It was initially set up as the Marine Biology and Conservation Laboratory (LAMARC) in 2016 at the Federal University of Alagoas. After eight years of activity, growth and maturity, we decided to reorganize LAMARC's lines of research and objectives, which evolved into ECOA LAB. This change reflects not only an expansion of our activities beyond marine ecosystems, but also the recognition of the need to guide our activities within the current context of a rapidly changing world, in which a socio-environmental crisis is unfolding. As a result, we have started to actively prioritize research projects that are in line with this reality and to seek greater proximity to society, including decision-makers and the third sector. This approach aims to make our science more effective in formulating public policies and implementing concrete actions to deal with the socio-environmental challenges we currently face.