The BlueWave project, coordinated by Ana Marta Gonçalves, a researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), has carried out several activities related to environmental and ocean preservation over the last three years. The aim is for young generations to become agents of change.
According to the researcher, also linked to the Functional Ecology Center (CFE), «the main objectives were to involve young people in issues related to the ocean, raising awareness of the importance of its preservation and promoting behavioural changes concerning the exploration of marine resources, and train teachers with teaching materials, contributing to quality teaching».
During this project, Ana Marta Gonçalves visited seven schools in mainland Portugal and the islands, taking secondary school students to various activities that allowed them to acquire knowledge about the ocean, develop marine literacy skills and actively participate in protecting the environment.
«Besides the classroom sessions, we developed several interactive activities with the different teaching materials created within this project's scope. There was also a place for beach cleanings that led to exhibitions for the school and local communities. The three years of the project culminated in the idealization and presentation of blue entrepreneurship projects to be applied in the area where each group of students resides», she reveals.
The BlueWave project encouraged young people to act consciously about the ocean and to develop innovative solutions to its challenges. Thus, it contributed to raising awareness among the school community and promoting greater awareness of the importance of protecting marine environments.
«It was a very enriching experience for everyone involved. The students could learn practically and appliedly, showing a lot of interest and commitment to environmental and ocean issues. Teachers also got involved actively and dynamically, acquiring new skills and knowledge to pass on to students», guarantees the CFE researcher.
According to the researcher, online training for teachers was essential for their training and transmission of teaching tools, guaranteeing the quality of teaching. This project showed that «it is possible to involve young people in important issues such as marine litter, marine biodiversity and climate change, and that they are willing to participate and contribute to a more sustainable future», she considers.
«It is hoped that BlueWave has left a seed of environmental awareness and responsibility in these young generations and that they can carry these values into adulthood, becoming active citizens and committed to preserving the planet», she concludes.