André Pacheco is a physical oceanographer at the Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA/UALG), specializing in coastal oceanography and sustainable marine solutions. He earned his BSc in Environmental Engineering and PhD in Marine, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, with his thesis focused on hydrodynamics and sediment transport at tidal inlets.
While continuing research on coastal dynamics and satellite bathymetry, André’s current work focuses on marine renewable energies and building sustainable island communities to address climate change adaptation and mitigation. He has contributed to testing multiple marine energy prototypes in EU waters and is deeply committed to translating scientific knowledge into practical, community-focused solutions.
Since 2019, André has coordinated Culatra 2030 – Sustainable Energy Community, a pioneering European Commission-supported initiative transforming the island into a living lab for sustainability. Through decentralized energy production, circular economy practices, and net-zero transportation, Culatra aims to become the first fully sustainable community in Portugal, setting a global example for island transition and climate resilience.

