ICM helps to consolidate the European Blue Schools Network

The Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) will contribute to the consolidation of the European Blue Schools Network, which connects and shares resources for the development of educational projects aimed at improving the sustainability of the ocean. Currently, more than 400 schools from Europe and associated countries are part of this network, fostering student engagement in the protection of marine ecosystems. The European Blue School certification also promotes knowledge exchange between educators and scientists.

The ICM-CSIC is actively involved in developing the network through the ProBleu and BlueLightS projects, which will support more than 200 schools. Both projects are part of the European Union's mission "Restore our Oceans and Waters", one of the key areas of the Horizon Europe research programme. This mission sets challenges with goals to be achieved by 2030, such as climate neutrality and the restoration of aquatic ecosystems.

"ProBleu not only helps raise awareness among new generations about the importance of protecting the oceans, but also encourages students' active participation in citizen science," says Jaume Piera (ICM-CSIC), coordinator of ProBleu. "The aim is to educate young people committed to environmental management and health in their communities," he adds.

Meanwhile, Carine Simon (ICM-CSIC), the lead researcher at the centre for BlueLightS, highlights that: 

"BlueLightS aims to provide schools with the necessary tools to work on resilience and sustainability practically, using experimentation and taking advantage of the new LOMLOE educational framework to include these tools in learning situations." She also emphasises that "it promotes the use of the eTwinning platform, allowing schools to collaborate at a European level."

ProBleu and BlueLightS launched funding calls this September. Interested schools will be able to access grants ranging from 2,500 to 7,500 euros, depending on the characteristics of the projects they submit. While ProBleu offers funding for projects related to marine or freshwater ecosystems, focusing on citizen science initiatives, BlueLightS promotes collaborative learning practices between teachers and students through the “European School Education Platform” and eTwinning, ensuring a strong European dimension.

Through its participation, the ICM reinforces its commitment to bringing the ocean into classrooms, promoting greater ocean literacy in education and advancing the coordination of the Blue Schools Network at both the Catalonia and Spain levels.

The Institute will also propose long-term teacher training in collaboration with the Green Schools Network of the Generalitat's Department of Education, focusing on this area. Additionally, training sessions on how to use the citizen science platform MINKA in classrooms will be repeated. In its first edition in July 2024, the initiative brought together over 50 participating teachers.