ALBA - ISFIC RESEARCH AND SCIENCE JOURNAL

VII Symposium on Economics and Management of the Lusophone World – Towards a Blue Economy and Sustainability

It is with immense satisfaction that ALBA - ISFIC Research and Science Journal welcomes and publishes the collection of scientific articles resulting from the VII Symposium on Economics and Management of the Lusophone World, a landmark event held from July 1st to 4th at the beautiful and strategically located University of São Tomé and Príncipe.

The thematic focus and its urgency

Under the insightful motto "Blue Economy and Sustainability: Challenges and opportunities for island and developing economies," this symposium, organized by the International Academic Network of the Lusophone World (RIAL), touched a crucial nerve in contemporary global development, especially for Portuguese-speaking nations. The Blue Economy represents a paradigm of sustainable development that balances economic growth, social inclusion, and the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. For island and developing countries, many of which are in the Lusophone world, this is not just an option, but a strategic imperative. The theme highlighted the urgent need to:

• Diversify economies beyond traditional sources.
• Promote the sustainable management of marine resources (fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism).
• Mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and ocean acidification.

The contribution of the articles

The research presented here — the result of a vibrant and multidisciplinary dialogue — offers new perspectives and concrete solutions to the challenges identified. Covering areas from natural resource management, financing for sustainability, public policies for coastal development, to innovation in sectors such as maritime transport and ocean energy, these articles represent a valuable repository of knowledge for policymakers, academics and professionals.

This publication is a testament to RIAL's commitment to fostering scientific cooperation and the exchange of knowledge among Lusophone countries. This is a call to action so that the conclusions presented here are transformed into effective policies and sustainable practices that benefit communities and protect our shared ocean heritage.

A look to the future

ALBA - ISFIC Research and Science Journal is proud to be the platform that amplifies these voices and visions. May this volume not only be a record of a past event, but also a catalyst for future research and collaborations that drive the transition to a fairer and more sustainable Blue Economy throughout the Portuguese-speaking world and beyond.

Congratulations to all the authors, RIAL, and the University of São Tomé and Príncipe for the success of the symposium and the excellence of the articles that are now reaching readers.

We wish everyone an inspiring read.

João Samartinho
(Secretário Executivo e Associado Honorário da RIAL)

Rodrigues Zicai Fazenda
(Associado Honorário da RIAL)

Rogério Fernandes Romão
(Tesoreiro e Associado Honorário da RIAL)