The 2025 National Event of the Atlantic and WestMED Sea Basin Strategies was held within the Matosinhos Business2Sea 2025 on the 25th November at Porto de Leixões, Porto.
This high-level event brought together 67 participants and key regional actors as speakers including Marisa Lameiras da Silva (DGPM), Eduardo Silva (INESC TEC), Miguel Santos (IPMA), André Couto (DGRM), Wim Stubbe (CPMR), Elizabeth Chapman (CMMA), and Rúben Eiras (Fórum Oceano).
The regional leaders and experts convened to advance Europe’s maritime priorities under the Atlantic and WestMED Strategies, reaffirming that ocean health and coastal resilience are no longer optional, they are essential.
As Marisa Lameiras da Silva, Portugal’s National Coordinator, declared in her opening remarks:
“Resilient coasts and healthy oceans are not optional political priorities. They are essential foundations for our prosperity, security and identity.”
Key Outcomes
The event highlighted a shared understanding: climate pressures, ecosystem degradation, and socio-economic vulnerabilities demand integrated, cross-basin action supported by science and governance. Participants agreed that strengthening ocean observation and data interoperability is critical, particularly in coastal zones where gaps persist. Interoperable monitoring systems and shared platforms will enable better forecasting, maritime spatial planning, and early-warning mechanisms.
Speakers also stressed the importance of clusters and coastal communities as connectors between innovation, policy, and territorial needs.
Rúben Eiras captured the spirit of collaboration in his closing message:
“Coastal resilience and a healthy ocean can only be achieved through coordinated, multi-actor and multi-basin action.”
Building Synergies
The discussions went beyond immediate priorities, pointing to strategic synergies across basins and regions. Joint Atlantic–WestMED working groups under the Ocean Pact will focus on coastal resilience, port decarbonization, and climate-ready governance. Expanding cooperation with North African partners will help tackle shared challenges in ecosystems, fisheries, and maritime safety—creating a wider Atlantic–Mediterranean partnership.
Next Steps
Develop cross-basin interoperable ocean data and monitoring frameworks.
Integrate climate indicators and ecosystem-based approaches into Maritime Spatial Planning.
Scale up pilot projects into operational regional programs.
Reinforce structured dialogue between science, industry, policymakers, and coastal communities.