The expedition. focused on the preservation of marine ecosystems, it will visit points along the Portuguese coast, as well as the islands.
The Portugal Azul expedition will begin in Matosinhos, in March, traveling along the mainland and island coast, stopping at several ports.
The project was presented at CEiiA - Engineering and Development Center, which is focused on the sustainability and preservation of marine ecosystems.
The route will start in the Port of Leixões, then pass through the Aveiro estuary, Figueira da Foz, Berlengas Nature Reserve, Tagus river, Azores, Madeira, Southeast Alentejo Natural Park, ending in the Algarve, in the Ria Formosa, in June.
The expedition will record the level of contamination of coastal marine ecosystems, as well as raise awareness among populations about the need to prevent and mitigate environmental impacts, including holding public sessions with schools and other entities.
The data collected will be analyzed later, taking into account aspects such as contamination by plastics and hydrocarbons, the percentage of oxygen in the water, the loss of biodiversity, the effects of overexploitation of fisheries, rising sea levels, rising sea temperatures and the impact of urbanism and tourism.
The expedition will be led by Spanish explorer Nacho Dean, the first person to circumnavigate the world on foot and swim across five continents. Its objective is to document the state of Portuguese ecosystems and draw attention to the importance of preserving the environment.
Carlos Mouta, vice-president of the municipality, highlighted “The sea is the most striking element of Matosinhos. It is therefore natural for us to be associated with this project.”