ProBleu was represented at the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Conservation Education Conference that took place in Chester, UK, on 17th-21st March. This event gathers Conservation Educators from across Europe who are dedicated to beating the climate and biodiversity crises. As a conduit between academia and the public, these organisations are uniquely placed to bring the increasing emphasis on Ocean Literacy to the public sphere.
On Monday, Jessica Briggs, from ProBleu consortium member the Ocean Conservation Trust, co-delivered the EAZA Academy Workshop “Ocean Literacy in your Zoo or Aquarium” with Noirin Burke, Director of Education at Galway Atlantiquaria. With more than 30 conservation educators from over 10 European countries in attendance, the dialogues and conversations about connecting people to the ocean and waters around Europe were rich and varied.
Ocean literacy principles and dimensions were discussed, along with the importance of Ocean Literacy, the role of zoos and aquaria and the contemporary application of Ocean Literacy concepts to practice. Participants looked at how they could shape their own inclusive and accessible stories and ocean literacy initiatives for marine, freshwater and terrestrial-focused species, exhibits and programmes. As part of this, the opportunities provided by ProBleu were shared; zoos and aquaria could collaborate with schools seeking ProBleu funding, use and share Ocean Literacy resources on the new resource catalogue, and contribute their resources.
ProBleu aims to advance its Open Schooling methodology through collaboration with external organisations. Participants left the workshop better equipped to increase the Ocean Literacy of the young people they work with and to support school-based educators in integrating Ocean Literacy into their curricula.
Funded by the European Union