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Description
Experimental and field-based learning provides a variety of experiences that cannot be acquired in the typical classroom setting, especially in the field of natural sciences. The EDUCOAST project aims to promote nature-based education in the area of coastal and marine geosciences and will take advantage of the facilities of IPMA''s Station in Tavira, Algarve. This station is located in the Ria Formosa, a unique coastal setting including dunes, saltmarshes, a lagoon, sand barriers and beaches, and has a newly well-equipped research lab “Tavira EMSO-PT Centre” (funded by the Portuguese Roadmap of research infrastructures) for sediment study (in the sedimentology area). This project will provide researchers, educators and students with an inspiring space to learn about coastal and marine processes. EDUCOAST includes a set of activities concerning the preservation and protection of the environment particularly focusing on the importance and sustainability of the coastal systems using the Ria Formosa as an example. It includes training sessions targetting a wide range of participants, 1) elementary and secondary school students, 2) undergraduate students, 3) postgraduate students, 4) local charity organisations, 5) maritime-touristic companies, 6) secondary school teachers, and 7) graduate level summer school students.
The project will also be an opportunity to foster competitiveness between the Portuguese Blue Growth companies and to enhance the performance of Portuguese research organizations. Alongside the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, I.P. (promoter), the project partners are the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon - which will be dedicated to the development of the curricula and higher education teaching expertise, the Tavira Ciência Viva Centre - contributing with its experience in outreach communication and the Portuguese Environment Agency, I.P. - providing the needed consultancy regarding coastal resilience and protection.