Atlantic Governance in Action | North Devon x Ericeira
The Guardians of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve welcomed Kevin Cook and Rob Whitney, representatives of the Local Steward Council of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, together with Ian Roome, Member of the UK Parliament in the House of Commons, for a strategic visit to the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with the governance model, the dynamic surf-based entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the sustainability and innovation initiatives led by the ESC.
The visit was structured around five strategic dimensions:
1. Governance & Territorial Development
Presentation of a holistic model for sustainable territorial development, positioning surf at the core of a sustainability strategy rooted in place, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles.
Within this framework, sport-driven innovation acts as a systemic catalyst, shaping a long-term vision for resilient coastal communities.
2. Ocean & Environmental Monitoring
Ocean and environmental monitoring initiatives, strengthened through surf management projects, highlighted a robust model of citizen science and civic innovation integrated within the Reserve.
By combining data collection, environmental awareness, and responsible use, every user — surfer and non-surfer alike — is encouraged to act as a sustainability steward, reinforcing evidence-based coastal governance and ecosystem resilience.
3. Surfing Business Ecosystem
Visits to key industry players such as Boardriders, Despomar, and 58 Surf demonstrated how the Reserve hosts a structured, values-driven ecosystem where economic growth and environmental responsibility mutually reinforce one another.
This surf economy generates qualified employment, entrepreneurial innovation, and a strong territorial identity, operating under responsible governance and a long-term sustainability vision driven by both global and local surf brands.
4. Education & Ocean Literacy
At Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, local surf schools demonstrated how surfing serves as a powerful platform for ocean literacy, promoting environmental awareness, marine culture, and sustainability skills across generations.
5. Sport as a Lever for Sustainable Development
Surfing was presented as more than athletic performance, fostering inclusion, well-being, education, social integration, and long-term territorial value — positioning sport as a catalyst for sustainable development within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
The visit concluded with an institutional luncheon hosted by the Municipality of Mafra, bringing together the North Devon delegation, ESC, the Associação Amigos da Baía dos Coxos, the SOS Salvem o Surf movement, and several municipal representatives.
Next steps?
A visit to North Devon to further strengthen the Atlantic partnership, co-define a shared strategic vision, and mobilize operators and institutions around a joint action roadmap.
As the only World Surfing Reserves located in Europe, we share a unique responsibility to expand cooperation and impact across the Atlantic —
“United by waves and driven by sustainability.”
