In a new edition of their ocean literacy programme, ensuring that all students have the same opportunities to understand the importance of the ocean
The Marine Research Centre (CIM) at the University of Vigo and Campus do Mar have successfully completed a new edition of their ocean literacy programme, bringing marine science to 616 pupils from 13 schools located in inland municipalities of the province of Pontevedra.
This edition focused on bringing knowledge about the ocean to municipalities where the sea is not part of students’ everyday surroundings. The aim was to reduce the territorial gap in access to scientific culture and ensure that children from inland areas understand that the ocean is essential for regulating the climate, producing a large share of the oxygen we breathe, and sustaining food systems and the global economy.
Experiments and interactive activities
Through practical workshops, experiments adapted to primary education and participatory activities, students were introduced to concepts related to marine biodiversity, the impact of climate change, pollution and the sustainability of marine resources.
In this way, the children had the opportunity to learn about the seven principles of ocean literacy, understanding the essential role of the ocean in life and climate, its influence on ecosystems and human beings, the need for its exploration and conservation, and society’s responsibility in protecting it.
The sessions combined five hands-on activities designed to promote experiential learning, together with scientific experiments illustrating key concepts such as marine biodiversity, ocean currents, salinity and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Beyond outreach, the programme reinforces the commitment of CIM — a member of the CIGUS Network — and Campus do Mar to strengthening the connection between research and society, consolidating a strategic line focused on equal access to scientific knowledge and on building a more informed and engaged society committed to ocean stewardship.
An initiative within the Ocean Decade
This initiative, supported by the Xunta de Galicia, is part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), which aims to halt the deterioration of marine ecosystems and promote new opportunities for sustainable development. It is also aligned with UNESCO’s Ocean Literacy for All programme, which seeks to increase global awareness of ocean conservation, restoration and sustainable use, as well as with the European Commission’s EU4Ocean platform, focused on promoting Ocean Literacy.
The CIM holds the CIGUS recognition from the Xunta de Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research, and its activity is co-funded by the European Union through the ERDF Programme 2021–2027.
Source:: DUVI
