Who We Are

What is the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance?

The All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) is the result of science diplomacy efforts involving countries from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. It builds upon the success of two existing cooperative agreements – the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation which was signed by the European Union, United States, and Canada in 2013; and the Belem Statement on Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Cooperation which was signed by the European Union, Brazil, and South Africa in 2017 as well as on several other bilateral and multilateral agreements. AAORIA aims to enhance marine research and innovation cooperation along and across the Atlantic Ocean. In 2022, the “All-Atlantic Declaration” was signed to revitalize collaboration among current initiatives and enhance the coordination between the Galway Working Groups, All-Atlantic Joint Pilot Actions, and related projects. Additionally, it aims to engage new partners and initiatives to join the All-Atlantic community.

How will it be
realized?

AAORIA will help promote an “All-Atlantic” community of common interest to advance ocean science cooperation across the Atlantic consistent with international law.

Read the recent publication about the story of the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance through its remarkable achievements and ambitions that are putting the ocean at the centre of intense cooperation activities!

There are 3 main initiatives:

Why do we need it?

The Atlantic Ocean is an invaluable resource that requires effective cooperation to ensure it is healthy and sustainable. The AAORIA intends to advance a shared vision of an Atlantic Ocean to enhance scientific cooperation that advances outcome-oriented ocean science and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to know more, check our FAQs document!

AAORIA’s Terms of Reference

For further details upon AAORIA check the documents below.

Major Steps in Building the
All Atlantic Research Community

European Union Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic Ocean Area | 2011
In response to repeated stakeholder requests, the European Union adopted the Atlantic Strategy, a more ambitious, open and effective cooperation in the Atlantic Ocean area.
European Union Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic Area | 2013
Following a bottom-up consultation in the Member States with Atlantic cost, the European Union adopted the Atlantic Action Plan, encouraging Member States to work together in areas where they were previously working individually, and the strengthening of cooperation with other nations Atlantic nations.
Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation| 2013
Aimed to align ocean observation efforts as to better understand the Atlantic Ocean and to promote the sustainable management of its resources, the European Union, the United States and Canada joined forces and co-signed the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation for the North-Atlantic.
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Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance (AORA) | 2015
Supporting the implementation of the Galway Statement, the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance aims to advance a shared vision of an Atlantic Ocean that is healthy, resilient, safe, productive, understood and treasured.
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Belém Statement on Atlantic Research and Innovation Cooperation| 2017
Furthering the integrated approach to research and development across the whole Atlantic Ocean and its bordering countries, the European Union, South Africa and Brazil co-signed the Belém Statement - On Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Cooperation for the South and Tropical Atlantic and Southern Ocean.
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All Atlantic Ocean Initiative | 2018
As the main instrument supporting the implementation of the Belém Statement, the All Atlantic Ocean Initiative aims to bring together all relevant actors around the Atlantic as to build the All Atlantic Ocean Research Community, and to identify concrete collaborative research and innovation activities across a range of key areas.
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EU-Argentina Administrative Arrangement on Marine Research and Innovation Cooperation| 2018
Complementing the EU and Argentina’s wide-ranging and successful cooperation on science and technology matters, the Administrative Arrangement focuses on marine research and innovation to tackle the Atlantic Ocean challenges.
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Mindelo Arrangement on Marine Research and Innovation Cooperation | 2018
The Marine Research and Innovation Cooperation Arrangement, co-signed by the European Commission and the Republic of Cabo Verde, intends to strengthen and enhance research and innovation cooperation in Blue Growth.
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EU - Morocco Administrative Arrangement on Marine Research & Innovation Cooperation | 2020
The Administrative Arrangement on Marine Research & Innovation Cooperation signed by the EU and the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education, and Scientific Research of the Kingdom of Morocco, aims to foster cooperation on marine science, technology, and innovation in the Atlantic Area.
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The Azores Declaration on All-Atlantic Research & Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean | 2021
This declaration was prepared in the context of the high-level Ministerial and Stakeholder forum on “All-Atlantic Research & Innovation for a sustainable Ocean Conference" to reinforce the All-Atlantic multilateral cooperation, considered a tangible example of a global approach to international science, research, and innovation.
All-Atlantic Ocean Research & Innovation Alliance Declaration | 2022
The declaration was signed during the All-Atlantic Ocean Research Forum 2022 Ministerial Event, held in Washington, D.C. The signing of the Declaration aims to The Declaration will reinvigorate collaboration between existing initiatives and better align the Galway Working Groups, All-Atlantic Joint Pilot Actions, and associated projects, and bring other potential partners and initiatives into the All-Atlantic community.
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