Description
This project aims to develop a comic book based on the seven principles considered key to the knowledge of the Oceans and defined by the United States of America scientific community. In this context there will be a contest with the selected school groups to choose the argument that will support the comic. This project will be attended by Portuguese artists and a Norwegian artist, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations. Thus, the project aims to raise awareness on the importance of this resource at various levels, encouraging its preservation through an artistic and creative concept. The target audience of this initiative will be inclusive, from the younger ones, especially school community, to which it is directed, to the general population. So, as a result of the project it is expected the publication of a book in Portuguese, English, and if possible in Norwegian, available in print and digital version.
Summary of project results
The young public is often an information vector, bridging the general public by transmitting information and knowledge. In addition, starting the process of education and raising awareness in children of younger ages, when their attitudes towards the surrounding world are forming, is essential, as it will help young people to have a new perspective from which they can begin to grow by integrating these values into their personality and transporting them into adult life. In this way, and given its role, the young public can be the main driver of more sustainable practices. The contest "Discovering the Oceans" had the objective of creating a cartoon book to raise awareness among children and adults about the importance and indispensability of the oceans for the quality of life of societies. Primary and secondary school students were thus challenged to develop and present arguments subordinate to the seven principles of ocean literacy that contribute to the promotion of awareness, education, training and knowledge on integrated management of the marine environment. A jury was responsible for the selection of the four best arguments, which were later worked and transformed into a comic book text, and subsequently illustrated by national and international artists. The book called "Discovering the oceans" is a creative, playful, educational and informative resource on the oceans and the indispensability of the services they offer us. The comic strip is composed of 4 stories, each with its unique theme and aesthetics. The book was published in print and digital, in Portuguese and English. It was also held a session of presentation of the comic book in the munia of Maia and a session of dissemination of the book in the municipality of faro, in the final phase of completion of the project. These events served to present the book and also to divulge the results and progress of the contest until then achieved, including a balance of contest participants. The project had a marked presence in social networks, including Facebook (
http://facebook.com / Descubraosoceanos) and Twitter (
http://twitter.com/descobriroceano). The information was made available in Portuguese and English, and focused on the dissemination of the project and topics relevant to it. In addition, on the Green Format website, the electronic version of the book (
http://formatoverde.pt/descobrirosoceanos/) was released.
Summary of bilateral results