1st Fórum Mar Portugal
The Value of Ocean Sustainability
Sustainability is not only a goal - it is a concrete opportunity to create economic, social, environmental and cultural value. At the heart of that transformation is the ocean.
At the 1st Fórum Mar Portugal, we aim to go further:
to make the value of ocean sustainability visible and to highlight the real impact that a healthy ocean has on the economy, the well-being of communities, scientific innovation and the future of the country.
This Fórum will also be a key moment to share results from the Algarve Marine Observatory (OMA.CCMAR) - an initiative of CCMAR that brings sectors closer together, connects science and data to decision-making, and turns knowledge into solutions, proposals and real-world impact.
The first edition of Fórum Mar Portugal brings together researchers, businesses, decision-makers, students and blue economy stakeholders to demonstrate that ocean sustainability is an asset for everyone: for those who depend on the ocean, for those who study it, and for a country whose identity and future is deeply connected to the sea.
Sustainability is not a cost - it is value.
A healthy ocean is a driver of development.
Full programme: to be announced soon.
Date & Time
03 March 2026 | 09:00–17:30
Venue
Teatro Municipal de Faro (TMF) – Teatro das Figuras | Faro, Portugal
Registration
Contact
For further information: info@oma-ccmar.eu
Carlos M. Duarte
Carlos M. Duarte is CEO of the Global Coral R&D Accelerator Platform and Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.
His research focuses on the effects of global change on marine ecosystems and on developing ocean-based solutions to global challenges. He has developed evidence-based strategies to rebuild ocean life abundance by 2050 and leads efforts to address the coral reef crisis. Building on research showing that mangroves, seagrass meadows and salt marshes are globally relevant carbon sinks, he co-developed, with several United Nations agencies, the concept of Blue Carbon as a nature-based solution for climate change. His work, spanning all oceans, depths, organisms and ecosystem types, has resulted in more than 1,100 scientific publications.
Carlos Duarte is widely recognised as a leading marine biologist and was ranked the 12th most influential climate scientist worldwide (Reuters). On 16 April 2025, he was awarded the Japan Prize 2025 by the Emperor of Japan for his “contribution to our understanding of marine ecosystems on a changing planet, particularly through pioneering research on Blue Carbon”.
Assunção Cristas
Assunção Cristas holds a PhD in Law and has been a Professor at NOVA School of Law since 2005. She joined VdA in 2002, where she is a partner and co-head of the Environment and Climate practice, including ocean-related work. At NOVA, she coordinates the Master’s programme in Law and Economics of the Sea - Ocean Governance, where she teaches Ocean Policies, and she is involved in multidisciplinary ocean research through the NOVA Ocean Knowledge Centre.
She spent around ten years exclusively dedicated to politics, serving as Minister for Agriculture, Sea, Environment and Spatial Planning (2011–2013) and Minister for Agriculture and the Sea (2013–2015), as well as Member of Parliament and Lisbon City Councillor, and she served as President and Vice-President of CDS-PP.
Isabel Rute Ucha da Silva
Isabel Rute Ucha da Silva is Chair of the Board of Directors of Euronext Lisbon, the company that operates Portugal’s Stock Exchange, and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Euronext N.V., a multinational group integrating several European exchanges. She holds a degree in Economics from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, a Master’s in Economics from NOVA School of Business and Economics (Universidade Nova de Lisboa), and a Master Degree in Finance from London Business School.
Professionally, among other roles, she served for four years as Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, led the Issuance and Markets Unit at the Portuguese Treasury and Public Debt Management Agency (IGCP), worked at the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), and was an executive partner at a consulting firm for approximately seven years. In parallel, she has held teaching responsibilities at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, lecturing across multiple programmes in economics and finance (Economics, Corporate Finance, Economics of Finance, Economics of Regulation, European Economics, Portuguese Economy, and Corporate Governance).
Keynote Speakers
Curators
Meet the Curators who will be present at the 1st Fórum Mar Portugal, professionals helping to shape a rigorous and forward-looking programme, aligned with today’s ocean challenges and the opportunities of the blue economy, turning knowledge into proposals and solutions for the Algarve and for Portugal.
Adelino Canário — President of the Board, CCMAR
A key institutional leader at CCMAR, he ensures the Forum’s scientific foundation and direct connection to excellence in marine research. His role on the Curatorial Committee reinforces technical credibility and high standards in the selection of themes, contributions, and speakers.
José Apolinário — President, CCDR Algarve, I.P.
He represents the strategic vision for regional development and the alignment of public policies with sustainability priorities. On the Curatorial Committee, he brings the capacity to connect the Forum with planning instruments, funding mechanisms, and measurable territorial impact in the Algarve.
António Pina — President of the Intermunicipal Council, AMAL
As a representative of intermunicipal cooperation, he ensures the Forum remains closely connected to the challenges and opportunities of coastal municipalities. His participation strengthens the local governance dimension and the practical relevance of the solutions discussed, with a clear focus on implementation.
Alexandra Teodósio — Rector, University of Algarve
Her presence ensures a strong link between the Forum and the academic ecosystem, as well as talent development for the blue economy. On the Curatorial Committee, she contributes to scientific quality and the mobilisation of interdisciplinary knowledge.
André Gomes — President, Turismo do Algarve
He represents one of the sectors most dependent on a healthy ocean and a resilient coastline. On the Curatorial Committee, he brings the perspective of sustainable economic valorisation of the territory, helping integrate tourism, conservation, and innovation.
Tiago Pitta e Cunha — Executive Commissioner (CEO), Oceano Azul Foundation
With a strategic outlook on ocean policy and international agendas, he helps position the Forum at national and global scale. On the Curatorial Committee, he reinforces ambition, the quality of debate, and a strong orientation towards concrete commitments.
Ruben Eiras — Secretary-General, Fórum Oceano
A leading figure in coordinating the ocean economy and mobilising public and private stakeholders. On the Curatorial Committee, he strengthens the link to innovation, investment, and blue-economy value chains, reinforcing a solutions- and impact-driven approach.
Ambassador
Meet the Ambassador of the 1st Fórum Mar Portugal - a voice and an artist who amplifies the event’s message and mobilises the community for ocean sustainability.
"A arte é um veículo muito importante para transmitir uma mensagem, não só de sensibilização para as questões das alterações climáticas, mas também de esperança." - Vanessa Barragão
