Blue commitment: science and citizenship in action

Throughout November, LPN participated in several initiatives dedicated to the marine environment, citizen science, ocean literacy, and the promotion of peace, reinforcing its commitment to the enhancement of scientific knowledge and the protection of marine ecosystems.

On November 7 and 8, LPN attended the Ocean Literacy Conference with the panel “Ocean Literacy in Action: Citizens, Science, and Biodiversity Protection.” This space allowed us to publicize the European DiverSea project, as well as other initiatives developed by LPN in the field of ocean conservation, promoting dialogue with the public and other agents in education and science. At the end of the first day, we were able to watch the premiere of the documentary “Women of the Sea,” which highlighted the role of women in relation to the ocean to raise awareness about its preservation.

On November 10, LPN was present at CCDR Algarve, in Faro, to celebrate the International Day of Peace and Science for Development, in an initiative promoted by the Algarve Marine Observatory (OMA), Sciences Center of the University of Algarve (CCMAR). The event included lectures dedicated to ocean governance and the sustainable use of the sea, with emphasis on the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and the Ocean Accounts.

On November 13 and 14, at the National Citizen Science Meeting, held at the Temple of Poetry in Oeiras, LPN participated with the poster “DiverSea & Citizen Science: protecting the sea together,” as part of the DiverSea project. This participation allowed us to communicate the project's objectives, present the planned citizen science initiatives, and identify potential opportunities for future collaboration.

On November 27, LPN attended the 4th thematic session “Protecting the Ocean,” part of the process of developing the National Environmental Education Strategy 2030 (ENEA 2030), held in Faro. The initiative, promoted by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), brought together entities and experts in the field of environmental education and sustainability. The round table included representatives from the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE), the Algarve Marine Science Center, the Association for Marine Environment Research (AIMM), and the Lisbon Oceanarium / Oceano Azul Foundation.

As part of Science and Technology Week, between November 24 and 30, and in partnership with the Algarve Science Center (“Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve”), LPN promoted the initiative “DiverSea: Life in the Ocean and Science in Action.” The lecture explored the diversity of marine life and the importance of biodiversity in the oceans, with a special focus on the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, as well as showcasing some of the technologies used to monitor and protect coastal ecosystems. The lecture took place in two schools and moments: on November 24, at the Dr. António da Costa Contreiras Elementary School 2,3 in Armação de Pêra, and on December 15, at the Algoz Elementary School 2,3, involving around 20 students and some teachers (see more here).