06 Mar CIM and Campus do Mar bring marine science to more than 600 schoolchildren in inland areas of the province of Pontevedra

The Marine Research Center (CIM) of UVigo and Campus do Mar successfully concluded a new edition of their ocean literacy program, which brought marine science to 616 schoolchildren from 13 schools in the inland areas of the province of Pontevedra.

This edition focused on bringing knowledge about the ocean to municipalities where the sea is not part of the students’ everyday environment. The goal was to reduce the territorial gap in access to scientific culture and ensure that children in inland areas understand that the ocean is essential for regulating the climate, producing much of the oxygen we breathe, and supporting food systems and the global economy.

Experiments and interactive activities

Through practical workshops, experiments adapted for primary education, and participatory activities, concepts were conveyed about marine biodiversity, the impact of climate change, pollution, and the sustainability of marine resources. In this way, 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 humans, the need for its exploration and conservation, as well as society’s responsibility in its care.

The sessions combined five hands-on activities to promote experiential learning, along with scientific experiments to illustrate key concepts such as marine biodiversity, ocean currents, salinity, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Beyond outreach, the program reinforces the commitment of CIM, a member of the CIGUS Network, and Campus do Mar to the connection between research and society, consolidating a strategic approach focused on equal access to scientific knowledge and on building a more informed and engaged citizenry committed to caring for the ocean.

Activity framed within the Decade of the Oceans

This initiative, carried out with the support of the Xunta de Galicia, is part of the Decade of the Oceans for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), promoted by the UN to halt the deterioration of marine ecosystems and foster new opportunities for sustainable development.

It is also aligned with the Ocean Literacy for All program of UNESCO, which aims to raise global awareness about the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the oceans, as well as with the EU4Ocean platform of the European Commission, focused on promoting Ocean Literacy.