Signature of the science and technology network contract for the establishment of the Atlantic Observatory

The Director-General of the Hydrographic Institute, Rear Admiral Carlos Ventura Soares, signed last October 13, in Ponta Delgada, the Agreement for the Network of Science and Technology for the Creation of the Atlantic Observatory.

Besides the Hydrographic Institute are signatories of this contract the Portuguese Institute From the E Sea From Atmosphere, the Mission Structure For Continental Platform Extension, Air Centre, Regional Agency For the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (Madeira), the University of the Azores, the Association for The Development and Training of the Azores Sea and the Regional Science and Technology Fund (Azores).

The aim of the science and technology network, set up by that contract, is to carry out all the necessary acts to implement the Atlantic Observatory’s research agenda, including the organised and efficient use of infrastructures of common interest, namely: to boost international reference activities in the areas of research, monitoring and knowledge transfer over the Atlantic; to contribute to increasing scientific employment and skilled employment in marine sciences and technologies; to map and know the baptometry of the entire area under national sovereignty or jurisdiction, including the continental platform beyond 200 nautical miles, by 2030; to strengthen the research and development activity applied to the challenges of the new sea economy; to promote and support advanced and specialised training activities; to increase the use of the equipment and infrastructures available for R&D in the ocean; to strengthen knowledge about space-atmosphere-ocean interactions and climate change through in situ studies and observations; to enhance existing and to develop international partnerships. The objectives of this Observatory are fully aligned with the Ministry of Defense's commitment, through the Navy and the Hydrographic Institute, to know the sea so that everyone can use it.

He witnessed this signature, from the Ministry of National Defense, the Deputy Secretary of State and National Defense, Dr. Jorge Seguro Sanches, who gave a public intervention on the matter.