A Summit for Ocean Innovation, Investment, and Restoration

Cultivating Hope is a pioneering summit that brings together Europe's leading marine scientists, blue economy investors, policy makers, and coastal communities to explore how regenerative seaweed farming can transform our relationship with the ocean. Taking place just two days before Portugal's first regenerative seaweed farm launch off Nazaré's iconic coastline, this summit serves as both a celebration of innovation and a strategic planning platform for scaling ocean restoration across the Atlantic.

In the same waters that produce the world's largest surfable waves, Portugal is pioneering a new model for ocean healing. The Nazaré Regenerative Seaweed Farm (NRSF) represents three years of collaboration between big wave surfers, marine scientists, and traditional fishing communities – proving that even the most challenging coastal environments can become centres for restoration and economic opportunity.

This summit addresses a critical gap in European ocean policy: how to scale nature-based solutions along exposed Atlantic coastlines. While most seaweed research focuses on sheltered waters, the Nazaré project generates unprecedented data on:

• Carbon sequestration in high-energy marine environments
• Community-led restoration in traditional fishing areas
• Blue finance mechanisms for wave-exposed cultivation

Integration of ocean sports, science, and conservation

Limited spaces available for researchers, policymakers, marine conservation professionals, and the public.

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After three years of collaboration between big wave surfers, marine scientists, and local fishermen, Portugal's first regenerative seaweed farm launches in the same waters that produce the world's biggest waves.

This isn't just a farm. It's proof that exposed coastlines can become centres for ocean restoration. It's a blueprint for the Atlantic. It's community-led ocean healing in action.

And you're invited to be part of it.

The Day

11:00 AM – Beach Cleanup
Get your hands dirty with local environmental groups. Make immediate impact.

12:30 PM – Sustainable Fishing Demo
DocaPesca shows how traditional knowledge meets modern sustainability.

1:30 PM – Boat Trips to the Farm
See where ocean regeneration happens. Touch the seaweed. Feel the difference.
(Limited spaces, first come first served)

4:30 PM – Community Talks
Ocean entrepreneurship. Waste management. How you can get involved.

All Day – Interactive Exhibits
Meet the scientists. Learn the tech. Ask the hard questions.

Rain or shine (boat trips weather dependent)

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