As part of the celebrations for European Maritime Day (European Maritime Day In My Country – European Commission), an annual initiative that brings together the European maritime community to share best practices, strengthen networks and promote a sustainable blue economy, the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policy, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, promoted a day of awareness and dialogue between the agricultural and maritime sectors last July.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of more sustainable agricultural practices in preserving the marine environment, including a trip to the sea to observe aquatic life and reflect on the threats posed by marine litter. Part of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, which aims to implement the Natura 2000 network in the Azores, this action brought farmers and maritime sector experts closer together, strengthening the link between land-based activities and ocean protection, in line with the project’s objectives: to reduce pressure on natural habitats and raise community awareness of environmental challenges.

The ‘From Land to Sea’ action was a success, promoting closer relations between farmers and experts from the maritime and environmental sectors, and strengthening cooperation for the sustainability and preservation of marine ecosystems.