The European Commission is reviewing the Atlantic Strategy Action Plan in cooperation with the five countries involved (Spain, Portugal, France, UK and Ireland). A series of working sessions are being organized to promote the consultation on the future of the Atlantic Strategy and the corresponding Plan of Action.
The working session in Portugal is jointly organized by the European Commission, through the General Directorate for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, by the Ministry of the Sea of Portugal, through the General Directorate for Maritime Policy and the Viana do Castelo City Council.
The event will take place in Viana do Castelo on September 28, 2018, with a focus on marine renewable energies and ports as hubs of the blue economy in the Atlantic area, and collect ideas for joint and collaborative initiatives and actions in relevant areas, contributing to the process of reviewing the current Atlantic Strategy Action Plan.
Ideas will also be collected on how to foster the involvement of regional and local decision-makers in the governance and implementation of the Atlantic Strategy.
The consultation will bring together national and international experts who will discuss:
- Ports as hubs of the blue economy,
- The launch of innovative marine renewable energy technologies in the Atlantic,
- Smart ports and marinas to promote recreational, leisure and coastal tourism,
- Increased blue skills and careers through increased cooperation between education and industry and promotion of ocean literacy in the Atlantic area.
The main objective of the Strategy is to create sustainable employment and growth by exploring the challenges and opportunities in areas such as coastal tourism and fisheries, renewable energy, exploitation of seabed mineral resources and marine biotechnology.
Source: Ports Europe