The LIFE SeagrassRIAwild project, coordinated by Pedro Coelho, a CESAM researcher, took part in the 2026 edition of ECOAventura with a dedicated programme of educational activities aimed at school-aged children, raising awareness of the ecological value of seagrass meadows and the urgent need for their protection and restoration.
Throughout the event, the project team ran an interactive stand where students explored the hidden world of seagrasses through hands-on activities, scientific demonstrations and educational games. The programme was specifically designed to engage children and young people in an accessible and age-appropriate way, stimulating scientific curiosity and a sense of environmental responsibility. The stand welcomed dozens of school groups, who enthusiastically took part in all the proposed activities.
Participation in ECOAventura 2026 reinforced LIFE SeagrassRIAwild’s commitment to public engagement, environmental literacy and citizen science, recognising that the long-term success of ecological restoration depends on informed and active communities. By engaging with school audiences, the project helped strengthen, from an early age, a sense of shared responsibility for the Ria and its natural heritage.
The strong participation of students and teachers throughout the event confirmed the relevance of bringing marine conservation topics into educational contexts and the importance of creating direct dialogue between scientists and younger generations.