This project aims to integrate development with environmental conservation from the perspective of sustainability. The main goal of this team is the creation, promotion and implementation of integrated systems for sustainable development, through services in the domains of science, technology and art.

Situations of conflict between development and environmental preservation are becoming increasingly common, and yet these needs can be compatible. Documents, legislation, policies and strategies aimed at sustainable development are already available - the great challenge will be to develop the necessary tools and practical solutions to implement these policies to solve real world problems. Given the complexity of the variables involved in a compatibilization process, this is only achievable through the application of several areas of knowledge. This is the modus operandi of PROTERRA21. PROTERRA21's objectives focus on the creation of projects and ideas which aim for more sustainable management of planet Earth.

The multidisciplinary team includes experts in the areas of architecture and biology, following the concept of compatibilization between development and the protection of planet Earth.

Focus on interdisciplinarity; the study and the application of practical measures and solutions through a team of collaborators from several areas besides architecture and biology.

Wide range of services, including multiple areas and applications, under a holistic approach.

Company composed of expert academic and professional staff with common experience in the area of environmental sustainability.

Action centred on the belief that it is possible to combine human activity, economic and social development with the protection of the environment.

Graduated in Biology from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, 1990. Completed a masters course in Animal Ecology in 1992 at the University of Coimbra and Central Michigan University (USA). PhD in Biology at the University of Coimbra and Central Michigan University (U.S.A) in 2000. During her masters and PhD studies, she developed research on ecology and reptile behaviour.

Member of the Portuguese Society of Herpetology (Sociedade Portuguesa de Herpetologia - SPH) and founding member of the regional board of the SPH in Coimbra.

Coordinator of the Projecto Alytes, multidisciplinary project for the compatibilization of the conservation of a species (Alytes obstetricans) and the urban development. Projecto Alytes was awarded in 2002 with the National Environment and Conservation Prize and First Prize of the Natural Environment Category, by The Ford Motor Company (Environmental and Conservation Grants).

Supervisor in research projects on Conservation Biology for biology undergraduate students and Ecology masters students, University of Coimbra. Researcher in collaboration with the Fonoteca Zoológica, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Madrid).

Consultant of the project “River and City: opportunities for urban sustainability”, CESUR/ Instituto Superior Técnico (Lisbon).

Currently developing research in Conservation Biology, namely ecological restoration and urban ecology, focused on the resolution of emerging conflicts between development and the protection of biodiversity, under an environmentally sustainable perspective. Responsible for the planning and implementation of environmental education programs, biodiversity protection oriented, including the fund raising for Projecto Alytes.

Since 2001, Professor at the Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, being responsible for subjects in the areas of Ecology, Biostatistics and Animal Welfare and Behaviour. Teaches at the Veterinary Medicine and Architecture and Landscape Architecture Departments.

email: mjcastro@proterra21.com

Graduated in Architecture from the Architecture Department of ARCA.ETAC, Portugal, 1996. In 1997, studied Sustainable Architecture at The Oslo School of Architecture.

Completion of Masters Course in Architecture at the Department of Architecture of Chiba University (Japanese Government Scholarship - Monbusho) with the title A Global Approach Towards Ecological Architecture, under Professor Toshimoto Miyata's supervision, 2001. Has attended courses on solar architecture, bioclimatic architecture and vernacular architecture in Portugal and Japan, since 1997.

In 1999, worked as a trainee at the architecture office Shigeru Ban Architect & Associates, Tokyo, in paper construction projects in Japan and Germany. In 2000, worked as a trainee at the architecture office T. R. Hamzah & Ken Yeang, Architects, Kuala Lumpur, in bioclimatic skyscrapers in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Teaches “Introduction to Building Design” at the Architecture Department of ARCA.ETAC, 1996-97.

From 2001 to 2006, teaches at the Architecture Department of Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, in the subjects of building design, urban ecology, construction technologies and history of architecture.

Together with Jorge Torres, architect, established in 2001 the architecture office Torres+Veríssimo, arquitectos, developing projects and competitions in the areas of planning and sustainable architecture.

Architecture consultant in the multidisciplinary team Projecto Alytes, for the conservation of a population of midwife toads Alytes obstetricans of Parque de St.ª Cruz, Coimbra. Presently undertaking a PhD in Bartlett School of Architecture – Development Planning Unit, University College of London, scholarship from Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.

email: cverissimo@proterra21.com

Graduated in Biology from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, 1998, José is currently undertaking a masters course on Ecology at the University of Coimbra, focusing on the aspects of Conservation Biology in Urban Environments.

From 2000 to 2006, he worked at the Nature Conservation Institute, regional centre of Coimbra, with a focus on the conservation of protected areas. He is responsible for the elaboration of monitoring plans of groups of fauna and proposals for the management of biodiversity in protected areas and a member of multidisciplinary teams for Environmental Impact Assessment and Regional Planning Projects.

He has wide experience in field work, including the use of GIS technologies and is a founding member of the regional board of the Portuguese Society of Herpetology (Sociedade Portuguesa de Herpetologia - SPH) of Coimbra.

He is a member of “Projecto Alytes”, a multidisciplinary project which aims the compatibilization between the conservation of a species of toad (Alytes obstetricans) and urban development. In 2002, Projecto Alytes was awarded the National Environment and Conservation Prize and First Prize in the Natural Environment category by The Ford Motor Company (Environmental and Conservation Grants).

Researcher in Conservation Biology, namely ecological restoration and urban ecology, focused on the resolution of emerging conflicts between development and the protection of biodiversity, from an environmental sustainability perspective.

Researcher in collaboration with the Fonoteca Zoológica, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Madrid). Responsible for the planning and implemention of biodiversity protection oriented education programs, including the creation of promotional materials for the financial support of Projecto Alytes. Nature photographer, whose work has been exhibited and published.

email: jmoliveira@proterra21.com