As the founder and CEO of an engineering company, Georges Lebeau has over 40 years of experience in the design and implementation of high-security integrated systems in numerous countries. After selling his company four years ago, he settled in Portugal—a country with which he has had a deep and longstanding affection for over 50 years. This connection led him to give opportunities to many young Portuguese engineers who worked for him.
Unable to remain inactive for long, he became one of the founding members of a new Rotary Club in the Peniche region, where he quickly rose to the position of president. He dedicates all his energy to projects focused on environmental protection, particularly the fight against plastic pollution. In 2024, the Rotary Club Atlântico became an ambassador for the End Plastic Soup foundation, and in December 2024, Georges became its director for Portugal.
With great motivation, he is committed to bringing together efforts, raising awareness, promoting education, and supporting concrete projects such as “Portugal Azul” and “Redes Fantasma.” He also strives to establish partnerships with organizations active in the same fields.
His talk to the Silves Rotary Club was motivating and also made many members feel guilty about their unexpected involvement in pollution
His Key Points:
- Plastic pollution is a severe, escalating crisis. By 2050, oceans may contain more plastic than fish.
- Health Impact: Microplastics invade human bodies (e.g., placenta, testicles).
- Solutions: Awareness: Recycle, reduce, refuse.
Action: Join initiatives like Portugal Azul (inspired by Nacho Dean’s global expedition).
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- Education: Schools and communities must engage.
- Industry Accountability: Coca-Cola cited as a top polluter; Pakistan’s ban noted.
Alliance: Over 25 Portuguese Rotary Clubs involved; each club urged to appoint an environmental lead.
- Call to Action: “It is the ACTION that matters.”
Rotary Clube de Silves 