EDUCOAST: “Coastal Zones: A Changing World” course

The “Coastal Zones: A Changing World” Training Course for Teachers (elementary and high school) took place between the 12th and 16th of April 2023. The course, which is in its 2nd edition, is accredited by the Scientific and Pedagogical Council for Continuous Training and was held at Tavira’s Station of the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.). The course was attended by 15 trainees from various schools in the Algarve and Greater Lisbon and was given by trainers from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, the Research Vessels and Ocean Observatories Group and the Marine Geology Division of IPMA, I.P..

The training had a strong practical component, aligned with the strategy and objectives of the EDUCOAST project, promoted by IPMA, I.P.. The fieldwork took place in the saltmarsh and ocean beach environments, adjacent to the Station, and included observation and measurement of morphological, sedimentary, hydrodynamic parameters and water properties. The data collected and measured in the field were analysed and processed in the Station’s laboratories.

The training focused on the theme “Coastal Zones: A Changing World”, addressing the evolution of the recent past of the Portuguese coast and the perspectives on the future coast, given the predictable impacts of climate change and adaptation measures.

Through the EDUCOAST project IPMA, I.P. has been establishing contact with the public, with a varied offer of information and training in the area of coastal and marine geosciences, using its station in Tavira as a gateway to the natural laboratory that is the Ria Formosa. The project promotes a hands-on approach to experimental learning in a unique natural environment and with access to laboratories of excellence. The result has been groups of engaged and more informed trainees about the dynamic environment of our planet.

The EDUCOAST project is funded by the EEA Grants Blue Growth Program under Call #5 – Education.