MARE's Regional Research Unit establishes protocol for the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems
MARE-IPLeiria, part of the Peniche School of Tourism and Marine Technology (ESTM) of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, signed a cooperation agreement with the Hope Zones Foundation (HZF) on 4 November. This agreement aims to develop joint actions for the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems. 
The Hope Zones Foundation (HZF) is an organisation whose mission is to help protect 30% of the oceans and land by 2030, in line with the United Nations agenda. With objectives in common with MARE and ESTM, the three organisations have established this protocol, which will focus mainly on the coastal zone of the Western region. In this way, the scientific community and civil society will be able to join forces to maximise the positive impact of marine forests on the proper ecological functioning of the oceans and their ability to provide goods and services.
‘The connection and confidence in the work carried out by ESTM and its associated research unit means that Portugal will continue to lead the way in the Blue Economy, as long as this commitment to the sea, the waves and the oceans is maintained,’ said João Franco in a statement.
The MARE researcher emphasised that ‘the fundamental and applied research into kelp forests carried out at MARE/ARNET - IPLeiria is essential for expanding our knowledge of the ecology of these important marine forests and contributing to their conservation. It also allows us to support initiatives such as that of the Hope Zones Foundation, to promote sustainable cultivation while simultaneously encouraging biodiversity and the circular economy.’
In addition to MARE and the rest of the region's scientific community, this protocol will also see strong participation from professional surfers, the fishing community and the ‘Nazaré Algae Regenerative Farm’ project, which has the support of the World Surf League, Patagonia, Docapesca, Nazaré Town Hall and local fishing associations.