MPA4SUSTAINABILITY - The MPA4Sustainability project aims primarily to assess how existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be used not only to achieve biodiversity targets but also to maximize their contribution to the blue economy, while respecting Nature. Currently, there are over 17,000 MPAs worldwide, covering approximately 9% of the oceans, yet only a small proportion have clear management plans or effectiveness evaluations. This project seeks to address this gap by conceptualizing MPAs as interventions within complex socio-ecological systems and evaluating how they influence their trajectories toward sustainability.

100 % Financed by the European Program Biodiversa+ through “Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia” (FCT)

HOPE - HOPE is a conservation project that aims to safeguard Macaronesia’s marine biodiversity by transforming the region into a thriving marine refuge. Focused on awareness, scientific research, and responsible wildlife observation, the project engages local communities in the protection of marine biodiversity. By integrating new technologies, HOPE promotes the blue economy and enhances collaboration between the private sector and public institutions — working together to create a true marine oasis in the Atlantic.

Co-financing of Bestlife2030 at 85%, corresponding to the amount of €204,000.00

MARVEL - The MARVEL project is an initiative dedicated to the protection of Madeira’s marine vertebrates. Building on scientific data and accumulated expertise, the project aims to update key information relevant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Habitats Directive (HD), and the management of the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Cetaceans of Madeira.” The project will assess the impacts of human activities on marine vertebrates and support decision-making processes that promote the development of sustainable activities and the conservation of this group of animals.

Co-financing of Bestlife2030 at 85%, corresponding to the amount of € 99.786,19

CETACEOS MADEIRA II - Identification of marine areas critical to the bottlenose dolphin and surveillance of the conservation status of cetaceans in the Madeira Archipelago (Implementation Period: 2009-2013); 

EMECETUS - Study, Monitoring and Education for Cetacean Conservation in Macaronesia (project still in development) (Implementation Period: 2006-2008);

MACETUS - Study of the population structure, distribution, movements and habitat use of Physeter macrocephalus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Tursiops truncatus and Stenella frontallis in the Macaronesian Region (Implementation Period: 2003-2006);

GOLFINICHO - Segregation of the ecological niche in two species of dolphins in the Azores and Madeira (Implementation Period: 2005-2007)

CETACEOS MADEIRA - Project for the conservation of cetaceans in the Madeira Archipelago(Implementation Period: 2000-2004).