Lafuente advocates for the creation of a Ministry of the Sea to improve the management of Spain’s ma

Lafuente debated at the 6th National Maritime Congress on the creation of a Ministry of the Sea as a means to enhance management and cohesion within the national maritime sector.

The Minister of the Sea and the Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, participated on February 12 in the 6th National Maritime Congress, organized by the Real Liga Naval Española and the Spanish Maritime Cluster, which took place in Madrid on February 12 and 13. Accompanied by the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, Lafuente took part in a roundtable discussion with experts and industry representativesto discuss the current reality and immediate challenges of the sector.

During his speech in the roundtable discussion titled "How about a Ministry of the Sea in Spain?", Lafuente defended the creation of a Ministry of the Sea as a crucial measure to optimize coordination within the maritime sector at the national level. He argued that such a ministerial structure could improve several key aspects, such as efficiency, coordination among stakeholders, and regulatory clarity. The goal is to solidify the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth, fostering a more efficient and integrated development, particularly in the Balearic Islands, where the sector plays an essential role.

It was emphasized that, despite the ongoing expansion, modernization, and digitalization of maritime industries, which are also gaining prominence globally in terms of environmental sustainability, there is still a lack of a clear and unified national vision to drive them forward cohesively. For this reason, Lafuente underscored the need to simplify administrative processes, enabling a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable management of maritime and port resources.

Additionally, Lafuente highlighted the importance of establishing an integrated strategic framework that respects the specificities of each territory. A global vision is essential to ensure effective protection of marine ecosystems and to promote long-term sustainable development.

Finally, Lafuente recalled that the creation of the Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle in this legislative term of the Balearic Government has allowed for a more integrated and efficient management of the sea and water cycle. However, he stressed that, while local initiatives are fundamental, they cannot be sufficient without a strategic vision and a global coordination effort to unify efforts across the entire coastline.