In the panel "Synergies: Business, Research, and Education", Susana Escária, Director of Foresight and Planning Services at the General Secretariat for the Environment and coordinator of the Programme Environment, emphasised the importance of collaboration between different sectors to enhance innovation and sustainability in marine resource management. The discussion also featured contributions from José Guerreiro (Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere), Ruben Eiras (Fórum Oceano), and Vítor Franco Correia (Infante D. Henrique Nautical School), moderated by Sandra Primitivo (EY).
The event included several moments of reflection on the Blue Growth Programme's impacts. During the opening session, speakers included Marisa Lameiras da Silva (Director-General for Maritime Policy), Maria Mineiro (Coordinator of the National Management Unit), Roger Bymolt (Financial Mechanism Office), Karina Asbjørnsen (Deputy Head of Mission for Norway in Portugal), and Lídia Bulcão (Secretary of State for the Sea).
During the programme’s results presentation, Rute Assis Pires (Directorate-General for Maritime Policy) highlighted the progress achieved, namely the 115 projects supported with a total investment of €44.9 million.
The Programme Environment's presence at this event reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and ecological transition, aligning with national and European strategies for marine protection.