Municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa signs Commitment Letter for the Creation of the First Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserve in the Azores
(January 23, 2026) The first Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserve on Graciosa Island, Azores has been approved. This recognition constitutes a strategic measure for the protection and integrated management of the island’s surf breaks and natural resources.
This commitment will help safeguard not only surf breaks, but also coastal areas, seabeds, and reefs, whose preservation is essential for maintaining biodiversity, environmental quality, and the coastal balance of the island. Locations include Praia Sand, Lagoa Bay, Calhau Miúdo Bay, Barra Bay, and Porto Afonso.
The signing of this Commitment Letter between the Non-Governmental Organization Azores Sea Alliance, based on the Save Azores Waves project, has the international approval and support of Save The Waves Coalition. Since 2021, the Azores has been a part of Save The Waves’ Surf Protected Areas program, allowing the development of various initiatives for the protection of surf ecosystems and its resources.
“This is the first of its kind! It’s the result of over five years of work, but also it’s the start of a very good movement and something new for surf ecosystems in the Azores. It’s a big step forward for surf breaks here and a great collaboration across international teams, Save Azores Waves and Save The Waves. It’s a victory we share together and with everyone who enjoys waves and the ocean,” said André Avelar, Azores Regional Coordinator for Save The Waves. “The work is not done, now we move on to additional legal protection efforts and expanding to other communities and islands.”
This new Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserve will contribute to the blue economy and promote a sustainable development model, aligned with Graciosa Island’s status as one of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserves, valuing the sport of surfing and nature-based tourism.
Its implementation contributes to the territorial planning of the Azores Archipelago and future regional-level reserves, to the mitigation of environmental impacts and to the involvement of the local community in the responsible management of natural resources for long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.
The creation of this first Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserves in the Azores represents the first fundamental step towards the integrated and coherent protection of the archipelago’s surf breaks and surrounding coastline.
The Municipal Surf Ecosystem Reserves also creates the basis for the establishment of broader Regional Reserves, ensuring a common and continuous vision for the protection of the Azores’ natural heritage. This long-term vision is part of the objectives of the Blue Azores Regional Program, supported by the Regional Government of the Azores, Oceano Azul Foundation, and the Waitt Institute. Together, we have united around a common vision “to protect, promote and enhance the marine natural capital of the Azores” to guarantee a healthy ocean as the basis for a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.
This approach reinforces environmental resilience to climate change, enhances the archipelago as a destination for nature tourism and low-impact wave sports, and promotes inter-municipal and regional cooperation, guaranteeing lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for present and future generations.
Learn more about Save The Waves conservation programs for surf ecosystems here.
Watch Save The Waves’ new short film released in December 2025: “O Mentor No Mar” today.
“You enter the ocean, and the ocean is the most democratic thing to exist.” – André Avelar, Azores Regional Coordinator, Save The Waves
