Portugal has expanded the boundaries of protection for its marine territories by creating a new protected area covering 38,000 square miles. The new area includes the Goringe seamount — a geologically unique formation that is the country’s highest mountain in absolute elevation, although it lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
Protected marine areas now account for 27% of all of Portugal’s national waters, one of the highest figures in the world. The decision is aimed at protecting biodiversity, especially in areas around seamounts, which serve as refuges for rare species and are important for marine animal migrations. The new status excludes industrial extraction and fishing in the region.
The news highlights that even countries with limited resources can play an important role in addressing global challenges if they make careful and forward-looking decisions.
