Oceano Azul Foundation works to protect the ocean and promote sustainable management, accelerating science-based innovation with the aim of reversing the current decline in ocean health.
Using a science-based approach, its model of change supports the establishment of Marine Protected Areas for ocean conservation, fosters partnerships with governments and civil society organisations to advance an ambitious global ocean agenda with a disruptive vision of the blue economy, while contributing to capacity-sharing and ocean literacy.
Oceano Azul Foundation’s focus is to bridge the gap between ambition and action.
30%
Azore's sea protected, with more than 287,000 km2 under high or total protection
1st
mainland Portugal MPA created in the 21st century
130,000
people engaged in ocean action
6
Scientific expeditions conducted
Key Focus Areas
Ocean Conservation
Supporting the creation of effectively implemented and well-managed MPAs, including the establishment of a MPA network in the Azores, the largest MPA network in the North Atlantic.
Scientific Exploration
Conducting and participating in scientific expeditions that serve as powerful platforms for institutional and research collaboration, and as essential tools for advancing the designation of Marine Protected Areas.
Ocean Advocacy
Facilitating dialogue and influencing the ocean agenda by advising international decision-makers, including national governments, to take informed, science-based action that contributes to ocean-based solutions for the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Ocean Policies, Frameworks and Economics
Contributing to a change in paradigm in what relates to humanity’s relationship with nature and the ocean, including promoting the integration of the concept of blue natural capital into mainstream economics while allowing for the financing of nature-based solutions.
Ocean Education and Capacity Building
Acting in strategic decision-making forums and platforms for education, continuing to promote ocean knowledge and influence the inclusion of the ocean in the school curricula worldwide.
Why REVIVE
As one of the in-country implementing partners for Revive Our Ocean, Oceano Azul Foundation plays a critical role in effectively protecting Portugal’s waters.
Their work supports highly protected MPAs in Portugal, working with governments, scientists, and communities to expand and enforce marine reserves.
They advocate for stronger policies, support crucial biodiversity research, and engage Portuguese students throughout the country in meaningful ocean literacy.
Oceano Azul drives tangible impact in creating healthier marine ecosystems for thriving conservation economies.
Oceano Azul Foundation champions science-based, community-led marine conservation through co-managed Marine Protected Areas. Revive Our Ocean shares this vision, scaling local solutions for thriving seas and coastal communities as we work toward 30x30.
Emanuel Gonçalves - Chief Scientist and board member Oceano Azul Foundation
Working on marine protection in Portugal?
Revive Our Ocean supports a growing network of best in class practitioners working to scale community-driven marine protection. Tell us about your work — we’re mapping out collaborations and shared learning opportunities.
