Pedro Macedo

I have a degree in Engineering and postgraduate studies in Urban Environmental Management and Territorial Planning.

I now have 20 years of experience in the sustainability field. First, I started in the private sector, dedicating myself to environmental education, leading a team of 20 people and implementing all kind of projects around Portugal. Then I felt that global awareness was already achieved, and that professional training was needed, so I helped to create a public-private environmental training center dedicated to professionals, from teachers to architects.

But 10 years ago, my conclusion was that better governance was really “the key” that we needed. Society was urging to have more participative political decisions that could lead us for sustainable local communities. Working at university, I was responsible for local and regional initiatives in many communities, mostly in Portugal, creating networks that mobilized around 20,000 citizens and 1,000 organizations. We got some international awards and recognitions, for regional water governance (European Environment Agency, 2014), Environmental Strategic Plan for the Porto Metropolitan Area (ICLEI, 2005) or 100,000 trees project (United Nations, 2014).

I also have relevant work at the third sector, acting as a social entrepreneur (leading several NGOs and projects). Additionally, supporting the climate movement, part of a renewable energy cooperative, and co-founder of the initiative Common Home of Humanity.