I am an archaeologist specializing in Egyptology and North Africa, with over 25 years of experience in international archaeological, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism projects. My work has taken me to African countries such as Egypt, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria, as well as Europe, where I have collaborated with Portuguese, Spanish, and German partners. I currently live in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where I continue looking forward to advancing initiatives in heritage and sustainability. Driven by a belief in the power of heritage to connect us and foster sustainable development, I founded Teiduma in 2008. This consultancy is dedicated to transforming cultural heritage into a tool for sustainable tourism, local development, and community connection. Through Teiduma, I have contributed to projects at UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beyond, integrating heritage preservation with global challenges like climate change and tourism sustainability. I am a member of ICOMOS and serve as the General Secretary of the Bureau of the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC) (2023–2026). Additionally, I co-chair the European Association of Archaeologists Community on Archaeology and Tourism and actively contribute to the Climate Heritage Network, working to address climate change through culture and heritage. In 2022, I launched NO ALgarbage: Zero Waste in Tourism, a project aimed at reducing food waste in the tourism industry. Initially implemented in Portugal, the project is now working to expand internationally. Education and training are central to my work. I coordinate the Coursera MOOC on African Archaeology and Heritage, host the ONLAAH podcast and manage its platform, and collaborate with the German Archaeological Institute on the edo|cation project in Nigeria. These initiatives focus on building capacity in heritage management and connecting professionals worldwide. At the heart of my work is a commitment to making heritage a tool for connection and sustainability. No matter our culture, religion, gender, or age, we share a collective and interconnected journey—and heritage has the power to bring us closer together.
