The Azorean leader participated in a session dedicated to the theme “Linking Knowledge to Action: Inclusive Science for a Sustainable Ocean Future”, within the scope of the One Ocean One Science Congress, which is taking place in Nice, France.

“Knowledge is key to a prosperous and resilient society, and the ocean is part of that”, highlighted the vice-president of the Regional Government, quoted in a note released today by the executive.

In response to the question about the context of researchers at the beginning of their careers, the vice-president said that over the last four years, the Government of the Azores has invested around 5.5 million euros in research projects and currently has around 5 million euros planned for pre-approved projects. Of this amount, almost R$1 million will be earmarked specifically for projects led by young researchers, according to Artur Lima. The government official also mentioned the current investment in the tripolarity of the University of the Azores, as well as in advanced technology in the area of ​​marine sciences, such as MARTEC, a Science and Technology Park under construction in Faial, the future Free Technological Zone (ZLT) also planned for the same island, and the construction of a research vessel with the capacity to investigate the ocean floor. In his speech, Artur Lima referred to the ultraperipheral status of the Azores, which imposes “considerable” social and economic challenges. This perspective “can also be considered in the scientific domain”, said Artur Lima, for whom innovation and research mean “overcoming different barriers, even considering today’s interconnected world”.

The sea is central to the sustainable development of the Region, constituting a “highway connecting and transporting goods and people to and between the nine islands”, he argued.

The Ocean One Science Congress is part of the “United Nations Ocean Conference 2025” in Nice.