The founder of Oceano Azul Foundation, José Soares dos Santos welcomes you.
«We know that, through the joint efforts of both people and institutions around the world who share our vision; we can develop effective solutions to improve ocean health.»
Founder’s Letter
Climate change, global warming, over-exploitation of resources, acidification, and deoxygenation, are but some of the issues threatening life in the ocean, as well as human life on the planet, in just the past two decades.
It is past time to recognize the ocean as a living ecosystem. To which we all belong. On which we all depend.
The Oceano Azul Foundation was established to take meaningful action for the ocean. To promote environmental sustainability, “from the ocean’s point of view”.
We are on a path of concrete actions, guided by scientific knowledge. With a goal to conserve and protect the ocean, we promote the education of new, blue generations; we work on the development of the blue natural capital concept; we work to build international networks of partners across multiple sectors of activity.
We know that, through the joint efforts of both people and institutions around the world who share our vision; we can develop effective solutions to improve ocean health. These are the progressive changes that help grow our ambitions for environmental sustainability.
The ocean theme is, in fact, increasingly more important within the international agenda; but there is still a lot of work, that must happen now, if we are going to get where we need to be.
We talk about creating marine protected areas; and of recovering species on the verge of extinction. We search for solutions for plastic pollution; as well as methods to fight destructive fishing practices and extractive industries. However, these are only some, of many, urgent threats facing the ocean today.
Every action counts, no matter how small. We believe that the preservation of nature is possible alongside, sustainable development that is both harmonious and conscientious.
For these reasons, at Oceano Azul Foundation, we take words and turn them into actions. We work, day in and day out to help decision-makers and others understand the state of the ocean and encourage them to take the unavoidable decisions that are urgently needed.
The time is now, and, with everyone’s help; we will succeed.
This is the blue future it makes sense to build.
Join us on this mission!
The XXIst century will be the century of the ocean.
José Soares dos Santos
Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos
Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos
Sociedade Francisco Manuel dos Santos (SFMS) is an international family holding established in 1941 by Francisco Manuel dos Santos and his children. The goal was to formalize the participation in several companies, such as Jerónimo Martins, co-owned by Francisco Manuel dos Santos since 1921.
Today, SFMS manages a range of investments in distinct areas, such as distribution, manufacturing, agri-food, specialized retail, health care services, citizenship and environment. SFMS employs more than 131,000 people and serves directly more than 300 million people in various countries, mainly in Portugal, Poland, Colombia and Brazil.
Supported by its current shareholders, heirs of the founder, the main role of SFMS is to ensure the continuity of the Group with a vision of future. SFMS is currently on its 4th generation and still keeps its original entrepreneurial spirit.
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