"The maritime dimension allows reorienting the perspective on Outermost Regions, highlighting the importance and the actual value of the ORs as well as their invaluable contribution to new a development paradigm for the European Union: Blue growth," defended the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation yesterday.

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke at the celebrations of the European Maritime Day held in Gothenburg, Sweden, stressing that " the nearly 3 million square kilometre area that make up the exclusive economic zones of all ORs - the equivalent to the area of the Mediterranean Sea and the Baltic Sea - evidence the immense space for global assertion and dialogue of these regions, their States and Europe."

At the opening the Seminar "Marine and Maritime Innovation in Outermost Regions: blue growth and smart specialisation," which he presided over on behalf of the President of the Government and President of the Conference of ORs, Carlos César, the government official pointed out "the growing knowledge and international interest in the Sea of Outermost Regions in various areas and activities."
In this context, the Under Secretary mentioned some examples, such the "underwater exploitation of metals with high commercial value," the "biodiversity and the potential of fishing resources of Outermost Regions," the "extreme ecosystems in hydrothermal vents," the "development of new biotechnological processes and tradable good with high commercial value," the "presence of methane hydrates deposits in the abyssal zone, considered one of the energy sources of the future like wave power and off shore wind."

"Therefore, the blue growth in Outermost Regions is based on four axes that should be boosted in an integrated approach: biologic resources, mineral resources, energy resources and platforms for the most important scientific advances of mankind," stated Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official warned that "Outermost Regions cannot be just a stage for these findings and, thus, we have to take action at different levels - from a regional to an international level - so that the knowledge and added value may also benefit citizens and territories of Outermost Regions."

Therefore, "the first great challenge for Europe, which we can only win if we work together, is to create the conditions that allow an enhanced scientific knowledge on the potentialities of Outermost Region in maritime affairs as well as on their technological development." This goal can be achieved through specific measures "regarding the location European technological infrastructures, the access to funding and the integration of Universities and research institutes of Outermost Region in marine research projects."

Rodrigo Oliveira also said that "a second major challenge for Europe is precisely the defence of a proper management of maritime areas and their sustainable exploitation." One must bear in mind "the fundamental role played by the European Union through the definition of the major guidelines of the European maritime policy and allocation of the necessary financial resources to Regions, whose envelopes must take into account the size of maritime areas as well as the powers and responsibilities assumed."

In this context, Rodrigo Oliveira explained that "the European Union can never overcome the blue growth challenge unless the regional is substantially supported, thus recognising and embodying the fundamental role of a multilevel governance, decentralisation and good governance." The Azores have been recognised as "an example in precautionary and sustainable management of marine resources by regulating the access to scientific samples as well as ensuring spatial planning, the management of various economic activities and the environmental protection of marine and maritime areas."

The Seminar: "Marine and Maritime Innovation in Outermost Regions: blue growth and smart specialisation" was an initiative promoted by the Azores presidency of the Conference of Outermost Regions that was integrated in the celebration programme of the European Maritime Day, the most relevant event organised by the European Commission in this area. This year's celebrations took place in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, and were attended by over 1,200 participants.

"The European Maritime Policy is an ocean of opportunities for Outermost Regions and an ambitious course for the future of Europe.

Above all, the Sea and its sustainable exploitation represent the territorial asset of Outermost Regions and an aspiration their population take as a priority for the European Union," stated the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation, Rodrigo Oliveira.