Project name: Capturing Reality: Ecology of the Sea & Territory (CREST)
About the project
“Capturing Reality: Ecology of the Sea & Territory (CREST)” is a Blue Schools project that empowers students aged 15–17 to become ocean-literate citizens and creative media producers. Focused on protecting the Black Sea, the project combines environmental education with media literacy and storytelling.
Students collaborate with local organisations, experts, and institutions to explore real-world ecological challenges. Through this process, they create short films that raise awareness and promote sustainable behaviours, contributing to broader community engagement and the goals of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters.
Work performed and main achievements
Students take part in field visits and expert-led sessions with local authorities, environmental organisations, and maritime institutions, gaining first-hand insight into coastal ecosystems and environmental governance.
Through media literacy and digital storytelling workshops, they develop skills to analyse information, counter misinformation, and communicate effectively. Students research local environmental issues, create storyboards, and produce short films highlighting the importance of protecting the Black Sea.
These films are shared at school screenings, community events, and online platforms, encouraging public dialogue and strengthening civic engagement.
Results produced by the project
The project will produce 12 short films (3–5 minutes each) focused on marine protection and sustainable coastal development.
Students will also create storyboards, visual materials, and research-based content reflecting local environmental challenges. Workshops and field visits will enhance their knowledge of ocean literacy, media production, and civic engagement.
The project will engage students, school staff, local authorities, NGOs, and the wider community through screenings and online dissemination. It also supports the school’s application to become a European Blue School, strengthening its long-term impact.
Engagement and impact
Students play a central role as researchers, storytellers, and communicators, turning learning into real-world action. Teachers, local authorities, NGOs, and experts contribute guidance and expertise throughout the project.
This collaboration strengthens connections between education, institutions, and civil society, fostering shared responsibility for protecting the Black Sea. The project encourages awareness, creativity, and active citizenship, with an impact that extends beyond the school into the wider community.
Through CREST, we hope to awaken in our students not only an understanding of the sea but a sense of belonging to it. By combining science, creativity, and civic action, we aim to inspire young people to become guardians of the Black Sea – voices of awareness, imagination, and responsibility for the world we all share.” – Dr.Iva Paneva, Head of the CREST project
