Mário Ruivo is one of the winners of the 2015 European Citizen's Prize

The list of winners of the 2015 European Citizen's Prize (Civi Europaeo Praemium), awarded by the European Parliament, includes Mário Ruivo, oceanographer and key figure in political organizations and civic movements for the integration of the ocean into sustainable development goals. With a long career dedicated to promoting national and international programs for ocean sustainability, Mário Ruivo is currently the FCT representative on the European Marine Board and President of the National Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development, a member of the European EEAC network, and of the Inter-Sectoral Oceanographic Commission of the Ministry of Education and Science. 

The European Citizen's Prize is awarded to citizens, groups, associations, or organizations that have distinguished themselves in promoting mutual understanding among citizens of the European Union, or in encouraging greater transnational integration and cooperation between Member States, thereby contributing to strengthening the European spirit.

The FCT Governing Board congratulates Mário Ruivo on this well-deserved distinction for his valuable contribution and leadership in strengthening cooperation and reform of European and international institutions, and in raising awareness among governments and public opinion of the imperative to preserve the ocean for present and future generations. 

Thanks to Mário Ruivo's initiative, the documentation of the Permanent Commission for Outer Space Studies (CPEEE), which operated between 1970 and 1986, and the Permanent Commission for Oceanology (CPO), between 1979 and 1986.