THE SHERPA JOURNEYS PROJECT, NORTH WIND - SAILING FOR SCIENCE, WAS BORN AS THE FIRST MARINE-SCIENTIFIC ECOTOURISM INITIATIVE IN GALICIA

The Galician project North Wind - Sailing for Science, which is currently being accelerated in Sherpa do Mar's Sherpa Journeys entrepreneurship support program, was created with the aim of becoming the first specialized initiative in marine-scientific ecotourism in Galicia committed to conservation of the marine environment.

Founded by the Nigranese oceanographer Diaña Zúñiga, it focuses on promoting scientific knowledge of the marine world in the Rías Baixas, one of the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems in the world, through sustainable, unique and singular experiences.

In line with the slow travel trend, which is committed to a new, more sustainable, local and authentic way of enjoying tourism, and under the premise of reducing the environmental impact of scientific routes, North Wind - Sailing for Science proposes eco-friendly guided tours. -responsible and free of plastics.

They will be carried out by sailboat, considered one of the most environmentally friendly means of transport, with practically no C02 emissions, in an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of activities carried out at sea. In addition, it minimizes damage to the seabed or levels of underwater noise pollution, one of the greatest threats to these ecosystems, and whose consequences are decisive in the conservation and protection of the marine environment.

The philosophy on board will be "zero plastics" and the itineraries will also be focused on the promotion and knowledge of the product and the local gastronomy.

With this initiative, Zúñiga, after more than 15 years dedicated to studying the role of the ocean on the climate and the sustainable management of marine resources in Galicia, intends not only to convey his passion for the oceans, but also to raise awareness in society about the importance to promote environmental education and a more responsible way of traveling.

In this sense, North Wind - Sailing for Science will also offer training workshops designed specifically for educational centers and/or organizations linked to the sea, addressing issues related to marine sciences and having as its main axis the enhancement of the marine ecosystem of the Rías. Baixas.

About Sherpa do Mar

Sherpa do Mar is a project integrated in the INTERREG VA Spain-Portugal Cross-Border Cooperation Program (POCTEP) 2014-2020, co-financed 75% by ERDF funds, whose purpose is to launch a cross-border network of entrepreneurship in the marine-maritime field and blue economy, through the Sherpa Journeys program, which favors job creation and increased business competitiveness through the promotion of technology-based companies.

The project is led by the University of Vigo, through the REDE research group, Campus do Mar and the R&D Office, and has the participation of the Vigo Free Zone Consortium, the Galician Innovation Agency (GAIN) and the universities of Santiago and A Coruña. On the part of Portugal it has the participation of the Asprela Technology Transfer Association (UPTEC), UPorto-Innovação of the University of Porto (UPIN), the Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the Fórum Oceano-Associação da Economia do Mar.