The future of the sea revealed in Blue Wink-E 2025
Ocean in Loop brings together leading figures to discuss circularity, sustainability and regeneration in the blue bioeconomy.
The Blue Wink-E 2025 “Ocean in Loop” event, promoted by B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB, will bring together a wide range of experts, decision-makers and representatives of companies and public institutions on June 6 at the Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal to discuss the future of the blue bioeconomy, with a special focus on circular and regenerative solutions and the international projection of the sector.
The program includes two high-level round tables, which aim to foster dialogue between science, industry, society, and policymakers. The first, entitled “Circular Solutions in the Blue Bioeconomy”, brings together personalities with extensive experience in applying circular economy principles to the sustainable exploitation and valorization of marine resources. The second, “The Future of the Global Market and Sustainable Innovation”, looks at the challenges of the ecological transition at sea and strategies to position Portugal at the forefront of the international blue economy.
“Blue Wink-E is a platform for collective construction and a showcase of concrete examples that are changing the way we think about and use the sea’s resources,” says Maria Coelho, coordinator of B2E CoLAB. “We believe that the blue bioeconomy will only have a real impact if it is circular, regenerative, and capable of creating value for coastal communities while preserving ecosystems,” she stresses.
Global Placement
The round table on circular solutions will feature speeches by José Maria Costa, former Secretary of State for the Sea, known for his role in defining public policies for ocean sustainability, and Breixo Ventoso, global R&D director of the Frinsa Group, which includes the Portuguese canning company A Poveira, and which has focused on innovation as a driver for transforming a traditional sector. Maria Coelho, coordinator of B2E CoLAB, and Tiago Pitta e Cunha (to be confirmed), president of the Oceano Azul Foundation, one of the most active voices in promoting regenerative ocean governance, will also take part.
The round table dedicated to the global future of the blue bioeconomy will feature the Irish Ambassador to Portugal, Alma Ní Choigligh, who will share Ireland’s experience in promoting robust policies for the blue economy and investment in marine bioindustries. The panel also includes Assunção Cristas, a former minister with a renowned track record in the area of sustainability, Ricardo Arroja, president of AICEP, and Nuno Lourenço, coordinator of the European One Water consortium.
“The knowledge exists, the projects are on the ground, and the partnerships are happening. We now need to accelerate the scale and impact,” stresses Maria Coelho, adding: ”Blue Wink-E is also a space for us to reflect on what is blocking the adoption of more circular and innovative models.”
Blue Wink-E 2025 will also feature networking sessions, presentations of case studies, and institutional interventions aimed at strengthening cooperation between research centers, companies, and government entities.
