Portugal Azul: a sailing expedition to map marine pollution and rekindle our connection with the ocean

Portugal Azul is the natural continuation of La España Azul. Over the course of three months, he will sail along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, including Madeira and the Azores. His aim is to document marine pollution and raise collective environmental awareness.

The route includes 10 strategic ports, where the following will be combined:

Scientific sampling of micro and macroplastics

Beach clean-ups

Citizen science activities

Educational workshops

Meetings with local communities

The expedition is supported by Sun&Blue, the Rotary Clubs of Portugal, the University of Coimbra and the PIEP. It also involves students from IE University who are taking part in the Portugal Azul Student Challenge, which promotes real proposals linked to the SDGs and sustainability.

“We are seeing both sides of the planet. It is spectacular, but it is also marked by our footprint. We need to regain the perspective of a child and re-establish our connection with our planet because, if it is not healthy, we cannot be either”, says Nacho Dean .