Open lecture aimed at debating the role of society in contributing to both the conservation and degradation of ecosystems
The relationship between humanity and terrestrial ecosystems has been marked by a profound interdependence, but also by increasing pressure on natural systems. This open session seeks to promote a broad reflection on the impact of human activity on Earth, exploring its ecological, social, and ethical dimensions.
Session Objectives
- Analyse human influence on terrestrial ecosystems;
- Promote an integrated view of sustainability that considers the complexity of interactions between natural and human systems;
- Encourage critical thinking about the role of science, education, and public policy in mitigating environmental impacts;
- Foster interdisciplinary dialogue and the sharing of knowledge among experts, students, and the wider community.
Target Audience
This session is intended for university students, researchers, lecturers, professionals in environmental fields, as well as citizens interested in issues of sustainability, ecology, and nature conservation. The event invites the participation of all those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities humanity faces in preserving terrestrial ecosystems.
Professor Doctor Helena Freitas
Full Professor of Biodiversity and Ecology at the University of Coimbra, and recipient of the Ernst Haeckel Award from the EEF for her contributions to European ecological science in 2024. She currently serves as Coordinator of the Centre for Functional Ecology, overseeing initiatives at the intersection of science, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Her experience spans a wide range of scientific areas, including Mediterranean ecosystems, conservation biology, microbial ecology, and sustainability policy. She has been promoting applied ecological research, leading several EU-funded projects in agroecology, the agri-food sector, and landscape management.
Since 2013, she has held the UNESCO Chair in Biodiversity Safeguard for Sustainable Development and has led a major EEA Grant initiative highlighting the value of the 12 Portuguese UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Beyond academia, Helena has held managerial and policy roles and occupied key positions in environmental organisations (founder and president of the League for the Protection of Nature and the Portuguese Ecological Society, and vice-president of the European Ecological Federation). Recognised for her numerous contributions, Helena Freitas has received several honours, including the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator (Commander), in 2000, and the Portugal Inspirador Award for Personality of the Year in Sustainability, in 2022.
Professor Doctor Maria Amélia Martins-Loução
Emeritus Full Professor of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, senior researcher at the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), president of the Portuguese Ecological Society (SPECO) and of the University of Lisbon Alumni Association (Alumni ULisboa).
PhD in Biology (1985) and Habilitation in Ecology (1985), she also holds a Master’s degree in Science Communication (2014). She was Vice-Rector of the University of Lisbon (2006–2011), Director of the Botanical Garden of the National Museum of Natural History (2002–2009), President of the Board of the National Museum of Natural History (2004–2006), and Chair of the Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences (1999–2002).
She is a Corresponding Academician of the Royal National Academy of Pharmacy (Spain) (2006), was recognised as one of the 100 Women Scientists by Ciência Viva (2016), and received the Ibero-American Botany Award, Cortes de Cadiz Prize (2010), and the Grand Ciência Viva Award (2021). She is the author of more than 250 publications (book chapters, books, international articles, and outreach texts).
Programme
- 14h00 - Session with Professor Doctor Helena Freitas
University of Coimbra
- 17h00 - Session with Professor Doctor Maria Amélia Martins-Loução
