Brazil, the European Union and six other countries that share the waters of the Atlantic Ocean signed today (13), in Washington (USA), the All Atlantic Declaration.
The protocol of intentions aims to encourage the integration of research, development and innovation activities carried out by the signatory nations. According to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the intention is to establish a “long-term alliance for the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure and capabilities” capable of promoting the sustainable development of the Atlantic Ocean.
The signing of the declaration took place during the ministerial event that integrates the 2022 Forum for Ocean Research of the All Atlantic, the second stage of the forum, whose scientific meeting took place in Brasília, from May 31 to June 2.
In addition to Brazil and the European bloc, South Africa, Argentina, Cape Verde, Canada, the United States and Morocco also signed the declaration. During the event, the Brazilian representative, national secretary for Research and Scientific Training, Marcelo Morales, said he was thrilled to be participating in “something great”.
“We are starting a process that, if successful, has the potential to really change paradigms,” said Morales, adding that the new declaration reinvigorates previous initiatives, such as the Declaration of Belém, which Brazil signed in 2017, along with the South Africa and the European Union.
“This was a very important step. We all know that the sea is the essential element of life. Even so, this was still not enough for society to change its predatory attitude towards exploring the seas”, said Morales.
Streamed by Youtubethe ministerial session of the forum included the presentation of the results of the scientific event held at the end of May, in addition to the exchange of experiences and technical-scientific debates on the possibilities of oceanic cooperation.
Tomorrow (14), the session will have interventions on the links between the theme and the Decade of Ocean Science. Four debate tables are planned on the main aspects discussed during the scientific event.
