Satellite event: Mirpuri Foundation Conservation Forum: The Role of Tourism and Aviation in Global Conservation

The Mirpuri Foundation Conservation Forum 2025 is the second edition of this international high-level event and proudly recognized as part of the UN Ocean Decade. Taking place on 4 July 2025, at Cascais Marina in Portugal, and held in parallel with the prestigious Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy, the forum convenes global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore the critical intersection of tourism, aviation, and environmental conservation.

With the overarching theme “The Role of Tourism and Aviation in Global Conservation,” the forum aims to address the complex challenges these two interconnected sectors face as they work to align growth with sustainability. It provides a platform to foster dialogue, accelerate innovative solutions, and inspire crosssector collaboration in support of global climate and biodiversity goals. The event also supports the objectives of the European Climate Pact, contributing to its mission of engaging citizens and organizations in the green transition.

The forum will open with remarks from Ana Agostinho, European Climate Pact Ambassador and Advisor to the Mirpuri Foundation. The first session of the day, a panel titled “Net Zero Travel & Aviation: Pathways, Challenges, and Solutions,” will explore the sector’s transition toward net-zero emissions. This discussion will feature insights from Noora Al Sharhan, ESG Manager at Etihad Airways; Maria João Calha, Sustainability Director at TAP Air Portugal; Andreia Ramos, Director of Sustainability and Environment at ANA Airports of Portugal; and Sergejs Balonuskovs, Senior Manager for Sustainability Europe at IATA. 

Together, they will examine regulatory frameworks, decarbonization strategies, and the importance of collaboration across the travel and aviation value chain.

Following this, a special storytelling session titled “Voices of Change: Stories of Innovation and Conservation” will spotlight the visionary ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau, founder of Proteus Ocean Group. 

He will share insights into the creation of the world’s first underwater habitat and lab, and discuss how storytelling and exploration can drive meaningful ocean awareness and conservation action.

The second panel of the day, “Innovation: Technologies and Materials at the Service of Sustainable Travel,” will highlight the technological breakthroughs and advanced materials transforming travel and tourism. The discussion will include Enrico Spinelli, Applications Engineer at the European Space Agency; Vitor Hugo Gonçalves, CEO of Águas de Monchique; and André Oliveira, Director of the Space Unit at CEiiA, the Engineering and Product Development Centre in Portugal.

The final session, titled “Tourism, Aviation, and Global Conservation: A Synergistic Approach,” will bring together voices from government, destination marketing, hospitality, and wildlife conservation. Panelists include Paulo Estevão, Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities of the Azores Government; Carla Salsinha, President of the Regional Tourism Authority of the Lisbon Region; Robert Campbell, Programme Director at United for Wildlife, The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales; and Elena Ruiz, Vice President of Sustainable Business at Minor Hotels Europe and Americas. This conversation will explore how biodiversity protection, responsible tourism strategies, and ecosystem regeneration can be embedded across the value chain.

The forum will close with final remarks by Paulo Mirpuri, Founder and President of the Mirpuri Foundation.

Through its multidisciplinary approach and strong alignment with global sustainability frameworks, the Mirpuri Foundation Conservation Forum 2025 aims to spark actionable ideas and inspire a more responsible, regenerative future for tourism and aviation.