For Artur Sá, Scientific Coordinator of Arouca Geopark and UNESCO Chair in ‘Geoparks, Sustainable Regional Development and Healthy Lifestyles’ at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, the award of this title “always symbolizes the appreciation of knowledge and the celebration of efforts that go beyond university walls, uniting academic knowledge with practical life and the contribution to society”.

He adds that “this is the reality that is umbilically linked to the UNESCO World Geoparks. Therefore, this distinction further reinforces the role of science as a tool for social impact, which is not limited to numbers and theories, but which transforms realities and sustains hopes. In this sense, I receive this title not only as an individual, but on behalf of all those who have ‘walked the path’ with me, especially teachers, students, staff, family members and, above all, the communities that live and breathe the territories.”