Among the main objectives of the agreement are combating illegal fishing, promoting the sustainable management of living marine resources, and encouraging environmental education and the appreciation of ocean culture.
Portuguese-speaking countries, namely Brazil, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe, signed an important convention on Thursday aimed at protecting the marine environment in the South Atlantic.
The agreement, which also involves the Democratic Republic of Congo, was signed during the 9th Ministerial Meeting of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and represents a collective commitment to environmental preservation and international cooperation.
According to Lusa, the convention establishes that signatory countries must protect and conserve the marine environment in areas under their sovereignty, as well as collaborate in the protection of zones beyond national jurisdictions.
The agency writes that among the main objectives of the agreement are combating illegal fishing, promoting the sustainable management of living marine resources, and encouraging environmental education and the appreciation of ocean culture. At the same time, the States reaffirm their right to exploit natural resources in their maritime territories, provided it is done responsibly.
Brazil, which assumes the group's temporary presidency for the period 2026-2028, emphasized the importance of preventing the ocean from becoming a battleground, especially in a global context marked by increased wars and international tensions.
The meeting also celebrated the 40th anniversary of ZOPACAS, an organization created in 1986 to promote cooperation, security, and sustainable development among countries in South America and the West African coast.
(By MozaVibe)
