The Canary Islands are a territory intrinsically linked to the ocean. Our present and future are closely tied to the health of our seas, the activity along our coasts, and our ability to responsibly and sustainably harness the opportunities offered by the blue economy.

Therefore, it is a pleasure to welcome the 1st European Ocean Pact Congress to the Canary Islands, a forum for meeting, reflection, and cooperation that will allow us to analyze the challenges and opportunities this European initiative presents for our islands.

The European Ocean Pact represents a common framework for advancing the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, promoting a sustainable blue economy, strengthening knowledge and innovation, and supporting coastal, island, and outermost regions. All these objectives are especially relevant for our islands, given our status as an outermost region, our strategic position in the Atlantic, and the importance of the sea to our economy and employment.

This congress will provide an opportunity to share experiences, forge alliances, and promote new solutions through collaboration among public administrations, the business sector, the scientific community, and civil society. Only through cooperation and shared knowledge can we address challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and the need to move towards more sustainable production models.

The Government of the Canary Islands wishes to reaffirm the role of the islands as hubs of knowledge, innovation, and commitment to ocean protection. The Canary Islands must not only participate in shaping European policies related to the sea, but also actively contribute to their development and implementation. Hence the importance of holding this first Congress in our archipelago.

Therefore, I encourage you to participate and take advantage of this opportunity to continue building a more sustainable, competitive, and connected Canary Islands within its Atlantic environment.