Sustainable Blue Economy researcher Helena Vieira (CESAM/DAO) at The Economist World Ocean Summit 2024 

The 11th edition of the World Ocean Summit by The Economist returned to FIL, Lisbon, from 11 to 13 March, leading the way to spark conversation and action in the transition to a sustainable ocean economy. 

Helena Vieira, researcher at CESAM, UAveiro and ERA Chair of the BESIDE EU project, participated as invited speaker in the panel “How can research, technology and innovation come together to restore the health of the oceans?” taking place on 11 March at 17:10h. The session discussed why it is difficult to foster collaboration and implement multi-stakeholder solutions for a sustainable ocean, and how the latest research and technology can contribute to a circular economy.  

Being a research expert in sustainable blue bioeconomy research and innovation and leading a team of researchers and students developing scientific knowledge in the wider field of Environmental and Natural Resources Economics, Helena hopes to further leverage CESAM’s position and expertise in this arena and demonstrate how science can impact strategic decision making for policy makers and industries that aim to shift the societal paradigm of sustainable development.  

The World Ocean Summit is a high-level annual flagship event by The Economist, that brings together government representatives, national and international policy makers, business and finance, members of civil society and academia. With more than 200 speakers from across the global ocean community and over 1,500 attendees, the event provides an excellent platform for networking, brainstorming and delivering practical solutions for businesses and organisations working to restore ocean health. The 2024 agenda will focus on ocean health, industry strategies to accelerate the sustainable ocean economy, and ocean-climate solutions.