Via:Gov.br

“Under Brazil’s leadership, member countries of ZOPACAS adopted, this Thursday (9), in Rio de Janeiro, the first Cooperation Strategy of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS), with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation in marine environment, security, science, and sustainable development, among other areas vital to the region’s development. The initiative was formalized during the group’s 9th Ministerial Meeting, which brings together 24 countries from both shores of the South Atlantic.

The meeting also marked the beginning of Brazil’s presidency of ZOPACAS for the next three years, succeeding Cape Verde, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of the mechanism, established in 1986 by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. The new strategy inaugurates a phase of more structured action oriented toward concrete results, as highlighted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, in his speech.

“The Rio de Janeiro Cooperation Strategy inaugurates an innovative approach, with planned actions and active participation of member countries,” stated the minister.

According to him, building a secure and sustainable South Atlantic requires continuous collaboration among countries in the region and a commitment to protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable development. The Cooperation Strategy defines 11 priority areas for joint action, with initiatives aimed at strengthening ocean governance and sustainable development in the region.

Among the themes included are:

Cooperation in defense and maritime security
Oceanographic research and climate change
Conservation of marine biodiversity
Sustainable fisheries and food security
Protection of critical infrastructure
Connectivity and logistical integration among countries”

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