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About
About
Introductory Remarks
Following the success of the first edition, held alongside the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, Portugal is committed to organize the II edition of the Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum (SBEIF) on the 4th of October.
This II edition of SBEIF pursues the previous objectives, aiming to mobilize economic agents and scaling up the financing tools to promote a sustainable blue economy, while raising awareness to innovative ocean action.
The ocean is a key driver for sustainable development in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the UN Agenda 2030, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Everyone without exception is called to be an active agent towards this goal. The organization of the II edition of the SBEIF is our commitment to sustainably develop a strong economic growth together with a healthy ocean, creating blue jobs and contributing to an equitable wealthy society.
The 10 principles of the UN Global Compact represent the commitment to human development, calling for a precautionary approach by companies towards environmental challenges, valuing prevention over reaction, in favor of an initial preventive and environmentally more effective and efficient behavior.
SBEIF 2023 takes place after the historic decision reached at COP 27, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which approved financial assistance for developing countries to finance losses and damages in areas affected by climate change. It was emphasized that the current global crisis cannot be a justification for deprioritizing climate action.
SBEIF 2023 calls everyone to be an active agent with inspiring and game-changing ideas.
Speakers
Speakers
Main Auditorium
António Costa
Prime Minister of Portugal
António Costa Silva
Minister of the Economy and Maritime Affairs of Portugal
António Costa Silva was born in Angola in 1952.
He has a degree in Mining Engineering from the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, a master’s degree in Petroleum from Imperial College (University of London), a PhD in Petrol Reserve Engineering from Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute and Imperial College.
He is professor emeritus at the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, where he also taught Planning and Integrated Management of Energy Resources.
Upon invitation of the Portuguese Government, in 2020 he drafted the Strategic Vision for Portugal’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2020-2030 and presided over the National Steering Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Programme since May 2021.
Chairman of the Partex Executive Committee from 2004 to 2021.
He was Director of Reservoir Engineering and Production at Beicip-Franlab, the corporate branch of the French Petroleum Institute (Paris, 2001-2003) and Executive Director of the Compagnie Géneral de Geophysique in Portugal (1998-2001). He began his professional career at Sonangol (Angola) in 1980, and from 1984 to 1997 he worked at the Portuguese Service Company.
Throughout his career, he was charged with coordinating several international energy projects, particularly the Middle East, Algeria, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Angola.
He was selected in 2002 by the International Court of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce as the expert charged with solving the legal and technical dispute between two of the major oil companies in the world in an oil rig on the China sea.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Aveiro University; he was also Chairman of the Fuel Board of the regulator - ERSE, member of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Advisory Board and Chairman of the Water Initiative Advisory Board at Católica University in Lisbon.
He was member of the ISCTE- Lisbon University Institute Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board of the Gulbenkian Programme for Development Aid.
He was a guest speaker at international conferences on energy, energy and geopolitics, and has published several articles and papers in the fields of energy, strategy, geopolitics, and international relations.
António Costa Silva was born in Angola in 1952.
He has a degree in Mining Engineering from the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, a master’s degree in Petroleum from Imperial College (University of London), a PhD in Petrol Reserve Engineering from Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute and Imperial College.
He is professor emeritus at the Lisbon University Higher Technical Institute, where he also taught Planning and Integrated Management of Energy Resources.
Upon invitation of the Portuguese Government, in 2020 he drafted the Strategic Vision for Portugal’s Economic Recovery Plan for 2020-2030 and presided over the National Steering Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Programme since May 2021.
Chairman of the Partex Executive Committee from 2004 to 2021.
He was Director of Reservoir Engineering and Production at Beicip-Franlab, the corporate branch of the French Petroleum Institute (Paris, 2001-2003) and Executive Director of the Compagnie Géneral de Geophysique in Portugal (1998-2001). He began his professional career at Sonangol (Angola) in 1980, and from 1984 to 1997 he worked at the Portuguese Service Company.
Throughout his career, he was charged with coordinating several international energy projects, particularly the Middle East, Algeria, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Angola.
He was selected in 2002 by the International Court of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce as the expert charged with solving the legal and technical dispute between two of the major oil companies in the world in an oil rig on the China sea.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Aveiro University; he was also Chairman of the Fuel Board of the regulator - ERSE, member of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Advisory Board and Chairman of the Water Initiative Advisory Board at Católica University in Lisbon.
He was member of the ISCTE- Lisbon University Institute Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board of the Gulbenkian Programme for Development Aid.
He was a guest speaker at international conferences on energy, energy and geopolitics, and has published several articles and papers in the fields of energy, strategy, geopolitics, and international relations.
Peter Thomson
UN Special Envoy for the Ocean
Ambassador Peter Thomson is the UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, in which role he leads global support for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the Ocean’s resources. He served as President of the UN General Assembly, 2016-17. He was Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, 2010-2016, during which time he led the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS and was elected as President of the International Seabed Authority’s Assembly and Council. He is the founding Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and is a supporting member of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Ambassador Peter Thomson is the UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, in which role he leads global support for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, to conserve and sustainably use the Ocean’s resources. He served as President of the UN General Assembly, 2016-17. He was Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, 2010-2016, during which time he led the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS and was elected as President of the International Seabed Authority’s Assembly and Council. He is the founding Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and is a supporting member of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Hervé Berville
Secretary of State for the Sea (France)
Carlos Carreiras
Mayor of Cascais
He was vice-president of the Partido Social Democrata (PSD) between 2014 and 2016, vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Union of Portuguese Speaking Capital Cities (2017/2019), vice-president of Cascais City Council (2005/2011), president of the Congress and General Council of the National Association of Municipalities (2013/2017) and president of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Institute until March 2013.
He graduated from the Lisbon Institute of Accounting and Administration in 1987 and worked in Europe, South America and Africa in companies in the hospitality and mass consumption sectors until 2005. It was then that he felt the call of municipal politics.
Founder of the JSD and national leader of the PSD, Carlos Carreiras has been a strong advocate for public policies dedicated to the promotion of talent and entrepreneurship.
He has received several distinctions, such as the First Class National Defense Medal, awarded by the Minister of National Defense, the First Order of the Republic, awarded by the government of Moldova, and the National Medal of Merit, awarded by the government of Romania. Carlos Carreiras was also awarded the Medal of Recognition from AMI - Assistência Médica Internacional, in recognition of his support for the organization.
For his work in fighting the pandemic and for the vision of sustainable development applied to Cascais, Carlos Carreiras was nominated for the title of "World Mayor 2021".
Carlos Carreiras writes the weekly column "Com Vista para o Atlântico" in the "i" newspaper on Wednesdays.
He was born in Lisbon in 1961, but it wasn't long before he moved to Cascais, where he never left. He is married and the father of five daughters.
He was vice-president of the Partido Social Democrata (PSD) between 2014 and 2016, vice-president of the Executive Committee of the Union of Portuguese Speaking Capital Cities (2017/2019), vice-president of Cascais City Council (2005/2011), president of the Congress and General Council of the National Association of Municipalities (2013/2017) and president of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Institute until March 2013.
He graduated from the Lisbon Institute of Accounting and Administration in 1987 and worked in Europe, South America and Africa in companies in the hospitality and mass consumption sectors until 2005. It was then that he felt the call of municipal politics.
Founder of the JSD and national leader of the PSD, Carlos Carreiras has been a strong advocate for public policies dedicated to the promotion of talent and entrepreneurship.
He has received several distinctions, such as the First Class National Defense Medal, awarded by the Minister of National Defense, the First Order of the Republic, awarded by the government of Moldova, and the National Medal of Merit, awarded by the government of Romania. Carlos Carreiras was also awarded the Medal of Recognition from AMI - Assistência Médica Internacional, in recognition of his support for the organization.
For his work in fighting the pandemic and for the vision of sustainable development applied to Cascais, Carlos Carreiras was nominated for the title of "World Mayor 2021".
Carlos Carreiras writes the weekly column "Com Vista para o Atlântico" in the "i" newspaper on Wednesdays.
He was born in Lisbon in 1961, but it wasn't long before he moved to Cascais, where he never left. He is married and the father of five daughters.
Panel 1 - Ocean as a Clean Energy Source and a Sustainable Driver for World Trade
Pedro Amaral Jorge
CEO at APREN - The Portuguese Renewable Energy Association
Pedro Amaral Jorge graduated in Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, and also has an MBA with focus on Finance and Operations, from IESE / AESE.
In his previous professional experience, he worked as a specialist in structuring and financing projects for the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the areas of Infrastructure, Energy and Water and Sanitation.
In addition to his career, Pedro Amaral Jorge also has a history of developing projects for public service concessions and BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) as well as financing, planning, construction and management, accumulating more than 20 years of international experience, having worked and lived in different markets, especially in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
He has a total of 25 years of professional experience in top management positions in companies such as Mitsubishi / METITO Utilities, Indaqua / Mota-Engil Group, SACYR / SOMAGUE and IDOM.
He joined APREN in December 2018, serving as CEO.
Pedro Amaral Jorge graduated in Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, and also has an MBA with focus on Finance and Operations, from IESE / AESE.
In his previous professional experience, he worked as a specialist in structuring and financing projects for the African Development Bank (AfDB), in the areas of Infrastructure, Energy and Water and Sanitation.
In addition to his career, Pedro Amaral Jorge also has a history of developing projects for public service concessions and BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) as well as financing, planning, construction and management, accumulating more than 20 years of international experience, having worked and lived in different markets, especially in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
He has a total of 25 years of professional experience in top management positions in companies such as Mitsubishi / METITO Utilities, Indaqua / Mota-Engil Group, SACYR / SOMAGUE and IDOM.
He joined APREN in December 2018, serving as CEO.
Maja Markovčić Kostelac
Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency
Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac took up the position of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on 1 January 2019. She is responsible for the running and development of the Agency under the oversight of its Administrative Board.
Starting out as a maritime lawyer, she has subsequently gained long-standing experience in the maritime field in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac was State Secretary for Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Her duties entailed developing strategies, policies and legislation in the area of maritime transport, maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In this role, she also led the Croatian delegation in a range of international forums at the United Nations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During her time at Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure she held a number of positions, including Director of the Maritime Policy Directorate. She also served as Director of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association (Mare Nostrum).
Since joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac has established the Agency’s five-year strategy (2020-2024) and organises its implementation. She has led EMSA’s work on a range of strategic and operational issues, including the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal, the development of enhanced digital solutions for national level administrations and relevant authorities, and the provision of support at international level to the European Commission and Member States at the IMO.
Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac took up the position of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on 1 January 2019. She is responsible for the running and development of the Agency under the oversight of its Administrative Board.
Starting out as a maritime lawyer, she has subsequently gained long-standing experience in the maritime field in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac was State Secretary for Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Her duties entailed developing strategies, policies and legislation in the area of maritime transport, maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In this role, she also led the Croatian delegation in a range of international forums at the United Nations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During her time at Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure she held a number of positions, including Director of the Maritime Policy Directorate. She also served as Director of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association (Mare Nostrum).
Since joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac has established the Agency’s five-year strategy (2020-2024) and organises its implementation. She has led EMSA’s work on a range of strategic and operational issues, including the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal, the development of enhanced digital solutions for national level administrations and relevant authorities, and the provision of support at international level to the European Commission and Member States at the IMO.
Tor Arne Johnsen
EU Advisor, Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster
Tor Arne Johnsen is working as EU Advisor for Norwegian Offshore Wind, the largest industrial cluster in Norway. He is in charge of EU policy in the cluster and covers also several of the European markets in the cluster such as Portugal, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
He is a member in the advisory committee on offshore wind for the Greek Government.
He has previously worked for Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and has also been CEO for an EU Consultancy firm in Brussels.
Mr. Johnsen has a master’s degree in Economics from University of Oslo.
Tor Arne Johnsen is working as EU Advisor for Norwegian Offshore Wind, the largest industrial cluster in Norway. He is in charge of EU policy in the cluster and covers also several of the European markets in the cluster such as Portugal, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
He is a member in the advisory committee on offshore wind for the Greek Government.
He has previously worked for Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry and has also been CEO for an EU Consultancy firm in Brussels.
Mr. Johnsen has a master’s degree in Economics from University of Oslo.
Roland Roesch
Director, Innovation and Technology Center, IRENA
Dr. Roland Roesch has been Director at the Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) since June 2023. In this role, he oversees the agency's work on advising member countries on energy scenarios and planning, power sector transformation, renewable generation, cost and markets, technology status and innovation outlooks, and project development guidelines. Before becoming Director, he served as IITC Deputy Director from 2018.
Roland joined IRENA in 2012 and has worked in multiple work programs since. For two years prior to joining IRENA, Roland had been Professor for Energy Economics at the University of Applied Science in Damstadt. Previously, he worked for 15 years in the oil and gas and utilities industries for Shell and E.ON, latterly as General Manager Power with Shell and as Head of Division, Project Leader, Project Executive and Technical Project Developer with E.ON. Previously, he worked as an Energy Market Consultant for Lahmeyer International and as a researcher in renewable energy. Roland has solid business experience in energy markets, energy economics and strategies, renewable integration management, energy project development and project financing.
Dr. Roland Roesch has been Director at the Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) since June 2023. In this role, he oversees the agency's work on advising member countries on energy scenarios and planning, power sector transformation, renewable generation, cost and markets, technology status and innovation outlooks, and project development guidelines. Before becoming Director, he served as IITC Deputy Director from 2018.
Roland joined IRENA in 2012 and has worked in multiple work programs since. For two years prior to joining IRENA, Roland had been Professor for Energy Economics at the University of Applied Science in Damstadt. Previously, he worked for 15 years in the oil and gas and utilities industries for Shell and E.ON, latterly as General Manager Power with Shell and as Head of Division, Project Leader, Project Executive and Technical Project Developer with E.ON. Previously, he worked as an Energy Market Consultant for Lahmeyer International and as a researcher in renewable energy. Roland has solid business experience in energy markets, energy economics and strategies, renewable integration management, energy project development and project financing.
Arsenio Dominguez Velasco
Director of the Marine Environment Division of International Maritime Organization
Mr. Dominguez currently serves as Director, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), having served previously as Director, Administrative Division and Chief of Staff. Before joining IMO in July 2017, Mr. Dominguez worked for the Panama Maritime Authority starting in 1998 as Head of the Regional Technical and Documentation Office for Europe and North Africa, and as Alternate Representative and Technical Adviser of Panama to IMO from 2004 to 2014. In July 2014 he was appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO.
From 1998 to 2017, Mr Dominguez represented Panama at IMO, as well as at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO). He also represented Panama at several shipping conferences, forums, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Having chaired a number of meetings at international organisations, Mr. Dominguez was elected Chair of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) from 2014 to 2017, having previously served as Vice-chair from 2012 to 2013. He was also elected Chair of the Technical Committee at the 29th IMO Assembly in 2015, Chair of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy from 2010 to 2014, and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) from 2009 to 2011.
Mr. Dominguez holds a Naval Architect degree from Veracruzana University, Mexico; an MBA in Management from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University, both in London, England.
On 18 July 2023, Mr Dominguez was elected as the 10th Secretary-General of the IMO at the 129th session of the Council of the Organization, with effect from 1 January 2024, subject to the Assembly’s approval, for an initial period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Mr. Dominguez currently serves as Director, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), having served previously as Director, Administrative Division and Chief of Staff. Before joining IMO in July 2017, Mr. Dominguez worked for the Panama Maritime Authority starting in 1998 as Head of the Regional Technical and Documentation Office for Europe and North Africa, and as Alternate Representative and Technical Adviser of Panama to IMO from 2004 to 2014. In July 2014 he was appointed Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to IMO.
From 1998 to 2017, Mr Dominguez represented Panama at IMO, as well as at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO). He also represented Panama at several shipping conferences, forums, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Having chaired a number of meetings at international organisations, Mr. Dominguez was elected Chair of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) from 2014 to 2017, having previously served as Vice-chair from 2012 to 2013. He was also elected Chair of the Technical Committee at the 29th IMO Assembly in 2015, Chair of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy from 2010 to 2014, and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee of Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) from 2009 to 2011.
Mr. Dominguez holds a Naval Architect degree from Veracruzana University, Mexico; an MBA in Management from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University, both in London, England.
On 18 July 2023, Mr Dominguez was elected as the 10th Secretary-General of the IMO at the 129th session of the Council of the Organization, with effect from 1 January 2024, subject to the Assembly’s approval, for an initial period of four years from 2024 to 2027.
Pierre Tardieu
Chief Policy Officer at WindEurope
He leads WindEurope’s Policy Department covering advocacy, innovation, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement. Pierre also co-manages the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition, the Energy Storage Coalition and RE-Source. He joined WindEurope in 2011 and has a decade and a half of experience in European Climate and Energy policy. Pierre holds degrees from College of Europe, Paris Catholic Institute and Strasbourg Institute of Political Science.
WindEurope is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind energy across Europe. It gathers over 500 members from across the wind energy value chain: wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, power utilities and wind farm developers, financial institutions, research institutes and national wind energy associations.
He leads WindEurope’s Policy Department covering advocacy, innovation, market intelligence and stakeholder engagement. Pierre also co-manages the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition, the Energy Storage Coalition and RE-Source. He joined WindEurope in 2011 and has a decade and a half of experience in European Climate and Energy policy. Pierre holds degrees from College of Europe, Paris Catholic Institute and Strasbourg Institute of Political Science.
WindEurope is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind energy across Europe. It gathers over 500 members from across the wind energy value chain: wind turbine manufacturers, component suppliers, power utilities and wind farm developers, financial institutions, research institutes and national wind energy associations.
Panel 2 - Ocean as a Catalyst for the Bioeconomy
Paloma Avila
Director Future of CNN Chile
Paloma Avila is a journalist with 19 years of experience in audiovisual production, television, content development, strategic communication, and scientific dissemination. She is graduate in social communication from the Universidad Catílica of Chile
She worked in the independent audiovisual sector for 7 years as the commercial director of Nueva Imagen and director of the project development department.
She had led teams and managed audiovisual projects for TV, from idea development to on-air release, participating in creative processes, scripting, budgeting, sales, and production.
She was an Executive Producer for films such as "Balmaceda" and "Portales" in the bicentennial series for Canal 13, "Heroes: La Gloria Tiene su Precio"; documentary series like "Grandes Chilenos" in episodes about Gabriela Mistral and Manuel Rodríguez, and children's series like "Cantando Aprendo a Hablar" during her time in independent production.
At VTR, she was involved in creating their foundation focused on quality content development and promotion of regional television. She developed documentary series such us "Kulmapu," "Kulrapa," "Por la Razón y la Ciencia," "Liga de Emprendedores," regional news programs like "Panorama Chile," and children's animation series like "Locos Lab."
Currently, Paloma Avila is the Deputy Director of the Future Department at CNN Chile, overseeing programs such as "Futuro 360," "Divergentes," "Minería 360," "Sana Mente," and serving as the Director of Content and Transmission for Congreso Futuro.
Interested in developing innovative work models and original content that serves a purpose and are a contribution, Paloma Avila has a strong orientation towards teamwork and the development of stimulating work environments that inspire people.
Paloma Avila is a journalist with 19 years of experience in audiovisual production, television, content development, strategic communication, and scientific dissemination. She is graduate in social communication from the Universidad Catílica of Chile
She worked in the independent audiovisual sector for 7 years as the commercial director of Nueva Imagen and director of the project development department.
She had led teams and managed audiovisual projects for TV, from idea development to on-air release, participating in creative processes, scripting, budgeting, sales, and production.
She was an Executive Producer for films such as "Balmaceda" and "Portales" in the bicentennial series for Canal 13, "Heroes: La Gloria Tiene su Precio"; documentary series like "Grandes Chilenos" in episodes about Gabriela Mistral and Manuel Rodríguez, and children's series like "Cantando Aprendo a Hablar" during her time in independent production.
At VTR, she was involved in creating their foundation focused on quality content development and promotion of regional television. She developed documentary series such us "Kulmapu," "Kulrapa," "Por la Razón y la Ciencia," "Liga de Emprendedores," regional news programs like "Panorama Chile," and children's animation series like "Locos Lab."
Currently, Paloma Avila is the Deputy Director of the Future Department at CNN Chile, overseeing programs such as "Futuro 360," "Divergentes," "Minería 360," "Sana Mente," and serving as the Director of Content and Transmission for Congreso Futuro.
Interested in developing innovative work models and original content that serves a purpose and are a contribution, Paloma Avila has a strong orientation towards teamwork and the development of stimulating work environments that inspire people.
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the Agostinho Neto University and a PhD in Marine Biology and Aquaculture from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
She has professional qualifications in Marine Space Planning (Blue Print), Germany and in Principles and Practices of Management and Planning of the Coastal Zone by Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Universidade Agostinho Neto.
She was Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the University of Namibe (2020/2022); Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the Namibe Fisheries Academy (2017/2020); National Director of Graduate Training (Higher Education) (2013/2017) and National Director of the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Institute (2012).
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has been Full Professor from 1988 and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola.
In addition, she is also Principal Investigator in several national and international projects; Coordinator for Angola of the CPLP Energy and Climate Forum and presenter of the “Hora de Agir” programme.
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the Agostinho Neto University and a PhD in Marine Biology and Aquaculture from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.
She has professional qualifications in Marine Space Planning (Blue Print), Germany and in Principles and Practices of Management and Planning of the Coastal Zone by Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Universidade Agostinho Neto.
She was Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the University of Namibe (2020/2022); Coordinator of the Installation Committee of the Namibe Fisheries Academy (2017/2020); National Director of Graduate Training (Higher Education) (2013/2017) and National Director of the Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Institute (2012).
Carmen Van-Dúnem Neto dos Santos has been Full Professor from 1988 and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola.
In addition, she is also Principal Investigator in several national and international projects; Coordinator for Angola of the CPLP Energy and Climate Forum and presenter of the “Hora de Agir” programme.
Kendra MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean. Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last two years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022.
Prior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte's Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean. Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last two years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022.
Prior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte's Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global.
José Soares dos Santos
Fundação Oceano Azul President
Graduated in Marine Biology from Lisbon Classic University, in 1986, with executive education at IMD (1995) and Harvard (1997), and Alumni Member of Stanford (2000). Executive President of Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos B.V., the main shareholder of Jerónimo Martins, SGPS, S.A., since its establishment in 2012. Member of the Board of Directors of Jerónimo Martins SGPS, S.A. from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2015. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2019.
Chairman of Unilever Fima, Lda., Gallo Worldwide, Lda., JMDB Representação e Distribuição de Marcas Lda. and miMed, Cuidados de Saúde S.A.
Chairman of Movendo Capital B.V., since 2017.
Since May 2020, he is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, of which he was a Board Member from 2009 to 2018.
Since September 2015, he is the Chairman of Oceanário de Lisboa, S.A., and, since December 2016, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Graduated in Marine Biology from Lisbon Classic University, in 1986, with executive education at IMD (1995) and Harvard (1997), and Alumni Member of Stanford (2000). Executive President of Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos B.V., the main shareholder of Jerónimo Martins, SGPS, S.A., since its establishment in 2012. Member of the Board of Directors of Jerónimo Martins SGPS, S.A. from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2015. He is a Non-Executive Director of the Company since April 2019.
Chairman of Unilever Fima, Lda., Gallo Worldwide, Lda., JMDB Representação e Distribuição de Marcas Lda. and miMed, Cuidados de Saúde S.A.
Chairman of Movendo Capital B.V., since 2017.
Since May 2020, he is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, of which he was a Board Member from 2009 to 2018.
Since September 2015, he is the Chairman of Oceanário de Lisboa, S.A., and, since December 2016, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Markus Müller
Chief Investment Officer ESG & Global Head of Chief Investment Office
Deutsche Bank - Private Bank
Markus H.-P. Müller main research focus lie in the structural transformation of economies and societies as well as in the area of sustainability. Markus authored several books and articles on the transformation of society and economies and is a columnist for the Global Policy Journal at Durham University. Markus is currently Global Head of the Chief Investment Office of the Private Bank, Deutsche Bank AG. In June 2022 he took over the role of Chief Investment Officer ESG in addition to his current function.
Markus began his career at Deutsche Bank in DB Research as executive assistant to the chief economist. During his studies at Münster University in Germany, he acquired broad international experience with focus on China, later working as an Economist at Allianz Life Insurance in Shanghai. Markus has held teaching posts in corporate finance and economics, being a visiting scholar at the Frankfurt School of Finance and the University of Bayreuth as well as at the Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
In January 2019 Markus H.-P. Müller published his first book under the title „Neo-Ordoliberalismus – Zukunftsmodell für die Soziale Marktwirtschaft“ at Springer-Gabler. His recent book he published in May 2021 under the title “Deutschland und China zwischen Kooperation und Konkurrenz”. In 2023 he will publish his new book on India on its transformation to a post-industrial economy.
Deutsche Bank - Private Bank
Markus H.-P. Müller main research focus lie in the structural transformation of economies and societies as well as in the area of sustainability. Markus authored several books and articles on the transformation of society and economies and is a columnist for the Global Policy Journal at Durham University. Markus is currently Global Head of the Chief Investment Office of the Private Bank, Deutsche Bank AG. In June 2022 he took over the role of Chief Investment Officer ESG in addition to his current function.
Markus began his career at Deutsche Bank in DB Research as executive assistant to the chief economist. During his studies at Münster University in Germany, he acquired broad international experience with focus on China, later working as an Economist at Allianz Life Insurance in Shanghai. Markus has held teaching posts in corporate finance and economics, being a visiting scholar at the Frankfurt School of Finance and the University of Bayreuth as well as at the Banking and Finance Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
In January 2019 Markus H.-P. Müller published his first book under the title „Neo-Ordoliberalismus – Zukunftsmodell für die Soziale Marktwirtschaft“ at Springer-Gabler. His recent book he published in May 2021 under the title “Deutschland und China zwischen Kooperation und Konkurrenz”. In 2023 he will publish his new book on India on its transformation to a post-industrial economy.
Jukka Kantola
Founder – the World BioEconomy Forum
Jukka Kantola has broad experience of the bioeconomy related industries. He has held various executive positions in Europe and in Asia. Hence, he has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities of these economies. Jukka is well-known in the bioeconomy space and he is a passionate advocator of the circular bioeconomy.
Through his companies he has advanced on the versatile valorisation of biomass for innovative applications. He has played an active role in advocating the bioeconomy in practice.
In the past years he has been involved in facilitating new biorefinery ventures, a relatively new phenomenon in the industry. He has also founded the World BioEconomy Forum in 2018, which has become one of the major platforms for the circular bioeconomy.
Jukka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland. He also holds an eMBA from Rutgers University. Jukka is married with three sons.
Jukka Kantola has broad experience of the bioeconomy related industries. He has held various executive positions in Europe and in Asia. Hence, he has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities of these economies. Jukka is well-known in the bioeconomy space and he is a passionate advocator of the circular bioeconomy.
Through his companies he has advanced on the versatile valorisation of biomass for innovative applications. He has played an active role in advocating the bioeconomy in practice.
In the past years he has been involved in facilitating new biorefinery ventures, a relatively new phenomenon in the industry. He has also founded the World BioEconomy Forum in 2018, which has become one of the major platforms for the circular bioeconomy.
Jukka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland. He also holds an eMBA from Rutgers University. Jukka is married with three sons.
Panel 3 - Ocean as a Data and Energy Highway
Brian Helmuth
Professor of marine and environmental sciences at School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Brian Helmuth is a Professor at the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with appointments in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
Dr. Helmuth’s research and teaching focus on ecological forecasting in coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, with the goal of informing policy and conservation.
He is Chief Scientist for Fabien Cousteau’s Proteus underwater habitat, envisioned as the International Space Station of the seafloor.
He currently serves as an author on the 5th US National Climate Assessment and is a member of the U.S. National Sea Grant Advisory board.
Brian Helmuth is a Professor at the Marine Science Center at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, with appointments in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
Dr. Helmuth’s research and teaching focus on ecological forecasting in coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, with the goal of informing policy and conservation.
He is Chief Scientist for Fabien Cousteau’s Proteus underwater habitat, envisioned as the International Space Station of the seafloor.
He currently serves as an author on the 5th US National Climate Assessment and is a member of the U.S. National Sea Grant Advisory board.
José Barros
Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables
Degree in telecommunications and electronics engineering from IST, Lisbon in 1983. Post graduations in management and leadership.
Jose Barros performed International Network Planning and Provisioning Managing functions at CPR Marconi during 1984-2002.
At Portugal Telecom during 2002-2003, José Barros was responsible for the International Network Administration.
At ANACOM, José Barros served as Director of External Relations Department during 2003-2020, and as Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables during-2020-2023.
Jose Baros currently develops independent consultancy activities in International Connectivity and Submarine Cables, particularly on the use of the latter for environmental and seismic detection at the service of Science and Society.
Degree in telecommunications and electronics engineering from IST, Lisbon in 1983. Post graduations in management and leadership.
Jose Barros performed International Network Planning and Provisioning Managing functions at CPR Marconi during 1984-2002.
At Portugal Telecom during 2002-2003, José Barros was responsible for the International Network Administration.
At ANACOM, José Barros served as Director of External Relations Department during 2003-2020, and as Senior Consultant for International Connectivity and Submarine Cables during-2020-2023.
Jose Baros currently develops independent consultancy activities in International Connectivity and Submarine Cables, particularly on the use of the latter for environmental and seismic detection at the service of Science and Society.
Bruce Howe
Chair of the international JTF SMART Cable initiative
Dr. Howe leads the Joint Task Force (JTF) SMART Cable initiative, (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) to incorporate sensors into the global submarine telecommunication cable system for climate, ocean circulation and sea level monitoring and tsunami and earthquake warning.
Dr. Howe develops ocean observing infrastructure, including cable systems. Projects have included basin-scale acoustic thermometry and planning, development, and operation of cabled observatories. His long-term goals are to integrate multi-purpose systems in ocean observing for ocean-basin scale acoustic positioning, communications, timing, and tomography, and to develop the (largely cabled) infrastructure to support this.
After obtaining engineering and oceanography degrees at Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego, Dr. Howe worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington 1987-2008, and is now at the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering.
Dr. Howe leads the Joint Task Force (JTF) SMART Cable initiative, (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) to incorporate sensors into the global submarine telecommunication cable system for climate, ocean circulation and sea level monitoring and tsunami and earthquake warning.
Dr. Howe develops ocean observing infrastructure, including cable systems. Projects have included basin-scale acoustic thermometry and planning, development, and operation of cabled observatories. His long-term goals are to integrate multi-purpose systems in ocean observing for ocean-basin scale acoustic positioning, communications, timing, and tomography, and to develop the (largely cabled) infrastructure to support this.
After obtaining engineering and oceanography degrees at Stanford University and the University of California at San Diego, Dr. Howe worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington 1987-2008, and is now at the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering.
Philippe Dumont
CEO of EllaLink
Philippe Dumont is a member of ‘2020 Capacity Power 100’ an elite group of the most influential people of the wholesale carrier community. He is a CEO with over 25 years of international experience in the Telecoms industry. His strong leadership style is supplemented with an entrepreneurial attitude and long term vision.
Philippe was President & CEO of ASN (Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks), a worldwide leader for turnkey telecoms submarine cable systems, for 6 years and has also served for 5 years as President of the Wireless Transmission activities at Alcatel Lucent.
He is currently the CEO of EllaLink, a €180m project that has been designed to satisfy the growing traffic demand between Europe and Latin America. The system will offer the first ever large scale, direct fibre route between the two continents, bypassing the congested routes of the North Atlantic.
Philippe Dumont is a member of ‘2020 Capacity Power 100’ an elite group of the most influential people of the wholesale carrier community. He is a CEO with over 25 years of international experience in the Telecoms industry. His strong leadership style is supplemented with an entrepreneurial attitude and long term vision.
Philippe was President & CEO of ASN (Alcatel Lucent Submarine Networks), a worldwide leader for turnkey telecoms submarine cable systems, for 6 years and has also served for 5 years as President of the Wireless Transmission activities at Alcatel Lucent.
He is currently the CEO of EllaLink, a €180m project that has been designed to satisfy the growing traffic demand between Europe and Latin America. The system will offer the first ever large scale, direct fibre route between the two continents, bypassing the congested routes of the North Atlantic.
Claire Boggis
Submarine Telecommunications Cable Market Specialist
Claire Boggis has 35 years experience in the submarine telecommunications industry. She has spent most of her career at Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) where she was directly involved in managing all submarine telecom cable projects delivered around the world by ASN (and formerly STC) over a 29 year period. These totalled more than 200 such projects during this time, representing some 300,000 kms of cable. For most of her time at ASN, Claire worked in various positions within the ASN Marine division delivering all route engineering, project management and cable installation and maintenance services. She rose to become Vice-President Marine for ASN and was also President of ALDA Marine, a JV between ASN and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs that owned and managed ASN’s then fleet of 7 cable ships and subsea equipment.
Since leaving ASN in 2017, Claire has remained within the industry working as a consultant for a variety of players within the market. She specialises in all aspects of marine related activities for submarine telecommunication project planning and implementation, as well as general submarine telecommunications project and commercial management.
Claire Boggis has 35 years experience in the submarine telecommunications industry. She has spent most of her career at Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) where she was directly involved in managing all submarine telecom cable projects delivered around the world by ASN (and formerly STC) over a 29 year period. These totalled more than 200 such projects during this time, representing some 300,000 kms of cable. For most of her time at ASN, Claire worked in various positions within the ASN Marine division delivering all route engineering, project management and cable installation and maintenance services. She rose to become Vice-President Marine for ASN and was also President of ALDA Marine, a JV between ASN and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs that owned and managed ASN’s then fleet of 7 cable ships and subsea equipment.
Since leaving ASN in 2017, Claire has remained within the industry working as a consultant for a variety of players within the market. She specialises in all aspects of marine related activities for submarine telecommunication project planning and implementation, as well as general submarine telecommunications project and commercial management.
Paul Gabla
President of the SubOptic Association
Paul Gabla is a highly respected executive with over 30 years’ experience in the Telecommunications, Aerospace and Defense industries, including more than 20 years directly involved in the subsea cable networks industry.
Prior to his current position as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at ASN (Alcatel Submarine Networks), Paul has been Vice President, Asia Pacific for Alcatel’s former Optical Networking division, and has also held senior management roles in Sales & Marketing at Alcatel Alenia Space, Thales and Rockwell Collins.
Paul has been involved with SubOptic for many years, and currently serves as President of the SubOptic Association. The SubOptic Association, which gathers subsea telecommunications industry companies and professionals, aims to foster sustainable development of subsea telecommunications networks.
Paul Gabla is a highly respected executive with over 30 years’ experience in the Telecommunications, Aerospace and Defense industries, including more than 20 years directly involved in the subsea cable networks industry.
Prior to his current position as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at ASN (Alcatel Submarine Networks), Paul has been Vice President, Asia Pacific for Alcatel’s former Optical Networking division, and has also held senior management roles in Sales & Marketing at Alcatel Alenia Space, Thales and Rockwell Collins.
Paul has been involved with SubOptic for many years, and currently serves as President of the SubOptic Association. The SubOptic Association, which gathers subsea telecommunications industry companies and professionals, aims to foster sustainable development of subsea telecommunications networks.
Panel 4 - Ocean and Blue Communities
Joana Balsemão
Councillor in Cascais Municipality
Joana Presas Pinto Balsemão is a Councillor in Cascais Municipality, where she is responsible for environmental, climate action and participatory policies.
She completed her Master's degree in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford University.
She is member of the Urban Development Committee of the United Nations Commission for Europe; member of the executive board of the Sustainable Growth Platform think-tank; and also member of the Council for Environment and Sustainability of EDP - Energias de Portugal.
She worked at the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the EU where she was responsible for negotiating EU legislative proposals related to environmental, climate and energy legislation.
Joana Balsemão has also worked as an advisor at the Ministry of the Environment, on international files; she was coordinator of the Agenda 21 program at the Municipality of Cascais; she was a researcher at the Technical University of Lisbon in the area of education for climate change; and she worked at the Vale of White Horse District Council in the UK, where she implemented the energy poverty strategy.
Joana Presas Pinto Balsemão is a Councillor in Cascais Municipality, where she is responsible for environmental, climate action and participatory policies.
She completed her Master's degree in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford University.
She is member of the Urban Development Committee of the United Nations Commission for Europe; member of the executive board of the Sustainable Growth Platform think-tank; and also member of the Council for Environment and Sustainability of EDP - Energias de Portugal.
She worked at the Permanent Representation of Portugal to the EU where she was responsible for negotiating EU legislative proposals related to environmental, climate and energy legislation.
Joana Balsemão has also worked as an advisor at the Ministry of the Environment, on international files; she was coordinator of the Agenda 21 program at the Municipality of Cascais; she was a researcher at the Technical University of Lisbon in the area of education for climate change; and she worked at the Vale of White Horse District Council in the UK, where she implemented the energy poverty strategy.
Carlos Abade
President of Turismo de Portugal
Carlos Abade is the President of Turismo de Portugal (Portuguese National Tourism Authority) since June 2023 and President of NEST – Tourism Innovation Center.
Previously he was Turismo de Portugal´s board member since february 2016. Between 2007 and 2016, he was Chief Coordinator of Turismo de Portugal investment support unit.
Currently, he´s also non-executive board member of aicep Portugal Global - Trade & Investment Agency, a government body focused on the development of a competitive business environment that contributes to the globalisation of the Portuguese economy, Turismo Fundos, a real estate fund manager company, focused on tourism assets, President of the General Council of the Tourism and Film Fund, President of the General Council of the Revive Natureza Fund, Vice- President of the General Council of FIEAE, a special real estate fund, focused on tourism and industry, member of the General Council of the mutual guarantee fund and member of the General Council and Advisory Board of FINOVA, an innovation support fund.
He has a degree in law and an executive master in finance.
Carlos Abade is the President of Turismo de Portugal (Portuguese National Tourism Authority) since June 2023 and President of NEST – Tourism Innovation Center.
Previously he was Turismo de Portugal´s board member since february 2016. Between 2007 and 2016, he was Chief Coordinator of Turismo de Portugal investment support unit.
Currently, he´s also non-executive board member of aicep Portugal Global - Trade & Investment Agency, a government body focused on the development of a competitive business environment that contributes to the globalisation of the Portuguese economy, Turismo Fundos, a real estate fund manager company, focused on tourism assets, President of the General Council of the Tourism and Film Fund, President of the General Council of the Revive Natureza Fund, Vice- President of the General Council of FIEAE, a special real estate fund, focused on tourism and industry, member of the General Council of the mutual guarantee fund and member of the General Council and Advisory Board of FINOVA, an innovation support fund.
He has a degree in law and an executive master in finance.
Denis Aheto
Director for Centre for Coastal Management and the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience at University of Cape Coast
Denis W. Aheto holds a PhD Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Bremen, Germany. He also holds a Masters’ Degree in Tropical Aquatic Ecology from the same University and another Masters Degree in Rural Development Studies from the Swedish Agricultural University, Sweden. He is a tenured Professor of Coastal Ecology and Interdisciplinary Ocean Studies and Director of the Centre for Coastal Management- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, a Centre he was instrumental in its establishment. He has been working in the field of coastal zone management in Ghana for nearly two decades. Denis Aheto is a visiting Professor at the Faculty of Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada under the 7-year Food, Climate and Biodiversity (FCB) project grant award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC). He is a technical advisor to West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) of the World Bank and involved in the evolution of the Blue Economy for Resilient Africa Program (BE4RAP) through a visiting fellowship program of the World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative. He is UCC’s authorized representative of several multi-million-dollar programs in his fields of specialization funded by the World Bank, USAID, US State Department, African Union and DANIDA among others. His research interests span across ecology and management of coastal water bodies (estuaries and lagoons) and mangrove wetlands. He has worked on many national and continental projects in the fields of coastal resilience, maritime conflicts, fisheries governance, climate change adaptation/mitigation, fisheries and aquaculture socioeconomics, marine biodiversity, marine pollution management, anthropogenic impacts on the hydrology, coastal urban planning, maritime regulation/policy and enforcement, blue economy, social and ecological resilience of marine environment, marine spatial planning and marine protected areas and has over 60 peer reviewed scientific publications in these fields and several commissioned technical reports for various development organizations.
Denis W. Aheto holds a PhD Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Bremen, Germany. He also holds a Masters’ Degree in Tropical Aquatic Ecology from the same University and another Masters Degree in Rural Development Studies from the Swedish Agricultural University, Sweden. He is a tenured Professor of Coastal Ecology and Interdisciplinary Ocean Studies and Director of the Centre for Coastal Management- Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, a Centre he was instrumental in its establishment. He has been working in the field of coastal zone management in Ghana for nearly two decades. Denis Aheto is a visiting Professor at the Faculty of Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada under the 7-year Food, Climate and Biodiversity (FCB) project grant award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC). He is a technical advisor to West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) of the World Bank and involved in the evolution of the Blue Economy for Resilient Africa Program (BE4RAP) through a visiting fellowship program of the World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative. He is UCC’s authorized representative of several multi-million-dollar programs in his fields of specialization funded by the World Bank, USAID, US State Department, African Union and DANIDA among others. His research interests span across ecology and management of coastal water bodies (estuaries and lagoons) and mangrove wetlands. He has worked on many national and continental projects in the fields of coastal resilience, maritime conflicts, fisheries governance, climate change adaptation/mitigation, fisheries and aquaculture socioeconomics, marine biodiversity, marine pollution management, anthropogenic impacts on the hydrology, coastal urban planning, maritime regulation/policy and enforcement, blue economy, social and ecological resilience of marine environment, marine spatial planning and marine protected areas and has over 60 peer reviewed scientific publications in these fields and several commissioned technical reports for various development organizations.
Ana Rita Beire
Director of Innovation and Development at SOLVIT - Innovation in Telecommunications
Ana Rita Beire, a co-founder of SOLVIT - Innovation in Telecommunications, presently serves as the Director of Innovation and Development. With academic credentials in Electronics and Telecommunications, along with a Master's degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from ISEL, she is responsible for the coordination of innovation projects, leading the R&D team dedicated to the development of the products that compose the company's portfolio.
One notable ongoing project under her guidance is the Custodian initiative, which aims to create a tracking system suitable for small vessels. This system facilitates the monitoring and retrieval of fishing gear while streamlining the mandatory reporting of lost gear to authorities. The Custodian system's mission is to mitigate the loss of fishing gear, reducing plastic pollution and ghost fishing.
Ana Rita Beire also holds expertise in radio planning for public and railway mobile communications systems, as well as information systems. Beyond her role at SOLVIT, she serves as a guest assistant professor at ISEL, where she teaches in the field of information systems.
Ana Rita Beire, a co-founder of SOLVIT - Innovation in Telecommunications, presently serves as the Director of Innovation and Development. With academic credentials in Electronics and Telecommunications, along with a Master's degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from ISEL, she is responsible for the coordination of innovation projects, leading the R&D team dedicated to the development of the products that compose the company's portfolio.
One notable ongoing project under her guidance is the Custodian initiative, which aims to create a tracking system suitable for small vessels. This system facilitates the monitoring and retrieval of fishing gear while streamlining the mandatory reporting of lost gear to authorities. The Custodian system's mission is to mitigate the loss of fishing gear, reducing plastic pollution and ghost fishing.
Ana Rita Beire also holds expertise in radio planning for public and railway mobile communications systems, as well as information systems. Beyond her role at SOLVIT, she serves as a guest assistant professor at ISEL, where she teaches in the field of information systems.
António Nogueira Leite
Chairman of Forum Oceano
António Nogueira Leite, Lic, MSc and PhD in Economics, is Professor of Business Strategy and Governance at the Nova School of Business and Economics and has been the Chairman of Forum Oceano (FO), since its inception in 2015. Prior to this was Chairman of Oceano XXI, the original Portuguese Ocean cluster that merged with another business association to create FO.
Antonio has taken several positions outside academia, both in Government (Secretary of State of the Treasury and Finance) and business (Chairman of the Lisbon Stock Exchange, Vice CEO of CGD, Board Member of Brisa, Efacec, Bondalti, CUF and EDP Renewables, among others). Currently is also the Chairman of Mapfre Insurance PT and Sociedade Ponto Verde.
António Nogueira Leite, Lic, MSc and PhD in Economics, is Professor of Business Strategy and Governance at the Nova School of Business and Economics and has been the Chairman of Forum Oceano (FO), since its inception in 2015. Prior to this was Chairman of Oceano XXI, the original Portuguese Ocean cluster that merged with another business association to create FO.
Antonio has taken several positions outside academia, both in Government (Secretary of State of the Treasury and Finance) and business (Chairman of the Lisbon Stock Exchange, Vice CEO of CGD, Board Member of Brisa, Efacec, Bondalti, CUF and EDP Renewables, among others). Currently is also the Chairman of Mapfre Insurance PT and Sociedade Ponto Verde.
Derek Klazen
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia
Derek Klazen is the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia.
Previsouly, he was a Member of the National Assembly (2015-2020) and Deputy Minister for Urban and Rural Development (2015).
From 2010 to 2015 he was Member of Executive of the Association of Local Authority (ALAN) and President of Mayor’s Forum between 2010 and 2012.
He was also a Member of Mayor’s Forum (2006-2008; 2010-2012); Mayor of Walvis Bay (2006-2008; 2010-2010) and Member of Walvis Bay Local Authority Council (2004-2014).
Derek Klazen is the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia.
Previsouly, he was a Member of the National Assembly (2015-2020) and Deputy Minister for Urban and Rural Development (2015).
From 2010 to 2015 he was Member of Executive of the Association of Local Authority (ALAN) and President of Mayor’s Forum between 2010 and 2012.
He was also a Member of Mayor’s Forum (2006-2008; 2010-2012); Mayor of Walvis Bay (2006-2008; 2010-2010) and Member of Walvis Bay Local Authority Council (2004-2014).
Ilana Victorya Seid
Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations
The Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations, Ms. Ilana V. Seid, presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 16 September 2021. She is serving concurrently as a non-resident Ambassador of Palau to Israel.
Before her appointment, Ambassador Seid was the founder and CEO of the online e-commerce company Sunday Morning. Prior to launching Sunday Morning, Ambassador Seid worked as a software engineer and technology project manager in New York, and as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and Nomura Securities in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University in the United States.
The Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations, Ms. Ilana V. Seid, presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 16 September 2021. She is serving concurrently as a non-resident Ambassador of Palau to Israel.
Before her appointment, Ambassador Seid was the founder and CEO of the online e-commerce company Sunday Morning. Prior to launching Sunday Morning, Ambassador Seid worked as a software engineer and technology project manager in New York, and as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and Nomura Securities in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University in the United States.
Panel 5 - Ocean and Maritime Protected Areas
Catarina Canelas
Journalist
Catarina Canelas began her career in journalism in 2003, at TVI. In 2005, her curiosity for the East took her to Macau, where she was a journalist at TDM - Rádio Macau for three years.
Back to Portugal, she returned to work at TVI, especially on issues of social relevance, signing several major award-winning reports and is the author of the documentary series "Plástico, O Novo Continente" which has won several national and international awards and distinctions, including the Rey de España Ibero-American Journalism Award and the UNESCO Human Rights Journalism Award.
She is the author of the book 'A Hora da Partida: "Angola 1974/1975" and Co-Author of the book "101 Vozes pela Sustentabilidade (Por um Desenvolvimento Responsável).
She was also a news anchor for TVI24 and a guest professor at ISCTE-IUL.
She is one of the founding journalists of CNN Portugal and currently works in the main news block of the channel, Jornal da CNN.
In the last few years she has dedicated herself to volunteering with environmental NGOs and also to participating in several national and international events, as moderator and speaker, especially in the areas of environment, sustainability and Oceans.
She has a degree in Social Communication from the University of Minho.
Catarina Canelas began her career in journalism in 2003, at TVI. In 2005, her curiosity for the East took her to Macau, where she was a journalist at TDM - Rádio Macau for three years.
Back to Portugal, she returned to work at TVI, especially on issues of social relevance, signing several major award-winning reports and is the author of the documentary series "Plástico, O Novo Continente" which has won several national and international awards and distinctions, including the Rey de España Ibero-American Journalism Award and the UNESCO Human Rights Journalism Award.
She is the author of the book 'A Hora da Partida: "Angola 1974/1975" and Co-Author of the book "101 Vozes pela Sustentabilidade (Por um Desenvolvimento Responsável).
She was also a news anchor for TVI24 and a guest professor at ISCTE-IUL.
She is one of the founding journalists of CNN Portugal and currently works in the main news block of the channel, Jornal da CNN.
In the last few years she has dedicated herself to volunteering with environmental NGOs and also to participating in several national and international events, as moderator and speaker, especially in the areas of environment, sustainability and Oceans.
She has a degree in Social Communication from the University of Minho.
Maria Damanaki
Former EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Acting as an independent consultant in global organisations, Maria Damanaki is serving as an advisor for Oceans5 (USA), the Paradise Foundation (China) and Rockefeller Brothers Foundation (USA).
She is a member of the Friends of Ocean Action of the World Economic Forum. She co-chairs the network of the High-Level Ocean Panel and she sits on the Boards: Monaco Ocean Foundation and Oceanographic Institute, European Marine Regions Forum(Berlin), Global Fishing Watch (Partnership of Google and Oceana, USA), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC-London), Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR UN New York), Beneath the Waves (USA). She also serves as a visiting professor on Marine Policy in NOVA University of Lisbon.
She served for five years as the Global Managing Director for Oceans at The Nature Conservancy USA. She also served as the European Union Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Under her leadership, the Commission introduced a new Common Fisheries Policy that brought fish populations back to healthier levels—from as few as five sustainable stocks in 2010 to up more than 30 today. She also served as a Greek politician for many years. She was the first woman leader of a Greek political party, author of four books on Gender and Human Rights issues, Education and European Policy.
Acting as an independent consultant in global organisations, Maria Damanaki is serving as an advisor for Oceans5 (USA), the Paradise Foundation (China) and Rockefeller Brothers Foundation (USA).
She is a member of the Friends of Ocean Action of the World Economic Forum. She co-chairs the network of the High-Level Ocean Panel and she sits on the Boards: Monaco Ocean Foundation and Oceanographic Institute, European Marine Regions Forum(Berlin), Global Fishing Watch (Partnership of Google and Oceana, USA), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC-London), Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR UN New York), Beneath the Waves (USA). She also serves as a visiting professor on Marine Policy in NOVA University of Lisbon.
She served for five years as the Global Managing Director for Oceans at The Nature Conservancy USA. She also served as the European Union Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Under her leadership, the Commission introduced a new Common Fisheries Policy that brought fish populations back to healthier levels—from as few as five sustainable stocks in 2010 to up more than 30 today. She also served as a Greek politician for many years. She was the first woman leader of a Greek political party, author of four books on Gender and Human Rights issues, Education and European Policy.
Erik Wandrag
CEO of Oceans Finance Company
The combination of Erik’s passion for the natural environment and his deep experience in large-scale, long-term investments in emerging markets, led to the founding of Oceans Finance Company (OFC). Erik has over 20 years of responsibility for organic and inorganic growth investments in infrastructure sectors in emerging markets for various entities, with a cumulative project value in excess of US$ 15 billion.
Featured as one of 10 people in the 2018 edition of Africa Power Elites. Prior to founding OFC, Erik was part of the investment team at Climate Fund Managers. He served as Senior Transaction Advisor for the U.S. Government’s Power Africa initiative, and held the positions of Head of Energy at Harith General Partners (in excess of USD 3 billion in funds under management), as well as the Head of Business Development at Cennergi (joint venture between Tata Power and Exxaro resources).
He has also provided management and strategy consulting services to various entities including Sasol, Standard Bank, General Electric, Development Bank of Southern Africa, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Royal Bafokeng Holdings, Deloitte, Tetra Tech (a NASDAQ listed company), ESBi (Irish utility) and EnBW (German utility).
On 9 May 2023 OFC concluded the largest debt-for-climate conversion in history to protect one of the planet’s most important ecosystems: the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos conversion exchanged USD 1.628 billion in Ecuadorian government bonds for a $656 million impact loan. The transaction will generate savings to the Ecuadorian fiscus of USD 1.126 billion through 2041. In addition, USD 323 million is realised for the conservation of the Galapagos up to 2041 and the establishment of a new endowment fund maturing to USD 227 million to finance their preservation thereafter.
The combination of Erik’s passion for the natural environment and his deep experience in large-scale, long-term investments in emerging markets, led to the founding of Oceans Finance Company (OFC). Erik has over 20 years of responsibility for organic and inorganic growth investments in infrastructure sectors in emerging markets for various entities, with a cumulative project value in excess of US$ 15 billion.
Featured as one of 10 people in the 2018 edition of Africa Power Elites. Prior to founding OFC, Erik was part of the investment team at Climate Fund Managers. He served as Senior Transaction Advisor for the U.S. Government’s Power Africa initiative, and held the positions of Head of Energy at Harith General Partners (in excess of USD 3 billion in funds under management), as well as the Head of Business Development at Cennergi (joint venture between Tata Power and Exxaro resources).
He has also provided management and strategy consulting services to various entities including Sasol, Standard Bank, General Electric, Development Bank of Southern Africa, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Royal Bafokeng Holdings, Deloitte, Tetra Tech (a NASDAQ listed company), ESBi (Irish utility) and EnBW (German utility).
On 9 May 2023 OFC concluded the largest debt-for-climate conversion in history to protect one of the planet’s most important ecosystems: the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos conversion exchanged USD 1.628 billion in Ecuadorian government bonds for a $656 million impact loan. The transaction will generate savings to the Ecuadorian fiscus of USD 1.126 billion through 2041. In addition, USD 323 million is realised for the conservation of the Galapagos up to 2041 and the establishment of a new endowment fund maturing to USD 227 million to finance their preservation thereafter.
Carlos M. Duarte
Professor at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Executive Director of CORDAP
Widely considered one of the top marine ecologists in the world – he was ranked as the 12th most influential climate scientist by Reuters – Carlos M. Duarte has conducted groundbreaking research on marine ecosystems across all continents and oceans. Currently, the esteemed Spanish scientist is a Distinguished Professor and Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Executive Director of the G20 Global Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, and Chief Scientist of Oceans 2050, a programme dedicated to restoring abundance to the oceans by mid-century. Duarte’s particular focus is the role of seaweed aquaculture, as well as the concept of Blue Carbon, the ecosystems that capture and store a huge amount of carbon, one of the many nature-based solutions to global challenges such as climate change that he has developed. Having studied environmental biology, he went on to receive a PhD in limnology – the study of inland water systems − from Canada’s McGill University (1987). Since then, Duarte has taken up various professorships and research positions in marine science in Spain, Australia and Saudi Arabia. In 2010, he led 700 scientists from 18 countries on the Malaspina Circumnavigation Expedition that sailed the world’s oceans to examine the impacts of global change on ocean ecosystems. With more than 1,000 scientific papers and three books to his credit, Duarte has garnered numerous honours, including, most recently, the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology (2020). In 2021, he was appointed to the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences for his seminal contributions to further understanding of marine ecosystems.
Widely considered one of the top marine ecologists in the world – he was ranked as the 12th most influential climate scientist by Reuters – Carlos M. Duarte has conducted groundbreaking research on marine ecosystems across all continents and oceans. Currently, the esteemed Spanish scientist is a Distinguished Professor and Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Executive Director of the G20 Global Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, and Chief Scientist of Oceans 2050, a programme dedicated to restoring abundance to the oceans by mid-century. Duarte’s particular focus is the role of seaweed aquaculture, as well as the concept of Blue Carbon, the ecosystems that capture and store a huge amount of carbon, one of the many nature-based solutions to global challenges such as climate change that he has developed. Having studied environmental biology, he went on to receive a PhD in limnology – the study of inland water systems − from Canada’s McGill University (1987). Since then, Duarte has taken up various professorships and research positions in marine science in Spain, Australia and Saudi Arabia. In 2010, he led 700 scientists from 18 countries on the Malaspina Circumnavigation Expedition that sailed the world’s oceans to examine the impacts of global change on ocean ecosystems. With more than 1,000 scientific papers and three books to his credit, Duarte has garnered numerous honours, including, most recently, the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology (2020). In 2021, he was appointed to the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences for his seminal contributions to further understanding of marine ecosystems.
Mamadou Diop
Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy of Senegal
Since September 2022 Mamadou Diop is the Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy of Senegal.
Previously, from February 2007 to July 2018 he was Inspector General at the Presidency of the Republic. From 2003 to February 2007, he was Advisor to the Director General of the National Agency of Civil Aviation of Senegal (ANACS) and from February 1995 to February 2003, Public Management Delegate at the Ministry of State Modernization.
From 1991 to 1995 he has worked as a Technical Advisor to the Minister responsible for Modernization of the State and from 1989 to 1991 as Technical Advisor to the Minister of the Interior. Between 1981 and 1987 e was an Advisor at the Organization and Methods Office at the Presidency of the Republic.
Since September 2022 Mamadou Diop is the Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy of Senegal.
Previously, from February 2007 to July 2018 he was Inspector General at the Presidency of the Republic. From 2003 to February 2007, he was Advisor to the Director General of the National Agency of Civil Aviation of Senegal (ANACS) and from February 1995 to February 2003, Public Management Delegate at the Ministry of State Modernization.
From 1991 to 1995 he has worked as a Technical Advisor to the Minister responsible for Modernization of the State and from 1989 to 1991 as Technical Advisor to the Minister of the Interior. Between 1981 and 1987 e was an Advisor at the Organization and Methods Office at the Presidency of the Republic.
Maxime Philip
Programme Lead, Global Fund for Coral Reefs
Maxime Philip is currently serving as the Programme Lead for the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) a United Nations multi-partner trust fund. The GFCR is a blended finance platform serving to develop sustainable revenue streams for coral reef and community resilience. Maxime has been instrumental in supporting implementing partners to develop a blended finance strategy, leading to the launch of programmes covering 14 coral reef countries.
Prior to working with United Nations, Maxime conducted socio-economic studies on marine conservation initiatives and ecosystem service valuations to capture the value of nature for people to support decision making for marine conservation. He holds an M.S. in Oceanography from Université Pierre et Marie Curie and a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Maxime Philip is currently serving as the Programme Lead for the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) a United Nations multi-partner trust fund. The GFCR is a blended finance platform serving to develop sustainable revenue streams for coral reef and community resilience. Maxime has been instrumental in supporting implementing partners to develop a blended finance strategy, leading to the launch of programmes covering 14 coral reef countries.
Prior to working with United Nations, Maxime conducted socio-economic studies on marine conservation initiatives and ecosystem service valuations to capture the value of nature for people to support decision making for marine conservation. He holds an M.S. in Oceanography from Université Pierre et Marie Curie and a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Closure session
Daniel Ali Bandar
Secretary General of the Government of Comoros
João Gomes Cravinho
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal
Gomes Cravinho was born in Lisbon in 1964. Before taking office as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he held the posts of Minister of National Defence (2018-2022) and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (2005-2011). He was also European Union Ambassador to India (2011-2015) and to Brazil (2015-2018).
In his earlier academic career, he lectured International Relations at Coimbra University’s Faculty of Economics and was Visiting Professor at ISCTE and Nova University’s School of Law in Lisbon. He was a Consultant for the National Defence Institute, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the European Commission, and the World Bank. He presided over the Portuguese Cooperation Institute from 2001 to 2002.
As an academic, he authored the book "Visions of the World" (2002) and published several papers in specialist academic reviews and journals on subjects relating to defence policy, development cooperation, and international relations.
He holds a PhD in Political Science from Oxford University and both Master’s and Undergraduate degrees from the London School of Economics. He completed the Leadership for Senior Executives course at Harvard Business School in April 2018.
He is a Member of the European Council of Foreign Relations and was awarded the French Légion d’Honneur, grade Commandeur (2021).
Gomes Cravinho was born in Lisbon in 1964. Before taking office as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he held the posts of Minister of National Defence (2018-2022) and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (2005-2011). He was also European Union Ambassador to India (2011-2015) and to Brazil (2015-2018).
In his earlier academic career, he lectured International Relations at Coimbra University’s Faculty of Economics and was Visiting Professor at ISCTE and Nova University’s School of Law in Lisbon. He was a Consultant for the National Defence Institute, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the European Commission, and the World Bank. He presided over the Portuguese Cooperation Institute from 2001 to 2002.
As an academic, he authored the book "Visions of the World" (2002) and published several papers in specialist academic reviews and journals on subjects relating to defence policy, development cooperation, and international relations.
He holds a PhD in Political Science from Oxford University and both Master’s and Undergraduate degrees from the London School of Economics. He completed the Leadership for Senior Executives course at Harvard Business School in April 2018.
He is a Member of the European Council of Foreign Relations and was awarded the French Légion d’Honneur, grade Commandeur (2021).
Agenda
Agenda
02:00pm
Registration
03:00pm
Opening Session
Welcome address by the Mayor of Cascais, Carlos Carreiras
Secretary-General of the United Nations (video message), António Guterres
Prime-Minister of Portugal, António Costa
Keynote Addresses
Secretary of State for the Sea (France), Hervé Berville
UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson
Minister of the Economy and Maritime Affairs, António Costa Silva
04:00pm
Business and Pitch Break
04:45pm
Afternoon Panels Discussions
(held simultaneously any of them from the perspective of sustainable finance for sustainable blue growth)
Panel 1 - Ocean as a Clean Energy Source and a Sustainable Driver for World Trade (Offshore renewable energy and green shipping)
Panel 2 - Ocean as a Catalyst for the Bioeconomy (Blue bioeconomy: the importance of financing for its leverage)
Panel 3 - Ocean as a Data and Energy Highway (Smart & power Cables: funding for the digital use of the sea)
Panel 4 - Ocean and Blue Communities (Ocean, coastal areas, and ecosystems: financing sustainable blue economy as a boost to the local development)
Panel 5 - Ocean and Marine Protected Areas (Conserve and manage the Ocean: funding to protect the heart of our planet)
06:30pm
Closure session
Secretary-General of the Union of Comoros, Daniel Ali Bandar
Final remarks
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, João Gomes Cravinho
07:00pm
Cocktail reception
The Venue
Avenida Amaral
2765-192 Estoril
The event will take place at the Estoril Congress Center (Cascais) in f2f mode. Like the first edition, SBEIF will be a one-day event and online broadcasting is expected to happen.
In parallel with the sessions, space will be allocated to companies and start-ups in the blue economy area, with the aim of presenting the Portuguese business potential in terms of services and new technologies, enabling B2B meetings that foster business development.
Venue
Registration
Registration
Places are limited, we would encourage all interested parties to register as soon as possible
If you have any questions related to the II Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum, we are here to help you. Contact Us
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