Cape Verdean counterpart, José Maria Neves, who is also a patron of the United Nations-led program.
“I have accepted this invitation with humility and an increased sense of responsibility in the face of the growing challenges facing our seas,” Seguro told attendees. He emphasized that he looks forward to sharing the mission with President Neves to address the urgent environmental and economic needs of the Atlantic.
A Five-Point Vision for the Blue Economy
During his keynote address, President Seguro outlined five critical pillars for international maritime cooperation:
- Maritime Security: Protecting international waters and trade routes.
- Sustainability: Promoting responsible fishing and aquaculture practices.
- Tourism: Developing eco-friendly travel that respects coastal ecosystems.
- Blue Financing: Encouraging investment in sustainable ocean-based industries.
- Science and Technology: Harnessing innovation, which Seguro described as “one of the ocean’s greatest promises for the 21st century.”
A Special Bond with Cape Verde
President José Maria Neves welcomed Seguro’s appointment, stating he expects an “inestimable contribution” from the Portuguese leader. “We will be together on this path towards building the future and the dreams we share,” Neves said. Describing the vital importance of the Atlantic to his archipelago nation, Neves added: “The ocean is, for these islands, the air we breathe.”
The visit carried historic weight, as Seguro became the first foreign head of state to make an official visit to Boa Vista. During the ceremony, he was presented with the keys to the city of Sal Rei.
Before concluding his state visit and returning to Praia, the Portuguese President toured the Morro de Areia Nature Reserve and a local arts and culture center, highlighting the intersection of environmental conservation and local heritage.
The Ocean Decade
The Ocean Decade (2021–2030) is a global initiative led by UNESCO designed to reverse the decline in ocean health. It aims to gather ocean stakeholders worldwide behind a common framework that ensures ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for sustainable development.
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
