The CPLP approves the Strategic Plan for Ocean Cooperation 2026–2030 at a meeting chaired by Timor-Leste
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos “Mameta” da Cruz, chaired the 4th Extraordinary Meeting of Ministers of Maritime Affairs of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP – acronym in Portuguese), held on June 8th, 2026 in Lisbon, at the organisation’s headquarters and via videoconference, dedicated to maritime cooperation and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy.
The main item on the meeting’s agenda was the presentation, discussion, and approval of the Strategic Plan for Ocean Cooperation (PECO – acronym in Portuguese) 2026–2030, a document that sets out a common vision and strategic guidance to strengthen cooperation among CPLP Member States in areas such as marine biodiversity conservation, the sustainable blue economy, scientific research, innovation, maritime safety, and institutional capacity building. 
In his remarks, Minister Marcos da Cruz emphasised that the adoption of the new plan represents “an important milestone for our community,” as it sets out a shared vision for the sustainable development of the oceans and for strengthening cooperation among Member States.
“For our peoples, the sea is a source of identity, livelihoods, and opportunity. It is an essential resource for food security, sustainable economic development, and the well-being of present and future generations,” said the Minister.
The meeting took place on World Oceans Day and was attended by the CPLP Executive Secretary, Ambassador Maria de Fátima Jardim, who, during the opening session, highlighted the strategic importance of the maritime sector for the Community, noting that the CPLP brings together coastal and island states across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, united by a common history and language.
The Executive Secretary also emphasised that, considering the global challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and the need to promote a sustainable blue economy, it is essential to strengthen the CPLP’s cooperation mechanisms.
At the end of the meeting, the ministers adopted the Final Declaration and the Strategic Plan for Ocean Cooperation (PECO) 2026–2030, which aim to promote coordinated, multisectoral, measurable, and results-oriented EU action in sustainable ocean governance.
The new strategic plan is built on eight key areas of action and aims, among other things, to strengthen Member States' technical capabilities, deepen scientific and technological cooperation, enhance international coordination, boost the blue economy, and protect marine biodiversity.
Portugal's Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes; Angola's Secretary of State for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Álvaro da Cunha Cândido dos Santos; and representatives from Brazil, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe attended the meeting.
Following the meeting, Minister Marcos da Cruz hosted a dinner for the delegations from the Member States and the CPLP Executive Secretariat's technical team to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the countries of the Community.
