Brenna Alyse Hazen
Biography
President of Loyola Chicago Chapter of Plant Futures in Chicago, IL January 2024-May 2025 Organized plant-based futures events to educate and engage students and professionals Facilitated networking opportunities with industry leaders to promote career development Assisted students in accessing post-graduation opportunities related to sustainability Collaborated with other chapters nationwide to build a stronger community for the organization
Research Interest
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Educated and inspired the next generation about crucial environmental issues: climate change, sustainability, nature conservation, biodiversity and wildlife preservation
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Made complex environmental concepts accessible and relatable to young minds
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Fostered an immersive learning experience that encouraged critical thinking
Abstract
Exploring Policies that Protect Marine Ecosystems in Portugal: the Case of Marine Protected Areas and its State of Implementation
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are important policy tools to achieve marine conservation. This research examined Portugal's MPA status, considering its extensive coastline and rich marine resources, one of the biggest in the European Union (EU). The study shows through literature review and targeted interviews that Portuguese MPAs are only moderately protected and Portugal is far from the target of protecting its sea at 30% by 2030, as it currently protects only 7% of its seas. Without funding, and involvement from important stakeholders, it is difficult to guarantee that the current MPAs fulfill the protection goals that they aim to reach. Barriers impeding on successful implementation of MPAs are the short term funding provided, the lack of action plans that are not followed through after MPA designation, and the lack of involvement from stakeholders and the shared efforts between them to ensure that MPAs are successful. The main recommendations to improve the current state of implementation of MPAs in Portugal are related with the need for substantial long term funding dedicated to marine protection, collaboration and involvement of stakeholders, and working to get MPAs to be supported by long term monitoring data and researchers.
