Maria da Luz Fernandes holds a Ph.D. from the Doctoral Program Do*Mar- Marine Science, Technology and Management from the University of Aveiro (2021) in collaboration with the University of Coruña.  Works at GOVCOPP since 2021 on ENVISION Project as a PhD. Researcher on the scope of Strategic Environmental Assessment, Sustainability and Urban Transitions. Between 2013 and 2021 has worked in CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), at University of Aveiro. Here, she has participated in several national and European-funded projects in the field of Maritime Spatial Planning and Strategic Environmental Assessment. Research interests are environmental assessment, coastal and maritime spatial planning and socio-ecological systems.