🌊 A-AAGORA Project Inspires Students to Combat Marine Litter 🌊

On October 30th, a group of 65 sixth-graders from the Rio Novo do Príncipe School Group set off for an unforgettable adventure at ECOMARE, the University of Aveiro’s renowned centre for marine ecosystem research and conservation. This visit was a vital part of the A-AAGORA project, under the Portuguese demonstrator (DEMO-PT), designed to boost ocean literacy and inspire solutions to the ever-growing problem of marine litter 🌍.

As the students stepped into ECOMARE, they were greeted by the salty breeze and a sense of purpose. The highlight of the day? A hands-on art workshop led by the talented artist Bruno Costa 🎨. Known for turning discarded beach waste into captivating art pieces, Bruno showed the students how to transform everyday marine debris into creative expressions. Under his guidance, young hands eagerly sorted, arranged, and assembled pieces of plastic and other waste, crafting vibrant works of art while learning about the crucial role of recycling and reducing plastic usage ♻️. Laughter and concentration filled the room as these young minds grasped the connection between their art and the importance of sustainable practices.

But the experience didn’t stop there. The students then embarked on an exploratory tour of ECOMARE’s research facilities 🏛️. Wide-eyed, they listened to passionate researchers sharing stories about the centre’s work with various marine species and the often-heroic tales of rescued animals, now on their way to recovery. Every story told and every rescued animal met underscored the profound impact that even small actions can have on protecting our seas 💙.

This visit was more than just a day trip—it was a lesson wrapped in wonder, creativity, and purpose. The students left with not only unique pieces of art but also a newfound commitment to making a positive change for our oceans 🌊✨.