BLUE AZORES TEAM
LUIS BERNARDO BRITO E ABREU
Luis Bernardo is an Advisor to the President of the Government of the Azores in the areas of Sea Affairs and Fisheries. In this context, he is the Government Representative and Coordinator of the Blue Azores Program. He has a degree in Naval Military Sciences from the Portuguese Naval Academy and a Master in Architecture from the University of Lisbon.
Born in Ponta Delgada, he served for 21 years as a naval officer in various leadership positions, including navigation, oceanography, fisheries inspection, search and rescue, and naval communications.
Since July 2022, he has coordinated the activities of Blue Azores between the Regional Government, partners and stakeholders, being a member of the high-level management of the program.
LUÍSA MADRUGA
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Luísa holds a MSc in Environmental Management and Policy and a degree in Economics. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked on environmental policy, ecosystem and biodiversity economics, and co-management of natural resources in Portugal and other countries. Over the past 5 years, she led the creation of the first network of marine protected areas on São Tomé e Príncipe as Seascapes Program Manager for the international NGO Fauna & Flora.
She joined the Blue Azores team in 2025. A native of the island of São Miguel, she brings experience in co-designing marine protected areas and managing environmental conservation projects.
MARIA JOÃO CRUZ
CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES
Maria João holds a degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, with a specialization in Marine Ecology. She worked as a researcher at the University of the Azores, focusing on the interactions between cetaceans and fisheries.
She joined the Blue Azores Program in 2019. Originally from Alcochete, she has lived in the Azores for over 15 years, bringing to the program her scientific expertise and a close relationship with the fishing community.
ADRIANO QUINTELA
MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING
Adriano has a degree in Marine Biology and a Ph.D. in Geography specializing in integrated coastal zone management from the University of the Azores. With experience in coastal and watershed planning projects, he has worked as an environmental consultant and researcher at the University of Aveiro in maritime spatial planning and environmental impact assessment.
He joined the Blue Azores Program in 2021. A native of Aveiro, Adriano brings his scientific knowledge and experience in stakeholder participatory processes to the program.
MARIANA ANDRADE
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Mariana holds a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a Ph.D. in Marine Science, Technology, and Management, specializing in Integrated Marine Management. Her doctoral thesis investigated the efficient monitoring of Marine Protected Areas.
She joined the Blue Azores Program team in 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Mariana brings her multidisciplinary experience and scientific expertise in the designation and effective implementation of Marine Protected Areas to the program.
MARTA VERGÍLIO
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Marta has a master’s degree in environmental engineering and a PhD in Biology, focusing her thesis on the adaptation of ecological structure to land-use plans on small islands. She has worked for the Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. and as a researcher at the University of the Azores.
She has been a member of the Blue Azores Program since 2025. Born in Juncal (Leiria), she has lived in São Miguel Island since 2010 and brings to the program her experience and scientific knowledge in marine protected areas and maritime spatial planning processes.
ANA MONTEIRO
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAM SUPPORT
Ana is a dedicated activist who has worked for many years defending the natural heritage of the Azores. She holds a degree in Radiology, a master’s in Socio-Organizational Health Intervention, and a degree in European Studies and International Politics.
She has been contributing to the implementation of the Blue Azores Program since 2021, responsible for community engagement and supporting its execution. Originally from Flores Island, Ana brings her local knowledge and passion for nature conservation to the program.
MAFALDA NEUVILLE
COMMUNICATION
Mafalda holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Lisbon and has gained experience in communication strategy and branding in creative agencies. Since moving to the Azores, she has taken courses in sustainability, participatory practices, and project financing.
She joined the Blue Azores team in 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Mafalda brings her multidisciplinary experience in management and communication strategy to the program.
INÊS JORGE
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & CONTENT
Inês has a degree in Social and Cultural Communication with experience in marketing, event organization, and journalism, having collaborated with several national and international companies.
She has been part of the Blue Azores Program since 2023. Originally from Lisbon, Inês has lived in São Miguel for nine years and brings her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to the program.
ISABEL BARCELOS
COMMUNICATION
Isabel has a degree in Management, a master's degree in Governance and Sustainability of the Sea, and believes in the potential of enhancing the natural capital of the Azores.
Born in Terceira Island, she joins the team in 2025 and brings to the program her professional experience in marketing and strategic communication and her multidisciplinary knowledge acquired throughout her academic career.
