Por Redaccion 
Economy blue, Ecological Transition, cohesion and governance focus on the ‘Gijón Declaration’
The Atlantic Cities Network has approved the ‘Gijón Declaration’ this Thursday at the assembly, coinciding with its 25th Anniversary, centered around five axes: Blue Economy, ecological transition, sustainability, social cohesion, and governance.
This was communicated in a joint event at the Palacio de Revillagigedo in Gijón by the mayors of A Coruña, Inés Rey; Bilbao, Juan María Aburto; San Sebastián, Eneko Goia; Faro, Rogério Bacalhau; and the host municipality, Carmen Moriyón, the mayor of Gijón.
The latter emphasized that events like this day represent «a real boost to the growth and development of cities like ours.»
Regarding the ‘Gijón Declaration’, she highlighted that it is «a solid roadmap to protect our environment and build ambitiously and sustainably a development, if you allow me, superlative.»
Rey, also the president of the Network, clarified that they are part of these Atlantic cities, not exclusively maritime. She also mentioned that the action plan was approved at the assembly, and discussions were held about the role of women and the blue economy. Regarding the challenges, she mentioned addressing Climate Change with measures focused on sustainability in all municipal policy areas. She emphasized, in terms of tourism development, that they have become a «climate refuge» in recent times, leading to an increase in visitor numbers. She added that they have the challenge of building cities that are «more resilient, more sustainable, that fight against climate change, and that adapt to the future, to the present, but above all, thinking about an uncertain future, but one that we must anticipate,» she stated. In this sense, she cited the development project of the inner maritime facade of A Coruña as an example of a policy «designed for the people.» «What concerns us, mayors and councilors, is nothing other than the well-being of citizens, regardless of ideology,» she assured. Goia, on his part, highlighted the recovery, especially of the riverbank, as a «great challenge» for the city. «Now we discover the river as a kind of opportunity,» he emphasized. Like Rey, he referred to tourism management, which he considered a «major challenge» shared by all cities in the Atlantic Arc, as a consequence of Climate Change leading to a shift in tourist flows. In this regard, he emphasized the tourism tradition of San Sebastián. At the same time, he called for a greater role for the network of Atlantic cities in European construction. On the other hand, Bacalhau highlighted that the Declaration signed on this day reflects the commitment to the preservation of the ecosystem and economic, social, and environmental development. «Alone we go faster, but together we go further,» he pointed out. For his part, Aburto warned that we live in a Europe that is increasingly «threatened by populism and liberal ideas,» emphasizing the need to work together in cooperative networks that reinforce common work, as is the case with this Network. In the same vein, he advocated for strengthening collaboration between cities to face and address the similar challenges each of them currently face. Challenges, according to him, related to sustainability and ecological, social, and digital transition. In this context, he considered it important to consolidate the role of Atlantic cities as relevant actors in European strategies. He particularly emphasized the closer connection of mayors to the territory in being able to respond to the needs of citizens. Furthermore, he highlighted that in a context of geopolitical change in international relations, «collaboration based on values is more necessary than ever.» «The macro-region of the Atlantic Arc, I believe, makes more sense than ever,» he asserted. In the Declaration signed in Gijón, the Network reaffirms, among other things, its commitment to sustainable development, territorial cohesion, and active defense of the European Atlantic coast. «Today, facing climate urgency, territorial imbalances, and the need for greater local participation in European governance, Atlantic cities renew our commitments with a joint vision, rooted in the territory and oriented towards the future,» the text highlights. Regarding the Ecological Transition and climate resilience section, the focus is on promoting local policies that reduce emissions and pollution, especially in sectors linked to the blue economy. It also advocates for working towards the protection of coastal, marine, and river ecosystems, including wetlands and urban natural areas, and advancing in the renaturalization of urban and river environments, as well as planning in advance, especially in coastal municipalities, to adapt to phenomena such as sea-level rise. Regarding Urban Sustainability and responsible planning, the Network aims to promote sustainable urban planning that balances development, biodiversity, and energy efficiency. They also aim to protect and recover green and public spaces in cities, near coastal areas for citizen use and climate adaptation, and to revalue the link between city and nature, promoting healthy and sustainable environments. At the same time, they see the need to promote a responsible blue economy, generating sustainable and innovative employment, with a focus on circularity and water security. Additionally, they see it important to support Atlantic gastronomy as cultural heritage and an economic driver, with the aim of creating a common identity; promoting short distribution channels, local consumption, and support for sea and inland producers; and developing a sustainable and inclusive blue tourism, aligned with the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Linked to social cohesion, they will promote environmental awareness campaigns aimed at the entire population, with special attention to the educational and community spheres; promote healthy lifestyle habits, including advancing in the definition of the «Atlantic diet»; and ensure gender equality in sectors related to the blue economy, empowering women and overcoming stereotypes. Regarding Atlantic governance and European leadership, they will seek to consolidate the role of Atlantic cities as relevant actors in European strategies. Among other things, they aim to actively participate in the formulation of a European Blue Deal, in coordination with the Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals. Likewise, they intend to strengthen the institutional presence of the network at key European events such as the European Maritime Days and in cooperation initiatives such as Interreg, as well as commit to defending a cohesion policy endowed and adapted to the specificities of the Atlantic space, contributing to the territorial balance of Europe. On the occasion of their 25th anniversary, they reaffirm their willingness to «continue working together for a more sustainable, inclusive, and connected Atlantic coast with Europe.» «United by the Atlantic, committed to a common future,» concludes the text. It is worth noting that this Network consists of 17 cities from four countries –Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and France– and represents nearly four million people.
WORKING TOGETHER