Sintra debates ‘Nature and Economy – Pathways to Sustainability’

On the morning of October 24th, at the National Palace of Sintra, the balance between nature and the economy will be the focus of discussion at the conference ‘Nature and Economy – Pathways to Sustainability.’ Given that sustainability today goes beyond the environmental dimension and has also become an economic, social, and cultural issue, the challenge lies in reconciling ecosystem preservation with the economic development of communities and territories. With the aim of identifying practical solutions for the sustainable future of the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, ECO and Parques de Sintra are organising this event, which brings together decision-makers, managers, and academics, including Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister for the Environment and Energy.

The conference will address topics such as balanced heritage management; the relationship between culture and community; and the role of high added value tourism as a driver of sustainability. Together, the business leaders and academics participating in the debate will seek to outline a path through which nature and the economy can coexist, not as opposing forces, but as allies in the shared goal of ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

The event is free and open to the general public, subject to prior registration here.

Conference Programme: Nature and Economy – Pathways to Sustainability

10:00 a.m. — Opening Session

António Costa, Director of ECO

João Sousa Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Parques de Sintra

João Silva Lopes, Secretary of State for the Treasury and Finance

10:30 a.m. — Panel 1: ‘Heritage and Culture: Balance with the Community’

Filipa Pantaleão, Secretary-General of BCSD

Luís Correia da Silva, CDO SAVIOTTI

Madalena Martins, QSintra Association – Defending a Unique Site

Moderator: Luís Ferreira Lopes, ECO

11:15 a.m. — Coffee Break

11:30 a.m. — Panel 2: ‘High Added Value Tourism: A Pillar for Sustainability’

Teresa Monteiro, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Turismo de Portugal

Nuno Banza, Chairman of the Board of ICNF

Miguel de Castro Neto, Dean of NOVA IMS

Moderator: Carlos Lobo

12:15 p.m. — Closing Session

Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister for the Environment and Energy