The Vice President of the Government of Canarias, Manuel Domínguez, inaugurated the 1st European Ocean Pact Congress this Thursday in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The event, spanning two days, aims to establish alliances and analyze the application of this European initiative's priorities to the archipelago's reality.
The congress will address key challenges for the islands, including critical submarine infrastructure, dual technologies, decarbonization of maritime transport, living resource management, testing grounds for marine renewables, coastal tourism, and the impact of the blue economy. The goal is to identify specific opportunities, challenges, and lines of action for Canarias.
During the opening, coinciding with World Maritime Day, Manuel Domínguez highlighted the sea's importance for the economic diversification of Canarias. "Talking about the sea is also talking about the diversification of the Canarian economy and one of the main opportunities we have at this moment for the development of our land," he stated. He emphasized that the European Ocean Pact represents a chance to "reclaim our position, our capabilities, and our contribution to the common project of the European Union," underscoring Canarias' potential in the blue economy to create quality employment, knowledge, and innovation.
Guayarmina Peña, Executive CEO of the ITC, stressed that the congress seeks to translate the European Pact's objectives into concrete solutions for Canarias. She pointed out the archipelago's unique position due to its experience in the blue economy and its insular and outermost region status, mentioning the development of solutions for energy efficiency and the future wave tank at the Port of Arinaga, scheduled for 2027, to test offshore wind and other offshore technology prototypes.
Elba Bueno, manager of the Canarias Maritime Cluster, recalled the significance of holding this first congress on World Maritime Day and reflected on Canarias' role in developing European policies to serve as an example for their implementation.
Gustavo González de Vega, Vice-Minister of Economy and Internationalization, presented data on the Canary Strategy for the Blue Economy 2021-2030, indicating a 43% growth in gross value added and an increase in blue and female employment in the sector.
The initiative, organized by the Vice-Ministry of Economy and Internationalization of the Government of Canarias with the collaboration of the Maritime Cluster and the ITC, aims to bring together administration, businesses, the scientific community, and civil society to share knowledge, establish alliances, and promote concrete actions.
The congress has been recognized by the United Nations as an Activity of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and is also listed on the EMD In My Country agenda, linked to the European Commission's European Maritime Day, reinforcing the goal of translating international agreements and strategies into applicable initiatives in Canarias.
