The organisation has had a punctual presence in the country for over 15 years, through specific actions and campaigns, “but it is at this critical moment – ​​in which almost seven of the nine planetary boundaries have already been exceeded and a model of production and consumption threatens life on the planet – that Greenpeace decided to integrate Portugal into its global network of over 55 countries”.

The launch of Greenpeace Portugal took place this morning aboard the organisation's iconic icebreaker, the Arctic Sunrise, and was attended by Greenpeace Portugal Director Toni Melajoki Roseiro and Greenpeace International Board Chair Jo Dufay. The ship is in Lisbon to celebrate the creation of the new team, hold political meetings and strengthen strategic alliances.

The Arctic Sunrise will depart from Lisbon towards Porto, where it will be from February 21st to 23rd, in the Port of Leixões, with its doors open to the public, between 10am and 1pm and 3pm and 6pm. Guided tours are free and represent a unique opportunity to learn about the history and hidden corners of this legendary icebreaker.

A new chapter for Portugal

With a permanent presence in the country as of today, Greenpeace intends to “focus on the main socio-environmental challenges, together with civil society and other Portuguese organisations and social actors”.

“It was essential that we had a permanent presence in Portugal, the only major European country that was not yet part of the Greenpeace family. Portugal has been a pioneer on several environmental issues and maintains historical and cultural ties with key countries in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, such as Brazil,” said Jo Dufay, Chair of the Board of Greenpeace International.

“There are urgent changes that need to happen in Portugal and in the world. Greenpeace wants to contribute with concrete proposals for these advances and channel the indignation and voice of Brazilian society, historically concerned and committed to defending its biodiversity.”

In turn, Toni Melajoki Roseiro, director of Greenpeace Portugal, highlighted that “there are urgent changes that need to happen in the country and in the world. Greenpeace wants to stop the global threats that manifest themselves in this territory and present proposals to build alternative futures beyond economic growth.”

He added: “We want to channel the indignation and voice of Portuguese citizens, historically concerned and committed to the fight against the climate emergency and the defense of biodiversity.”