panel of Experts
ARIDANE GONZÁLEZ
He holds a degree in Marine Sciences and a PhD in Oceanography from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). He has been a researcher at the CNRS (GET, Toulouse) and the University of Bologna (LEMAR, Brest). He is a tenured professor at ULPGC and his research is conducted within the QUIMA group at the Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG). He also chairs the Canary Islands Government’s committee of experts on climate change, the circular economy, and the blue economy. His research focuses on the biogeochemical processes of metals, observations of the CO2 system in the marine environment, and climate governance.
BEATRIZ CALZADA
A graduate in Law from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, she began her political career in 1999 as Councilor for Youth of the Gran Canaria Island Council. In 2015, she became CEO of Gesplan, a public company of the Canary Islands Government. Subsequently, in 2019, she was elected to the Parliament of the Canary Islands, serving as spokesperson for Education and Territorial Planning. As a lawyer, she has extensive experience providing legal counsel for urban planning and territorial development initiatives at the municipal, island, and regional levels. Since June 2023, she has chaired the Port Authority of Las Palmas.
DOMINGO GÓMEZ-PAMO
Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1960, he entered the Naval Military Academy in 1979. After 45 years of service in the Navy as a Captain, he enjoyed a long and distinguished career on surface ships and submarines. He distinguished himself as Commanding Officer of the patrol boat Izaro, the submarine Mistral, the frigate Numancia, and the 41st Frigate Squadron. He participated in NATO and EU operations, commanding EUROMARFOR and serving as Chief of Staff for EUNAVFORMED. After his time as Head of the Submarine Section in Logistics Support, he has worked for the past two years as a Naval Advisor at INDRA. He is married and has four children and four grandchildren.
ELISABETH KOTTHAUS
PANEL: Coastal Tourism (PARTICIPANT)
Elisabeth Kotthaus is Head of Unit for Tourism in the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) of the European Commission. She joined the European Commission in 2005. She worked there in the areas of TEN-T and the internal market of electricity and gas (DG TREN as legal Officer), anti-fraud (as Member of Cabinet), transport in general (as Assistant to the Director-General of DG MOVE), Justice & Home Affairs and Digital Agenda (as Deputy Head of the Political Section in the Representation of the Commission in Germany), social aspects of transport, passenger rights and equality (as Head of Unit in DG MOVE). Before 2005, she was a partner of a major law firm in Germany.
FÁTIMA LEMES
Fátima Lemes Reverón was born in Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of La Laguna and is a State Administrative Manager (2022). She has received training in various areas related to tourism and business. Professionally, she has over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, working for organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, CEOE-Tenerife, and leading hotel companies in the tourism sector on the island. She has served as the mayor of Arona since June 2023 and this year holds the presidency of the AMT (Alliance of Sun and Beach Tourist Municipalities in Spain).
GONZALO PIERNAVIEJA
He holds a degree in Physics from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (1993, specializing in solar energy and physical chemistry) and a postgraduate degree in Energy and Environmental Management from the Technical University of Berlin (1994). During his time in Germany, he worked at Siemens and later at the Munich-based energy company Stadtwerke München, developing the company’s first solar energy projects. From 1993 to 1996, he coordinated various projects related to renewable energy and water technologies at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Since 1996, he has worked at the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC), holding various positions. During 2018 and 2019, he served as Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy, and Trade for the Government of the Canary Islands. He is currently the Director of R&D&I at the ITC, coordinating nine technology departments with over 180 people.
IVÁN SUÁREZ
Iván Suárez is a Canary Islands entrepreneur, an expert in space strategy, and the founder of Newsky, the company behind Project TAONA, an initiative aimed at establishing the Canary Islands as a strategic European gateway for space access and operations.
With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, he has advised governments, operators, and investors on the development of space infrastructure, satellite communications, and emerging space markets.
Through Newsky, he leads the vision of creating a sovereign and globally competitive spaceport ecosystem in the Canary Islands, leveraging their strategic geographic location.
JAVIER OJEDA
Javier Ojeda is Secretary General of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) and Manager of the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (APROMAR). He has served as Chairman of the European Commission’s Aquaculture Advisory Council and is currently an advisor to the Economic and Social Council of Spain (CES). In these roles, he works to promote sustainable aquaculture at the national, European, and global levels.
JESÚS MARÍA ARRIETA
Jesús María Arrieta holds a degree in Biological Sciences (University of the Basque Country, UPV-EHU) and a PhD in Biology from the University of Groningen. After conducting research at international centers (University of Vienna, NIOZ, KAUST) and at IMEDEA (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC) as a Ramón y Cajal researcher, he is currently a Research Scientist and Director of the Canary Islands Oceanographic Center (IEO-CSIC).
His research focuses on marine microbial ecology, its role in climate regulation, and its biotechnological applications, leading to the development of commercial cosmetic ingredients. He also investigates international treaties on marine genetic resources. Currently, he is also a focal point for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
JORDI GUILLÉN
Jordi Guillén García is the Blue Economy Team Leader at the Ocean and Water Unit of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. With a PhD in Economics and training in Business Administration and Fisheries Management, he has extensive international experience as a researcher and consultant for organizations such as the FAO, OECD, and IFREMER. Since 2016, he has led the analysis at the JRC of the socioeconomic performance of fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy in the EU, evaluating the impact of management policies and global crises. He is the author of over 120 scientific publications and technical reports.
JORDI PUIGCORBÉ
With a PhD in Physics from the University of Barcelona, he is an executive with over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, technological innovation, and business strategy. He currently directs the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), strengthening its position as a leading research and innovation center for the energy transition. Throughout his career, he has held senior management positions in leading energy companies, including Ecotecnia, Eolos, General Electric, and Alstom Wind, where he has led innovation strategies, technological development, and organizational growth in global environments applied to wind energy, offshore wind, energy storage, electrical grids, hydrogen, and Power-to-X technologies in international projects in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
JOSE JOAQUÍN HERNÁNDEZ
With a PhD in Chemical Sciences and as Director of PLOCAN, he leads innovation in marine science and technology for the sustainable use of the ocean. His work focuses on creating value and providing solutions to global challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, and the development of the blue economy.
JOSÉ MARÍA LIARTE
Captain José María Liarte Ros (Cartagena, 1969) joined the Spanish Navy in 1990. He specializes in submarine warfare and diving, and is a graduate of the Naval War College. Throughout his career, he has commanded numerous units, notably the minehunters Duero and the First Squadron, the MCM Diving Unit, and the EUROMARFOR Minehunter Group. He has participated in NATO and EU missions. Since July 15, 2025, he has been the Commandant of the Navy Diving Center and Director of the Military Diving School, leading significant underwater modernization projects.
JOSÉ PASCUAL
A biologist from the University of La Laguna (ULL) and a certified innovation manager by COTEC, he works as a technician at the Gran Canaria Economic Development Agency (SPEGC), promoting and supporting business projects in biotechnology, aquaculture, water, and new technologies. Since 2017, he has coordinated the BIOASIS Gran Canaria Platform, a pioneering initiative to locate companies in the sector and promote the marine bioeconomy as an engine of territorial development. Furthermore, through the High Technology Incubator, in collaboration with the ITC and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), he advises startups and SMEs on regulation, financing, and implementation, leveraging Gran Canaria’s competitive advantages for the biotechnology ecosystem.
JUAN RAMÓN RODRÍGUEZ
A biologist from the University of La Laguna (ULL) and a certified innovation manager by COTEC, he works as a technician at the Gran Canaria Economic Development Agency (SPEGC), attracting and supporting business projects related to biotechnology and aquaculture, among other sectors such as water and new technologies. Since 2017, he has coordinated the BIOASIS Gran Canaria Platform, a pioneering initiative aimed at facilitating the location of companies in the sector on the island and promoting the marine bioeconomy as a driver of diversification and territorial development. Through the High Technology Incubator, in collaboration with the ITC and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), he supports startups and SMEs with regulations, permits, site identification, access to financing, and leveraging the competitive advantages that Gran Canaria offers to the biotechnology and aquaculture sector.
LUIS VELASCO
Luis Velasco is a Senior Industrial Engineer from ICAI.
From the beginning of his career, he has worked at Red Eléctrica, developing his skills in various areas of the organization, including leading the international business in South America from 2004 to 2017, and from 2017 to the present as head of supporting the development of Red Eléctrica’s transmission infrastructure in Spain. Since 2017, he has also served on the boards of Redeia’s subsidiaries in South America and has held various leadership positions in business and industry associations. In addition, he has completed several programs and postgraduate courses in economics, electricity sector regulation, and management development.
MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Manuel Fernández García del Campo studied Mining Engineering at the University of Oviedo and has developed a solid international career in the energy sector, accumulating more than 30 years of experience in renewable energy, operations, sustainability, and business development.
He is currently Business Development Director for Spain at Ocean Winds (OW), where he leads the development of offshore wind projects in Spain, coordinating regulatory, technical, and institutional aspects. Before joining OW in 2019, he held various management positions at EDP Renewables (EDPR), including Director of Operations and Maintenance for Europe and Brazil, Director of Sustainability, Country Manager in Romania, and Director of Project Management in Spain.
MANUEL MAQUEDA
Manuel Maqueda is an international entrepreneur, professor, and innovator focused on planetary regeneration. He is an instructor of Applied Circular and Regenerative Economy at Harvard University and the creator of the Circular Economy course at UC Berkeley. He also directs the consulting firm Bionomia Institute.
A pioneering expert on plastic pollution, he co-founded the Plastic Pollution Coalition and SUPER. As a futurist, he serves on the Strategic Foresight Council of the Circular Economy Alliance and has advised the Long Now Foundation. Finally, he researches the use of artificial intelligence to design regenerative and resilient economies and is a co-founder of the NGO Viento.ai.
MARTA PASCUAL
Spanish Hub, EU WestMED Initiative and Atlantic Action Plan
Marta Pascual is the Spanish national coordinator for the Western Mediterranean Initiative (WestMED) and the Atlantic Action Plan. She has been appointed an expert for the EU MSP Platform and has worked as a senior expert for the European Commission on issues related to maritime spatial planning, blue growth, the blue economy, the circular economy, natural capital accounting, biodiversity modeling, and ecosystem services modeling. She holds a PhD in Maritime Spatial Planning and has over 13 years of professional experience in the application and implementation of various European environmental and maritime directives.
MATT BOWDEN
Director of Red Penguin Marine since 2020, following a distinguished 26-year career in the Royal Navy. There, he specialized in communications and information warfare, holding operational command and evaluating global operations at the Naval Staff. He currently leads Red Penguin’s strategic support for the global submarine cable sector, managing ship design projects, interconnectors, and communication systems. He collaborates with key international stakeholders on submarine infrastructure resilience and participates in strategic working groups (ICPC, ESCA, and the UK Government). He also chairs the CHIRP Global Maritime Advisory Board.
PEDRO ALFONSO MARTÍN
President of CEOE Tenerife, with a distinguished leadership career in social dialogue and business representation. With a background in Business Administration, Management, and Finance, he possesses extensive experience in strategic management. Historically linked to CEOE Tenerife, he served as Secretary General for over two decades (1998-2017 and 2020-2022) and was Vice President of the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) between 2017 and 2019. Since 2022, he has held the Executive Presidency of the employers’ association and currently also chairs the Canary Islands Mutual Accident Insurance Company. A well-established key figure in the Canary Islands’ socioeconomic sphere, he serves on numerous boards and organizations at the regional, national, and European levels.
PEDRO SUÁREZ LÓPEZ
Pedro Suarez López de Vergara holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of La Laguna. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Operational Marketing from the Barcelona School of Marketing and Administration and completed the Bravo Murillo Foundation’s Senior Management Program. He began his professional career in the banking sector before moving into sales and institutional relations roles at the Canary Islands Mutual Insurance Company. He has held public office, serving as a councilor and spokesperson for the La Laguna City Council, as well as a member of the Tenerife Island Council for several terms, managing areas such as economic development and the island’s water authority. He has also served as Director General of Commerce for the Canary Islands Government, a member of the Canary Islands Parliament, and is currently the President of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
RAÚL GUANCHE
He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Cantabria and is a tenured professor at the Higher Technical School of Naval Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), where he directs the Hydrodynamic Testing Channel (CEHINAV). For over a decade, he led the R&D group at IHCantabria, specializing in offshore engineering and marine renewable energies. His experience includes participation in more than 200 research projects and a high level of expertise in experimental fluid-structure interaction techniques. He has over 90 scientific publications. His awards include the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (2017), the Juan López de Peñalver Prize (2019), and the Offshore Wind Energy Prize (2022).
RICARDO JESÚS HAROUN
A Doctor of Biological Sciences and University Professor, specializing in the sustainable use, conservation, and management of marine resources and habitats. His extensive research includes over 200 scientific publications, 55 books, and the supervision of 36 doctoral and master’s theses related to marine biodiversity and aquaculture. He is a member of leading organizations such as the IUCN Ecosystem Management Commission, the EARRN network, the Institute of Canarian Studies, and Net-Biome. He also serves as principal investigator on numerous international projects, including EcoAqua, PLASMAR+, OCEAN CITIZENS, and Marine SABRES, collaborating closely with European scientific networks and outermost regions.
RUBÉN MOLOWNY
CEO of CANALINK (Canarias Submarine Link, S.L.U.), a public operator of digital infrastructure for the Tenerife Island Council. Specializing in strategic management, critical infrastructure management, and the development of international connectivity projects, he leads submarine cable deployment initiatives that position the Canary Islands as a strategic hub for communications between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. He has over 20 years of experience in business management, technological transformation, sustainability, and the management of large-scale investment projects.
RUYMAN MEDINA
I am a Naval and Ocean Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). In addition to various training programs in project management and a certification in project management from the George Washington University School of Business, I have completed several executive development programs, such as the PADE (Bravo Murillo) and the PDD (IESE). As CEO of ASTICAN since 2024, I have extensive experience in the ship repair and conversion sector. Throughout my career at ASTICAN, which began in 2009, I have held various positions, starting in operations and production as a ship manager and project manager, progressing to more senior roles such as production manager, assistant to the technical director, and currently as CEO. I am currently driving projects focused on innovation, sustainability, and improving competitiveness.
SANTIAGO DE COLSA
Born in Santiago de Compostela in 1966, he entered the Naval Military Academy in 1987. He is a graduate of the Higher School of the Armed Forces Staff College and a specialist in submarines and communications. Throughout his career, he has served aboard the frigate “Asturias” and the submarines “Tonina,” “Siroco,” and “Tramontana,” where he was second-in-command. He has also commanded the patrol boat “Formentor,” the submarine “Siroco,” the supply ship “Cantabria,” and the training ship “Juan Sebastián de Elcano” (2019-2021). Ashore, he has held prominent positions in the Navy Staff, the Logistics Support Command, the Operations Command, and the Office of the Chief of Naval Staff.
SANTIAGO YANES
He holds a degree in Technical Architecture from the University of La Laguna, a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Catholic University of Ávila. He is also a UNED expert in Photovoltaic Energy.
In 1997, he joined the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where he served as Head of Maintenance for 10 years. He then became Head of the Industrial Facilities Unit and, for the last 5 years, Head of the Innovation and Strategic Projects Division. Since 2022, he has been Deputy Director of the Blue Economy Chair at the University of La Laguna and the Ports of Tenerife, and since December 2024, Vice President of the Net Zero Sea Alliance.