Joined hands for a meaningful change – SeaGUARD
Objectives of the project
Joined Hands for a Meaningful Change – SeaGUARD aimed to raise awareness about marine protection, water quality, marine biodiversity, and the importance of keeping coastal waters clean.
The project encouraged students to take an active role in protecting the marine environment through beach clean-ups, waste analysis, water quality assessment, species identification, creative activities, and awareness-raising actions for the local community.
It also aimed to strengthen the school’s connection with the Network of European Blue Schools and support future activities focused on marine protection.
Activities
Students carried out beach clean-ups at eight locations on Lošinj and two locations on Cres. They analysed the composition and quantity of collected waste and reported the results online.
They also assessed water quality by collecting data on different water parameters and sharing the results through online platforms, the school website, and meetings with local tourism stakeholders.
During the clean-ups, students collected remains of marine organisms, which were used to create an online Catalogue of Marine Species. This catalogue then supported interactive workshops on marine biodiversity and simple identification techniques.
Students also created reusable beach ashtrays from driftwood found during the clean-ups, with the aim of reducing beach waste. These were presented to tourism stakeholders for use on local beaches.
Lower-grade students developed a school play for the local community about the importance of keeping waters clean, presented as part of World Water Day activities.
Expected Outputs
The project produced several educational and awareness-raising outputs, including videos and photos of beach clean-ups, a poster presentation on water quality assessment, online waste analysis reports, and water quality data shared through monitoring platforms.
A key educational output was the Marine Species Catalogue, developed by students and made available online for public and school use.
The project also produced interactive marine biodiversity workshops, reusable beach ashtrays, social media content, school website materials, and a school play focused on water protection.
Impact
The project directly involved students from OŠ Maria Martinolića in beach clean-ups, water quality testing, biodiversity workshops, artwork activities, and the school play. It also involved students from OŠ Frane Petrića on Cres through clean-up activities and marine organism identification workshops.
The wider local community was reached through the World Water Day school play, attended by families and covered by local radio. Tourism stakeholders were also involved through presentations of the water quality results and reusable beach ashtrays.
The project strengthened students’ understanding of marine biodiversity, water quality, human impact on marine ecosystems, and practical ways to reduce waste on beaches.
It also supported the school in becoming a certified European Blue School and created resources that can continue to be used in Biology, Chemistry, Art, and extracurricular activities.
