The Role of Citizen Science in Promoting Ocean and Water Literacy in School Communities: The ProBleu Methodology

Abstract

Human activities continue to degrade oceanic, coastal and inland waters. The generational change in the role of society in actively looking after the health of water resources can be achieved through the expansion of ocean and water literacy in schools. The Network of European Blue Schools established under the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy has improved ocean and water literacy; however, this Network needs to grow and be supported. Here, we present ProBleu, a recently funded EU project that will expand and support the Network, partly through the use of citizen science. The core of the proposed methodology is facilitating school activities related to ocean and water literacy through funding calls to sustain and enrich current school activities, and kick-start and support new activities. The outcomes of the project are anticipated to have widespread and long-term impacts across society, and oceanic, coastal and inland water environments.

A Comprehensive Approach to Water Literacy in the Context of Climate Change

“…In light of the need for better hydrosocial cycle understanding, a Network of European Blue Schools was established under the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy to improve ocean and water literacy as an integral part of education and promote the understanding of the close connection between humans and environments among children and youth. As of May 2022, 150 schools and teachers in some European countries committed to bringing the ocean into classrooms, improve ocean and water literacy across school communities, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); in particular, to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, and to prevent and eliminate pollution [55]. This initiative does not appear to be in place in other parts of the world including Australia where neither a blue curriculum or indeed Green or Eco-schools are now in evidence.…”