The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) kicked off the celebrations of its 40th anniversary with a Conference on the Oceans, held yesterday, May 20, at Museu Nacional dos Coches, in Lisbon. The event brought together a diverse set of experts, researchers, government representatives and partners from Portugal and the United States, with the aim of debating the challenges and opportunities in the area of marine sustainability. You can review the session here.

Nuno Morais Sarmento, President of FLAD, set the tone for the conference “Breathing with the Ocean”, explaining that the choice of the theme was not fortuitous. He underlined that the ocean, “more than a priority, it is a design” and, in his opening speech, the President of FLAD expressed the desire to transform the ocean into a national vocation, recognizing that the sea makes us bigger and gives us a presence in the world that goes beyond our borders, which entails an increased responsibility to protect it.

Speakers at the conference also included Peter Heffernan, whose experience as Executive Director of Ireland’s Marine Institute has shaped the country’s marine policy; Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, a catalyst for funding and developing ocean conservation projects around the world; and Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Executive Director of the Oceano Azul Foundation, whose career has been dedicated to promoting stronger and more sustainable ocean governance.

The conference, which marks the beginning of a year of celebrations, underlined FLAD’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and cooperation in the field of the oceans, a topic of critical importance for the future of the planet and transatlantic relations.

Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Executive Director of the Oceano Azul Foundation, underlined the urgency of “recognizing the deep crisis that the ocean is currently facing, with plastic pollution, the destruction of corals and the creation of oxygen-free zones”. The speaker also warned of the need to “stop looking at the ocean as something infinite and indestructible”, and called for transformative action, suggesting that Portugal can take a leading role in creating a new alliance for the protection of the ocean.

In turn, Peter Heffernan, an expert in Marine Science and former Executive Director of the Marine Institute of Ireland, shared his extensive experience in the management and development of marine policies, reinforcing the calls for the European Ocean Pact manifesto, which aims to prioritise a sustainable European blue economy, protect and restore the ocean and seas, tackle marine pollution, build knowledge and awareness for ocean sustainability and improve ocean governance through renewed EU leadership.

Finally, Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, underlined the power of science diplomacy to maintain collaboration even in times of tension, recalling that “history shows that the scientific community has never stopped collaborating, even in dark periods”. He also underlined the benefits that the ocean offers to the Portuguese and American economies, mentioning three promising trends for the sector: renewable ocean energy, such as offshore wind; blue biotechnology, focused on preserving habitats; and sustainable aquaculture.

The Conference was closed by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who congratulated FLAD for its past, present and future, and praised the choice of the ocean as the central theme of this conference, recognizing it as a symbol of what Portugal and the United States can achieve when they cooperate.

Review the full session here.

FLAD’s 40th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year with a series of events and initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation between Portugal and the United States in various areas.