João Joanaz de Melo graduated and holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering, with a habilitation in Environmental Systems. Associate Professor at NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal. Researcher at CENSE, conducting teaching, research and consultancy, on sustainability assessment and policy, energy efficiency, ecodesign, and Nature conservation. He coordinates the MSc in Environmental Engineering. He has supervised applied research in cooperation with business and institutions involving over 200 partnerships. He authored the popular science book “What is Ecology” and about 300 technical and scientific papers, one third with international circulation. Member of the National Council for Environment and Sustainable Development. Ever a lover of Nature, he was one of the founders and served as president of GEOTA .