Page 15 - Economia Azul - versão: inglês

n December 5, 2017, the United Nations (UN) declared the years 2021 At a time when the seas and oceans reach unprecedented relevance on the inter-
to 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. national scene, the Navy is proud to be able to play an important role in the dis-
O With many of its vital interests tied to the sea, Brazil finds itself, at the cussions around the concept of Blue Economy, maintaining a constant course in
dawn of this “Decade of the Oceans”, facing an auspicious horizon, revealed, the protection of our riches, in the work in favor of the associated activities and
in large part, by the fruitful and historic effort of the Brazilian Navy to know and in supporting the production of knowledge that can contribute to the optimized
highlight the relevance and potential of the marine environment for the country. and sustainable use of natural resources in our Jurisdictional Waters. This book
This work led, for example, to the adoption of the term Amazônia Azul (Blue is yet another important initiative in this regard, bringing together renowned
Amazon) to designate the immense maritime areas over which Brazil has jurisdic- sources and data, proposing reflections on the Brazilian maritime potential.
tion and exclusive economic exploitation rights, drawing attention to its impor- Major global challenges, such as food and energy security, will require interna-
tance in terms of biodiversity, natural resources, its vastness and vulnerabilities,
tional cooperation and action on marine resources. In this scenario, Brazil, as a
similar to the Amazon Forest.
large coastal nation with an inevitable vocation for the sea, is faced with great
Primarily intended for the preparation and use of the Naval Power for the De- opportunities, which will be best addressed by a greater involvement of all sec-
fense of the Homeland, the Brazilian Navy also exercises the attributions of the tors of society with the construction and conduct of public policies aimed at the
Brazilian Maritime Authority (AMB), performing a wide range of tasks in favor seas and oceans.
of the development of the maritime potential of the Country, such as navigation We definitely need to promote the health of our waters, scientifically and with
safety activities; training of specialized personnel for the Merchant Navy; nautical in-depth knowledge of the Brazilian maritime heritage and to stimulate the
signage; safeguarding human life at sea and inland waters; prevention of water
growth of the Blue Economy. These must be enduring national commitments.
pollution caused by vessels, platforms and their support facilities; combating il-
Let’s embark on this mission together! Welcome everyone aboard the book The
licit activities, such as illegal fishing; and hydrography, oceanography and marine Blue Economy: Vector for the Development of Brazil.
meteorology activities.
Long live the Blue Amazon!
AMB also coordinates the Interministerial Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM),
which provides relevant support to scientific research carried out on board Navy Long live my, your, our Navy!
ships, on our oceanic islands and on the Antarctic continent. In addition, Brazilian All for our Homeland!
Navy, sensitive to the urgent and serious issue of water pollution by solid waste, ALMIR GARNIER SANTOS
Fleet Admiral
has been engaging in awareness campaigns and in effective actions to combat Navy Commander
garbage at sea. Brazilian Maritime Authority