Sérgio Henriques contributes expertise to international collaboration on coastal biodiversity
Effective biodiversity conservation increasingly depends on coordinated action across borders. This principle is deeply embedded in the work of our member Sérgio Henriques, who recently contributed to an international workshop in Okinawa (Japan), culminating in the publication “Conservation workshop in Okinawa: urgent action needed for land hermit crabs.”
Although the workshop focused on land hermit crabs, whereas Portugal only has marine species of this group, Sérgio’s involvement reflects a broader and more strategic mission: building strong international expert networks that translate science into informed policy and local action.
The value of global specialist networks
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) hosts the world’s largest network of conservation experts, whose collaborative work underpins global efforts to assess species status, guide evidence-based decisions and support governments and organisations. These specialist groups and technical communities play a central role in shaping practical conservation outcomes by:
- Identifying priority species and ecosystems at risk
- Producing shared evidence frameworks for decision-makers
- Mobilising expertise rapidly and internationally
- Supporting long-term policy and management strategies
Within this context, initiatives such as the Okinawa workshop on land hermit crabs illustrate how coordinated scientific knowledge can be mobilised to address emerging biodiversity concerns.
As a member of these international networks, Sérgio contributes to collective efforts that bridge science, conservation and policy, ensuring that knowledge and solutions circulate between regions. His involvement reinforces CCMAR’s participation in these global structures, helping channel specialist expertise toward local conservation agendas and policy discussions in Portugal.
Why it matters for Portugal
Engaging in these international networks is not merely symbolic. It provides early awareness of emerging challenges, facilitates access to scientific and policy expertise, and ensures that regions such as the Algarve can align their conservation actions with global best practice.
Although land hermit crabs do not occur locally, the issues raised in the workshop —habitat loss, illegal trade, and lack of public awareness — mirror pressures relevant to Portuguese coastal environments. The land–sea interface of the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic coast hosts lesser-known invertebrates that contribute to ecosystem functioning, resilience and the blue economy.
These species often receive little attention yet are affected by drivers such as:
- coastal development
- tourism pressures
- plastic and microplastic waste
- dredging
- species movement and trade
- climate change
Participation in initiatives like the Okinawa workshop helps CCMAR:
- recognise overlooked species and habitats in coastal Portugal
- improve local monitoring efforts
- design communication strategies for stakeholders and the public
- support evidence-based regulation and policymaking
How CCMAR contributes
Through Sérgio’s involvement, CCMAR strengthens three key dimensions of its mission:
1) International reach
CCMAR actively contributes to global conversations that shape biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the necessity of science-driven approaches across borders.
2) Knowledge transfer
Insights gained from IUCN projects and workshops are brought back to Portugal, offering guidance on how to manage coastal biodiversity and incorporate best practices into regional priorities.
3) Policy relevance
By participating in science–policy networks, CCMAR helps ensure that local decisions — from habitat management to regulation — can be informed by robust, internationally endorsed evidence.
Looking ahead
Global biodiversity challenges require interconnected solutions. Sérgio’s contribution to the Okinawa workshop exemplifies how specialist networks, international collaboration and policy-relevant science can support decision-makers at regional scales.
CCMAR will continue to engage with IUCN communities and similar collaborations to strengthen coastal biodiversity conservation in Portugal — ensuring that local actions are informed by global knowledge and that international concerns reach policymakers who can act on them.
