By Filipa Afonso
International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. This year’s theme – “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations“ – recognises that while young people’s lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar.
On this occasion, OceanICU gave the floor to Dr. Filipa Afonso, a Marine Ecologist at the Marine Institute in Galway (Ireland) and an Early Career Researcher contributing to OceanICU research. Fresh out of her PhD, Filipa is passionate about exploring the interface between marine research and social sciences, with a particular interest in understanding how humans are an integral part of coastal and marine ecosystems.
What is the focus of your work in OceanICU?
I am developing a cumulative impact risk assessment to understand the impacts of anthropogenic activities on carbon functions in the Celtic Seas region.
Why do you think young people should learn about ocean carbon?
OceanICU is taking the first steps to fully understand the biological carbon pump. As young scientists (and as young people who aspire to become scientists!), we have an opportunity to continue this work and understand how we can continue to benefit from and enjoy marine ecosystems without compromising their important role in storing carbon and, consequently, helping regulate the Earth’s climate. By doing so, we can help ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from these valuable resources.
However, understanding these processes is only part of the journey, knowledge needs to be shared to inform action! By communicating research in a more accessible and engaging way, we can reach people from different generations and backgrounds so they can better understand the importance of the ocean and how closely its health is connected to our own. This is particularly important for young people, as we will be the scientists, professionals and decision-makers shaping the future of the ocean.
Thank you, Filipa! Happy International Youth Day!
Dr. Filipa Afonso
Filipa Afonso is a marine ecologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Marine Institute in Galway, Ireland. Her research focuses on coastal and marine ecosystems, with a particular interest in understanding the benefits these ecosystems provide to local communities and the pressures affecting their functioning.
Filipa’s research career began during her master’s degree, when she investigated the benefits provided by mangrove ecosystems to local communities on São Tomé Island. Her PhD research focused on the Sado Estuary in Portugal, where she explored ecosystem services and their potential role in supporting the sustainable management of estuaries. This work also led her to the field of Ocean Governance, where she advocated for the integration of ecosystem-based management approaches into the management of Portuguese estuaries.
As a member of the Ocean ICU project, Filipa works within Work Package 8, where she is developing a cumulative impact risk assessment of carbon-related functions across the Celtic Seas region. This work aims to identify the main anthropogenic activities and pressures affecting the biological carbon pump in the region. As part of the project, she also works with Fiona Culhane to organise stakeholder meetings that facilitate communication and disseminate project findings.
