CPLP ministers approve 2026–30 ocean cooperation plan

Ministers responsible for maritime affairs from member states of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) have approved the Strategic Plan for Ocean Cooperation (2026–2030). Following the 4th Extraordinary Meeting of CPLP Ministers for Maritime Affairs, which took place at CPLP headquarters in Lisbon and online on Monday, the ministersapproved, “by consensus”, the plan, which aims to strengthen maritime cooperation among member states in the coming years, explained Marcos da Cruz, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forests, who chaired the meeting, during the closing session. Furthermore, he emphasised that, in a global context marked by the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and growing pressure on marine resources, the plan represents a renewed commitment to sustainable development, food security, the resilience of coastal communities and the responsible use of marine resources.

“More than just a forum for debate, this meeting confirmed that the CPLP continues to assert itself as a privileged platform for political consultation and technical cooperation, capable of transforming shared visions into concrete commitments and effective action,” added Marcos da Cruz. The Portuguese Minister for Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Ferreira Fernandes, told Lusa after the plan’s approval that it focuses on several key areas, including sustainability, maritime safety, surveillance, protection and ocean literacy. “I would say that cooperation on the oceans unites us, enabling us to make the most of our exclusive economic zones — with Brazil and Portugal among the countries with the largest such zones — while reinforcing our global presence and influence through our shared language,” the minister said, also highlighting the significance of the agreement being approved on World Oceans Day.

Asked whether the El Niño phenomenon had been discussed during the meeting, the Portuguese minister replied: “No”, but explained that a request had been made to establish national committees under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). According to the minister, such committees already exist in Portugal, Brazil and Cabo Verde, but the objective is to achieve greater cooperation and a broader network for sharing knowledge. The CPLP, which marks its 30th anniversary on 17 July, comprises the countries of Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste, with the latter currently holding the organisation’s rotating presidency.

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🌊🪸Na IV Reunião Extraordinária de Ministros dos Assuntos do#Marda#CPLP, realizada a 8 de junho de 2026, Dia Mundial dos#Oceanos, foi aprovado o Plano Estratégico de Cooperação para os Oceanos (PECO) para o período 2026-2030. Toda a informação em 🪝https://t.co/3e9xak2u0cpic.twitter.com/85qjtxhXXN

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