The Portuguese women who fight for the environment

Joana Guerra Tadeu

Joana Guerra Tadeu was born in Lisbon and is an activist committed to environmental and social causes. Graduated in Communication Sciences from the Nova University of Lisbon, her professional journey is extensive, but currently, she dedicates her time to climate justice, writing, producing, and presenting content and awareness initiatives on climate, sustainability, and development. 

In 2016, she was one of the founders of the cooperative A MONTRA / THE WINDOW, pioneering as the first Portuguese online network and store focused on sustainable curation. In this initiative, she played the role of project and operations manager until its closure in 2017.

Self-titled as #Impactfluencer, she is responsible for the project Imperfect Environmentalist, which she describes as "a space for intersectional activism where all pressing issues between climate action and social justice fit." Through the project, she has been able to create a community that operates based on scientific evidence, avoiding extremes and not demanding perfection, adapted to the daily lives of each individual. 

Joana has already been featured in Activia, Vogue, and Magg, and besides her work in the digital world, she is also an author, host of a podcast dedicated to millennial mothers and childcare, a speaker at conferences, and also provides consulting on projects for eco-entrepreneurs.

Eunice Maia

Eunice Maia is the founder of Maria Granel, the first zero waste store and a 100% organic bulk grocery store from the country, which opened in 2015. Eunice was one of the first people to promote the concept of zero waste in consumption and lifestyle, significantly contributing to raising awareness in society about the negative effects of plastic. 

Through lectures, consulting, workshops, and events with national and international guests, it has shared sustainable alternatives to reduce waste, demonstrating its commitment and mission. "In addition, Eunice is also the author of the books "Zero Challenge – Practical Guide to Reducing Waste Inside and Outside the Home" and "Say No to Waste with Simão" (co-authored with Betweien)."

Eunice is also responsible for the educational project. Z(h)ero Program, aimed at schools and other institutions, which earned her the Terre de Femmes 2019 award, which annually recognizes women for their contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

Ana Pego

Ana Pêgo is a Portuguese marine biologist who is dedicated to environmental education, combining science and art to raise public awareness about the importance of ocean preservation. Since 2012, she has been involved in environmental education projects, where she uses her passion for the sea to inspire and educate people of all ages.

In 2015, Ana created the project Plasticus Maritimus, which aims to raise awareness about the problem of plastic waste in the oceans. The project includes the organization of workshops, training sessions, and exhibitions in Portugal and abroad, and resulted in the publication of the book "Plasticus maritimus, an invasive species" co-authored with Isabel Minhós Martins. The book, recommended by the National Reading Plan, is in its 5th edition in Portugal and translated into 11 languages.

'Your work has been widely recognized, having received several awards, including 3rd place in the Terre de Femmes 2020 Award from the Yves Rocher Foundation, the Quercus 2020 Award in the individual category, and a nomination for the Activa Award, Inspiring Women 2020.'

Catherine Barreiros

Catarina Barreiros, architect and founder of the store Do Zero, is a figure of great relevance in the field of sustainability in Portugal. Through her online business, which evolved into a physical store, she meets the needs of an environmentally conscious audience, focused on reuse and recycling.

With master's degrees in Architecture and Management, Catarina Barreiros paved her way in Digital Marketing, working in the fashion and pharmacy sectors. However, it was her passion for sustainability that drove her to dedicate herself to this theme in her life.

In addition to managing her business, Catarina also offers consulting to small businesses and conducts workshops and training.

Alexandra Cunha

Alexandra Cunha is a marine biologist, environmentalist, and researcher from Portugal, admired in the field of nature and environmental conservation. Since 2009, she has held the national presidency of the League for the Protection of Nature, the oldest environmental protection association in Portugal.

Born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in 1962, Alexandra Cunha has had an impressive academic journey. Her love for the sea and nature conservation began while she was still a high school student in Portimão, and it was this passion that propelled her professional career and environmental activism.

As a researcher at the Center for Marine Sciences of Algarve (CCMAR), Alexandra coordinated several marine conservation projects, including Life Biomares and FindKelp. The former focused on the preservation and recovery of biodiversity in the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, in the Arrábida Natural Park. The latter, conducted along the entire Portuguese coast, deepened the knowledge about kelp species and the associated ecosystems. Furthermore, she has presented her research at national and international conferences, published scientific articles, and actively participated in environmental advocacy..

Helena Antónia Silva

Helena Antónia Silva, the founder of the collaborative platform Vintage for a Cause, is a remarkable figure in the sustainable fashion scene in Portugal. Since its creation in 2013, the brand Vintage for a Cause has been a point of innovation and environmental commitment.

Despite her training in Law, Helena Antónia decided to take a different path, dedicating herself to sustainability and upcycling clothing. Her brand produces environmentally friendly clothes, using materials from textile factory leftovers that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, Vintage for a Cause has a strong social impact, investing in the empowerment of women and promoting circular fashion.