This axis drives ocean conservation by supporting the creation and effective implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Its model of action integrates science, community participation, and strategic partnerships to turn conservation commitments into real, lasting protection.

The approach begins with generating robust scientific data through expeditions and studies, ensuring that MPAs are designed to be ecologically meaningful and feasible to manage. Working closely with governments, civil society, scientific institutions, and local communities, the department leads inclusive co-design processes that build legitimacy, local ownership, and long-term support for each MPA. After designation, it helps ensure effective implementation by supporting monitoring, compliance, and the transfer of management capacity to local and regional authorities.

This end-to-end model — spanning scientific groundwork, collaborative planning, and implementation support — has positioned the Foundation as a trusted facilitator of MPAs in Portugal and internationally. Successes in the Azores archipelago, Selvagens islands, Algarve region, and Gorringe seamount show how science-based, participatory processes strengthen conservation outcomes and local governance alike.

Looking forward, and aligned with the global 30x30 target, the foundation aims to scale this model to protect one million square kilometers of ocean in the next decade. By advancing evidence-based design, participatory governance, and community empowerment, it continues to foster partnerships that lead through action, creating MPAs that endure and are ultimately stewarded by the communities they benefit.

This axis works to strengthen global ocean governance by shaping international policies, building strategic partnerships, and enabling countries to implement effective ocean conservation. It works to influence key decision-making arenas, build consensus among governments and institutions, and ensure that ocean protection remains a priority on the multilateral agenda.

Its model of action integrates three mutually reinforcing pillars:

International Ocean Policy and Governance — developing coherent global policies that advance ocean conservation, restoration, and sustainability.
Government Relationships and Partnerships — acting as a bridge among governments, international organisations, and NGOs to drive cooperation and political commitment.
International Capacity-Building — equipping countries with the knowledge, tools, and training needed to strengthen their ocean governance and implement effective conservation measures.

Together, these pillars create a cohesive, results-oriented approach: solid policies enable stronger collaborations, partnerships reinforce political action, and capacity-building ensures that nations can turn commitments into real outcomes. This integrated model ultimately supports more effective, informed, and sustainable ocean protection worldwide.

This axis works on developing knowledge on economics, law, science and philosophy to contribute to a new paradigm, where nature is revalued, and blue natural capital becomes mainstream economics.

The ocean, planet’s primary and largest life support system, is under threat from the continued expansion of an extractive economy which fails to account for the value of the resources and natural processes it depends on. The valuation of the biosphere, including the ocean, needs to become mainstream if we are to be successful in its conservation and restoration.

Over the coming years, Oceano Azul Foundation aims to contribute to a paradigm shift in humanity’s relationship with nature and the ocean across economics, policymaking and international frameworks.