President José Manuel Bolieiro of the Regional Government of the Azores has been honoured with a Peter Benchley Ocean Award in recognition of excellence in national leadership. The distinction highlights his commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable governance, reflecting the Azores´s leading role in protecting marine ecosystems.

The Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are internationally recognized distinctions that celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the protection of the ocean. The national leadership category acknowledges public officials whose policies and vision contribute meaningfully to the preservation of marine ecosystems while balancing environmental protection with social and economic development.

Under President Bolieiro´s leadership, the Azores have been widely recognized for the efforts to expand the region´s marine protected areas, fulfilling the 30×30 target, protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

This award reaffirms the Regional Government´s commitment to safeguarding the ocean for future generations, while positioning sustainability as a central pillar of regional development.

[JS, 2 February, 2026]