Our Team

Jorge M. Palmeirim

Biologist, Associate Professor in the Animal Biology Department at the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Science, and member of the Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, where he is the coordinator of the Tropical and Mediterranean Biodiversity group.

Carlos Pimenta

Founding member of the Group for the Study of the Portuguese Paleolithic (GEPP), he has dedicated most of his activity to two research areas: archaeolgy and biology. Since 2000 he has been a member of the Archeoscience Laboratory of the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage.

Ricardo Jorge Lopes

Researcher at the Centre for Research in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO) and curator of the Bird collection at the Porto University's Museum of Natural History and Science (MHNC-UP). Was a member of the editorial committee for the Airo journal and for several of SPEA's Ornithology Conferences, member of the Scientific Commission of the III Atlas of Portugal's Breeding Birds and and É investigador no Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO) e gestor da coleção de Aves do Museu de História Natural e da Ciência (MHNC-UP) da Universidade do Porto. Pertenceu à comissão editorial da revista Airo e de vários Congressos de Ornitologia da SPEA, membro da Comissão Científica do III Atlas das Aves Nidificantes de Portugal e vigilante da IBA Estuário do Mondego.

Pedro Monteiro

Helps to promote SPEA's work in the Azores since 2005. Co-organised photography exhibitions in São Miguel, Lisbon, Brussels (European Parliament) and at the British BirdFair. His photos of the Azores Bullfinch have been published in renowned publications such as National Geographic. Photojournalist for Correio dos Açores newspaper.

António Araújo

António Araújo is a founding member of SPEA. He began his career at CEMPA, where he was a coordinator of the National Bird-Ringing Centre from 1980 to 1996. In 1996 António was hired by IUCN to promote efficient management of a network of Protected Areas in Guiné-Bissau, where he lived until 1999. He was a representative of the International Foundation of Arguim Bank (FIBA) in Mauritania and advisor to the director of the National Park of the Bank of Arguim, one of the largest coastal and marine protected areas in Africa until 2015. From 2015 he joined MAVA Foundation, where he was responsible for several million euros' worth of funding in projects focused on the conservation of biodiversity in West Africa. In 2019, António funded the environmental consulting company Azul e Verde, based in Cape Verde. He is a member of the board and representative of the international NGO Blue Finance in Africa, member of the international specialist network of Blue Action Fund and of the SMILO network. He received the BP Conservation Expedition Award in 1994 and the "Quercus" National Nature Conservation Award in 1995.

Carlos Vilhena

A birdwatcher since 1990, he became a member of SPEA shortly after it was founded. His career is in banking. Has volunteered in projects such as "Birds of your property", Atlas of Breeding Birds, Atlas of Wintering Birds and Common Bird Census.

Alexandra Mendes

Teacher at the School of Tourism and Sea Technology, Leiria Polytechnic Institute since 1999. Post-graduate in Statistics and Information Management at ISEGI and Science Teaching - Teaching Mathematics from Open University. Currently completing a Doctorate in Tourism Management at ISCTE and European University.

Graça Lima

Master of Evolutionary Ecology by the University of Arizona in Tucson, she specialised in the biology of desert systems, with work in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. While working on several research projects she never lost her interest in the study of historical linguistics that she studied at the School for General Studies, University of Columbia New York. With a doctorate in Chinese Studies from Loyola Marymount University, she is a regular collaborator at the China Institute of New York and currently works with museological institutions in Portugal on aspects of art and history of the East.

Paulo Travassos

Environmental Quality Technician (Faculty of Science and Technology, Nova University Lisbon) since 1988 and studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. A member of the technical team at the Applied Ecology Laboratory, where he carries out environmental impact studies, inventory and monitoring of terrestrial vertebrates. Has volunteered in and been the regional coordinator for several censuses and atlas. Was a lecturer in several of SPEA's ornithology courses and an educator in Environmental Education Activities for different entities. Has authored and co-authored technical and scientific papers on ornithology, ecology and wildlife pathology.

Peter Penning

Born in Holland with the sound of Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits in his ears, he can't remember ever not watching birds. He believes in protecting landscapes to protect Nature. When he's not birdwatching, he earns a living as a sustainability and strategy consultant, especially in the beverages industry. Regularly works with businesses and NGOs on conservation projects and would like to bring this experience to SPEA.

Alexandre Leitão

Passionate about birds, their study and conservation, he is a member of SPEA since 1998. Professional consultant on environmental issues, ornithologist and biologist, he has worked on research in several countries - and for quite a while at sea, working with SPEA. He dedicates much of his time to the study of soaring birds, their migration and the impact of infrastructures on bird conservation. Has been a volunteer in several SPEA-related citizen science projects and is a member of the Portuguese Rarities Committee.

Martim Pinheiro de Melo

Birdwatcher ever since he can remember and SPEA member from the start. With a Degree in Biology by the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Science, a Masters in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology and a Doctorate from Edinburgh University, his work focuses on the processes that lead to new species. His research has focused on African birds, particularly from the continent's oceanic and ecological islands. His research results have contributed to guide conservation strategies for important endemism hotspots of the Gulf of Guinea and Angola's cliff and mountain forests.

Nuno Barros

Has volunteered and worked with SPEA in the past. Passionate about birdwatching and fighting for the environment.

Maria José Boléo

Learned birdwatching from Graça Lima, and fell in love with it. Has a degree in Philosophy by Lisbon's Faculty of Letters and a Masters in Visual Anthropology and Intercultural Relations by the Open University. A highschool teacher, she strives to broaden students' horizons.

Rui Borralho

A forestry engineer with a PhD in forestry engineering specialising in wildlife management from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia of the University of Lisbon, Rui Borralho has always been passionate about wildlife, especially birdwatching, ecology and conservation. This passion led him to be associated with the founding of SPEA and to be involved in the first National Boards. With over 30 years' experience, his professional career has included research projects, nature conservation and environmental management. From an early age, he was involved in the areas of environmental communication and marketing, promoting environmental awareness and citizenship through strategic campaigns. Finally, his experience in operational management spans departments, companies and associations, always with a focus on efficiency and positive impact. Rui is an indefatigable enthusiast, constantly looking to innovate and find new ways to contribute to nature conservation. Email: rui.borralho@spea.pt

Nuno Gonçalves

With a degree in Business Administration from the Autonomous University of Lisbon, he is also a certified accountant, member no. 83159 of the Order of Accountants. He has 17 years' experience in Accounting, Financial Control and Management at businesses such as Carrefour Portugal, Schindler and Vodafone, and has taken part in social solidarity projects and volunteered for environmental conservation projects at Cascais Council (Câmara Municipal de Cascais). Email: nuno.goncalves@spea.pt

Célia Rosa

Raquel Ramos

Joana Domingues

With a degree in Business Communication from Escola Superior de Comunicação Social, she worked in communications and tourism in various capacities before joining SPEA. To complement her communications degree, in 2005 she undertook postgraduate studies in Tourist Product Planning and Development, and more recently specialised in Digital Marketing. Working in environment and nature tourism remains a passion and a challenge. Email: joana.domingues@spea.pt

Frederico Arruda

With a degree from IADE and experience in branding, he manages SPEA's corporate image and projects' visual identity, develops marketing and communication materials and makes our publications efficient and eye-catching. Email: frederico.arruda@spea.pt

Sonia Neves

A passion for sharing stories about nature - from genes to guillemots - has been the guiding line of her career. With a degree in Biology from the University of Lisbon and an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, she has over 10 years' experience working in science communication. After eight years in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's communications department, joining SPEA's communications department felt like coming home to roost. Email: sonia.neves@spea.pt

Alexandra Lopes

With a degree in Applied Biology - Terrestrial Animal Resources from the University of Lisbon, and a Masters in Biological Resource Management from University of Évora, she attended the first year of the degree in Tourist Destinations Management at Estoril's Higher School of Tourism. At SPEA since 1999, as department coordinator she is responsible for developing and implementing environmental education and public awareness activities, organising field trips and courses for members, organising events such as the Birdwatching Festival in Sagres, and developing of several other initiatives relating to birdwatching tours. Email: alexandra.lopes@spea.pt

Lara Broom

She's insatiably curious about everything wildlife related. Has a degree in Biology by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, and a masters in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (CIBIO-InBIO). In 2014 Lara moved to the UK, where she worked in the Membership Department at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). In 2017, she started working for a nature tourism company, where she had the opportunity to organise and join birdwatching tours to Madeira, Azores, Spain and Colombia. At SPEA since 2019, she currently manages membership relations and activities. Email: lara.broom@spea.pt

Telma Santos

Telma has a varied experience in the administrative area, including work in the UK in food product companies and factories, including quality control. In her free time she likes to volunteer for social causes. Telma works at SPEA since 2023. Email: telma.santos@spea.pt

Paula Lopes

With a degree in Biology from the Superior Institute of Agronomy and a Masters in Conservation Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, she attended the Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris VI under the Erasmus program. Paula first worked with SPEA in 2014, on a preliminary study of illegal killing and capture of birds in Portugal. She joined the department in February 2016. Email: paula.lopes@spea.pt

Hélio Batista

Passionate for wildlife since childhood, Hélio has a degree in Environmental Tourism. He discovered the world of birds at the age of 18, when he noticed a gull with a red bill and green legs, and online searches introduced him to the wonderful world of birdwatching. Since then he discovered SPEA, where he took part in several activities including volunteer work and his internship at the end of his degree. His love of birds led him to work as a birdwatching guide, contribute to several bird censuses, environmental education activities and bird-ringing. As well as being the person who will greet you and attend to your needs when you visit Lagoa Pequena, Hélio also manages bird monitoring, maintenance and everything else on-site. Email: helio.batista@spea.pt

Ana Esteves

Ana is a teacher working with SPEA under the protocol between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science. She has taught Natural Sciences/Biology-Zoology since 1994. With a degree in Teaching Biology from the Faculty of Science of the University of Lisbon, at SPEA Ana develops environmental education and awareness-raising actions for school communities and the general public. Email: ana.esteves@spea.pt

Esmeralda Rodrigues

An intern in the ATIVAR.PT programme from IEFP, Esmeralda is passionate about learning and developing new skills, and believes this internship is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in admin and secretariat work. Esmeralda studied Tourism, Hotel and Local Accommodation Management, which gave her a solid theoretical basis. She is confident that her internship at SPEA will be an incredible opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to the growth of the association.

Cristina Hernández

With a degree in Biology from the University of Salamanca and additional training in Bioconservation in Puerto Rico, Cristina has specialized in the areas of Environmental Education and Conservation, having worked as an environmental and social technician in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Chile. She has over six years' experience as an environmental educator, nature guide and coordinator and monitor of leisure and recreational activities, dedicated to raising awareness and environmental education in communities. Email: cristina.hernandez@spea.pt

Julieta Costa

Born in Lisbon, Julieta graduated in Biology from FCUL in 1989 and has a Master's degree in Coastal Zone Sciences from the University of Aveiro in 1995. At SPEA, she has worked on projects involving power lines and avifauna, the illegal killing and capture of birds, and renewable energies, among others. Email: julieta.costa@spea.pt

Vanessa Oliveira

Has a degree in Applied Biology - Terrestrial Animal Resources, from the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Science, postgraduate degrees in Nature Tourism and Conservation Biology, and attended an MSc in Science Communication. At SPEA since 2005, she previously worked in the Environmental Citizenship Department. Vanessa currently coordinates the environmental education activities for LIFE Rupis and organises the ObservArribas Festival. She is also a member of Pardela magazine's Editorial Committee, having coordinated the magazine from 2011 to 2017. Email: vanessa.oliveira@spea.pt

Rita Ferreira

With a degree in Environmental Biology - Land and an MSc in Conservation Biology, both from the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Science, Rita spent 12 years working as a consultant in ornithology in environmental impact assessment. She was one of the founders of SPEA's Bonelli's Eagle Working Group in 2011, and joined the SPEA team in 2020. Email: rita.ferreira@spea.pt

Hugo Sampaio

With a degree in Biology from the University of Coimbra's Faculty of Science and Technology, he has worked at SPEA on monitoring Azores Bullfinch population; assessing the impact of powerlines on birds in the Azores, monitoring and reducing bird presence at Horta and Francisco Sá Carneiro airports; Atlas of Portugal's Wintering and Migrating Birds; III Atlas of Portugal's Breeding Birds; Conservation of Obô Natural Park and critically endangered bird species of São Tomé e Príncipe. Hugo has also lead birdwatching tours in mainland Portugal, Azores, Spain and São Tomé e Príncipe. Email: hugo.sampaio@spea.pt

Joana Jacinto

With a degree in Forestry Engineering and Natural Resources by Instituto Superior de Agronomia and a Masters in Management and Conservation of Natural Resources from Évora University, Joana is a certified Controlled Fire Officer by ICNF. She started work in 2020 in forestry, developing skills in defending the forest from fires in the Gabinete Técnico Florestal de Mafra, where she accompanied firefighter teams, carried out controlled fire actions, among others. She later worked on reforestation projects. Email: joana.jacinto@spea.pt

Hany Alonso

With a degree in Biology from the University of Lisbon, he devoted himself to a career focused on the ecology and behaviour of birds. He specialised in Ethology at ISPA and completed his PhD at the University of Coimbra in 2013, studying Cory’s shearwater in the Selvagens islands. As a postdoctoral researcher he was affiliated with CIBIO-InBio, MARE and FCUL, having collaborated on research projects (e.g. OceanWebs) and environmental impact studies, and developing work with GIS and trophic web models. He also volunteered with several conservation projects and bird monitoring programs. He joined the SPEA team in December 2018. Email: hany.alonso@spea.pt

Carolina Bloise

With a degree in Biology Applied to Animal Resources from the Faculty of Sciences of Lisbon and a Master's degree in Management and Conservation of Natural Resources from the University of Évora in 2015, Carolina has extensive experience in Environmental Education. She has worked as a monitor at various sites - EVOA, Parques de Sintra, Tapada Nacional de Mafra and Jardim Botânico de Lisboa - and was the coordinator of environmental education projects for 5 years at CEAI. More recently, she was a lecturer on the Basic Education Degree at ESEI Maria Ulrich. She joined the SPEA team in 2018. Email: carolina.bloise@spea.pt

Paulo Monteiro

Paulo has a degree in Forestry Engineering from Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and an MSc in Nature Conservation and Management from Universidade dos Açores. Since 1993 he has more or less continuously collaborated with projects related to conserving natural values (fauna and/or flora) in Portugal and Spain, coordinating, implementing them or integrating the project teams. He also took part in fieldwork with seabirds (Azores, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe). Paulo is currently a conservation officer at SPEA, working on projects LIFE Aegypius Return and LIFE Iberian Agrosteppes. Email: paulo.monteiro@spea.pt

Joana Andrade

Has a degree in Applied Biology - Terrestrial Animal Resources from the University of Lisbon, and a postgraduate degree in Science & Geographic Information Systems from NOVA School of Statistics and Information Management. Joana joined SPEA in 2008, coordinating monitoring programs of marine and coastal birds, and other projects. Email: joana.andrade@spea.pt

Mónica Costa

With a degree in Environmental Biology and an MSc in Conservation Biology, both from the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Sciences. An interest in environmental education and science communication led her to work as an educator at Tapada Nacional de Mafra nature reserve. From 2010 to 2017, Mónica was a project manager at Fundação da Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, where she developed her skills in the administrative and financial areas. In 2015 she graduated with an Msc in Science Communication from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. She joined SPEA in 2017. Email: monica.costa@spea.pt

Nuno Oliveira

With a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Lisbon, he left Portugal in search of a wider learning experience in the field of ecology, and pursued a Masters degree in Ecology and Environmental Management at the University of Varese, Italy, through the ERASMUS programme. In 2009, Nuno volunteered for the Shorebirds 2020 project, for Birds Australia. In 2009/10 he joined SPEA's LIFE Safe Islands for Seabirds project as a trainee (estagiar_L). Email: nuno.oliveira@spea.pt

Ana Almeida

With a degree in Marine Biology and Fisheries from University of Algarve, Ana started working with little terns at Ria Formosa Natural Park in 2004. Later on, she joined different scientific projects as a research assistant, working on several aspects of seabird ecology, in places such as the Falklands and Selvagens Islands. She worked as a Marine conservation officer for RSPB in Belfast, UK. Having worked for SPEA as a fisheries observer in 2012, she joined the Department in September 2015. Ana's work focuses on fisheries, seabird bycatch and marine policy. Email: ana.almeida@spea.pt

Inês Lacerda

With a degree in Biology from the University of Lisbon's Faculty of Science, Inês is currently finishing the MSc in Conservation Biology at the same university. Her Masters thesis was a study of bird populations in rice fields in Guiné-Bissau. Since 2021, she has volunteered with SPEA in several projects throughout the country, from Berlengas to Lagoa de Albufeira, Sagres and Madeira. In 2022 she worked as an external assistant at Lagoa Pequena, and in 2023 she joined the SPEA team in LIFE SeaBiL. Email: ines.lacerda@spea.pt

Flávia Carvalho

With a degree in Biology from Évora University and a Masters in Marine Biology from Faro University, Flávia started working as a fisheries observer in 2018 in the Algarve. In 2022 she joined the SPEA team, working on projects LIFE Ilhas Barreira and LIFE PanPuffinus. Email: flavia.carvalho@spea.pt

Tânia Nascimento

With a degree in Biology and Master in Applied Ecology from the University of Aveiro, Tânia collaborated with SPEA as part of her curricular internship in the LIFE Berlengas project, where she also completed her Master's thesis on the role of commercial fisheries in the conservation of the European Shag population in the Berlengas archipelago. In 2019 she was a fisheries observer in the Azores and Madeira archipelago, and in 2021 she joined the SPEA team under the LIFE Ilhas Barreira project.

Inês Casinhas

With a degree in Biology from the University of Coimbra and an MSc in Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration by the University of Antwerp, Inês worked as a Nature guide at a boat-tour company, where she conducted cetacean- and seabird-watching trips. She joined SPEA in 2022 as a fisheries observer, in project LIFE PanPuffinus. Email: ines.casinhas@spea.pt

Cátia Gouveia

With a BSc in Biology - Environment and Evolution, from the University of the Azores, and a MSc degree in Science and Geographic Information Systems, from NOVA University Lisbon, Cátia was always passionate about birds of Macaronesia. In 2008 started an internship in SPEA Azores and in 2009 joined the Madeira team, working on a variety of conservation, volunteering and awareness-raising projects relating to bird and habitat conservation. She became Head of SPEA Madeira in 2015 and manages several conservation projects. Email: catia.gouveia@spea.pt

Tiago Dias

With a degree in Marine Biology and Biotechnology from Leiria Polytechnic Institute, Tiago was a volunteer in LIFE Berlengas project from 2016 to 2017. From 2018 t0 2020, he worked in tourism, introducing visitors to Madeira's sea life. At the same time, he helped SPEA in campaigns to save Cory's Shearwaters grounded by artificial lighting. In February 2021 he joined the SPEA Madeira team, monitoring seabirds and working in environmental education in several conservation projects. Email: tiago.dias@spea.pt

Elisa Teixeira

Graduated in Biology from the University of Madeira, Elisa has some experience in nature conservation, having participated in several projects for monitoring birds and insects, in Madeira Island. After an internship, she joined the SPEA Madeira team in March 2021, collaborating on several conservation projects and in the media of the department. Email: elisa.teixeira@spea.pt

Ana Teresa Pereira

Graduated in Biology and postgraduated in Conservation Biology at the University of Évora. Has collaborated with SPEA as part of the European volunteer program LIFE Volunteer Escapes. Has worked in environmental consultancy on bird monitoring for impact assessment and for impact mitigation as well as birdwatching tours and environmental education guide. Joined the SPEA Madeira team in 2022 under the LIFE Natura@night and LIFE Pterodromas4future projects. Email: ana.pereira@spea.pt

Fernando Chacon

Fernando hails from the arid Chihuahua region in Mexico. With a degree in Biology and a Masters in GIS, he is motivated to make a significant impact on biodiversity conservation. He joined SPEA's team in 2022, and will be responsile for mapping light polution in Macaronesia and working to implement best practices in illumination which benefit biodiversity. Email: fernando.chacon@spea.pt

Rui Botelho

With a degree in Biology from the University of the Azores and a Masters degree in Territorial Planning and Environmental Planning from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rui joined SPEA in 2007 as a conservation technician. He was responsible for restoring habitats and species, developing new methodologies to control invasive plants, and monitoring the evolution of natural habitats. He is currently Joint Head of SPEA Azores, where he focuses on terrestrial conservation. Email: rui.botelho@spea.pt

Azucena Martin

With a degree in Environmental Sciences from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, specialising in Nature Conservation and Management, she joined SPEA in 2006, as an intern in the LIFE Priolo project, where she studied the Socioeconomic Benefits of Special Protection Area Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. Azucena coordinated the Priolo Environmental Center since its opening in 2007, and led the Lands of Priolo's application to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism since 2011. She is currently Joint Head of SPEA Azores, where she focuses on marine conservation and citizenship. Email: azucena.martin@spea.pt

Andreia Amaral

With a degree in Journalism from the Lisbon School of Social Communication, she did an internship at SABER Azores magazine, where she stayed on as a reporter. In 2010 she was an announcer for Rádio Nova Cidade in Ribeira Grande. She joined SPEA in April 2011 as Administrative Assistant and Media Relations for LIFE Sustainable Laurel Forest project. From 2013 to 2018 she also took on the task of Technical Assistant at the Priolo Environmental Centre. She is currently Project Management and Media Relations Assistant for LIFE IP Azores Natura. Email: andreia.amaral@spea.pt

Filipe Figueiredo

With a degree in Agronomic engineering – Forestry from the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Filipe worked at environmental NGO ATNatureza, where he was in charge of a Forest Intervention Zone, nurseries, plantations and forest management. He joined SPEA in October 2009, and coordinates all the work at the native plant nurseries in Nordeste, São Miguel - from management to maintenance and dissemination actions. Filipe is also responsible for the habitat restoration actions in the Special Protection Area Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. Email: filipe.figueiredo@spea.pt

Marcos Evangelho

With a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Algarve, Marcos began working at SPEA Azores in 2022, through a professional internship, and then as a terrestrial conservation officer, to participate in actions to restore habitats and species, requalify trails, and apply techniques to minimize the impact of visitors on natural areas. Email: marcos.evangelho@spea.pt

Tarso Costa

Has a degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade Federal do Rio de janeiro, and a Masters and Doctorate in Marine Biology from Universidade Federal Fluminense. He taught Environmental Sciences and Biology at the Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica Celso Suckow da Fonseca. Tarso was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Azores, and in 2018 he was project manager for European Projects at the Azores Government's Fundo Regional para a Ciência e Tecnologia. As a conservation officer at SPEA Azores, he monitors the physical, physical-chemical and biological parameters of streams. Email: tarso.costa@spea.pt

Yasmin Redolosis

With a degree in Biology and an MSc in Biological and Environmental Diversity, both from the Faculty of Sciences of Málaga University, Yasmin joined the SPEA Azores team in October 202 as an intern in project LIFE IP Azores Natura. She is currently a conservation officer in project LIFE Natura@night, where she is responsible for monitoring the impacts of light pollution on biodiversity and for raising awareness of this topic.

Tânia Pipa

With a degree in Marine Biology and an MSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture, both from Universidade do Algarve, Tânia first came to the Azores in 2010 to work with the Fisheries Observer Programme. She joined the SPEA team in 2011, in project LIFE Sanctuary Islands for Seabirds, on Corvo island. She is currently responsible for maintaining and managing the post-LIFE project actions, and has come to work with the various seabird conservation projects in the Azores. Email: tania.pipa@spea.pt

Beatriz Martins

With a degree in Biology from Universidade de Aveiro, internship and research scholarship at Laboratório de Ecologia Aplicada da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro and an MSc in Ecology from Universidade de Coimbra, Beatriz has taken part in several seabird monitoring campaigns in Berlengas, Corvo Island (Azores) and Ilhéu Raso (Cape Verde). Currently a conservation officer at SPEA as part of project LIFE IP Azores Natura, Beatriz is part of the team responsible for conserving and monitoring seabird breeding colonies in the islets of Azores archipelago.

Ana Mendonça

With a degree in Biology from Porto University and a Masters in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution, Ana worked with Madeira Natural Park on the conservation of the Mediterranean Monk Seal and was an assistant researcher in biotech company Biopol. She joined SPEA in 2011 as part of work on birds and powerlines in the Azores, and currently manages the Priolo Environmental Centre and develops environmental awareness and education activities. Email: ana.mendonca@spea.pt

Rui Teixeira

A psychologist by training, with a Masters in Applied Psychology, Rui is a nature lover and avid birdwatcher. He already took part in several of SPEA's citizen science projects such as the common bird census, seabird censuses, Arenaria project and the breeding bird atlas. Recently, he became interested in working in nature conservation - a wish which became reality with the chance to work at the Priolo Envirnomental Centre, where he can put his training in environmental education and science communication to good use. Email: rui.teixeira@spea.pt

Luís Pacheco

A local from Nordeste, Luís Pacheco is trained as environmental and rural tourism officer by Nordeste professional school. He carried out his internship at SPEA and collaborated with project LIFE+ Terras do Priolo, so he knows the Azores Bullfinch ("priolo"), its habitat and SPEA's conservation work. In 2021 he returned to SPEA to work at the Priolo Environmental Centre, where he gives guided tours to tourists and locals. Luís loves being among nature and animals. In his free time he likes spending time with his family and he also dedicates some of his time to his metal band, “Buried by Lava”.

Catarina Sousa

With a degree in Veterinary Sciences and a Master's in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Évora, Catarina Sousa has completed internships and training in the rescue and recovery of endangered wildlife in Portugal and Spain. She joined the SPEA Azores team in March 2024 as a professional trainee at the Priolo Environmental Center to participate in environmental education actions. She is currently developing a protocol to improve the response to injured seabirds in the archipelago.