Raising Awareness for Our Oceans: “The Sea Needs You” Project

From May 10 to May 17, 2025, the “The Sea Needs You” project brought together 40 youth workers from different countries to raise awareness about the protection and sustainability of the marine ecosystem. The project, part of Erasmus+ (2024-3-TR01-KA153-YOU-000283365), focused on environmental education, sustainable fishing, and cultural exchange.

The project aimed to help youth workers:

• Understand marine pollution and its consequences,

• Learn about marine biodiversity and the protection of endangered species,

• Promote sustainable fishing practices,

• Encourage participation in Erasmus+ projects,

• Develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and creativity skills,

• Raise social and environmental awareness in their communities.

Participants engaged in a variety of interactive and educational activities:

• Ice-breaking and Orientation Games: Activities like “Stop the Music!” and “Find Me!” helped participants get to know each other while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• Erasmus+ and Youthpass Activities: “See the World from a Different Perspective!” and “I Have the Key!” provided information about Erasmus+ projects and skills recognition.

• Marine Ecosystem and Endangered Species: Activities such as “Inhabitants of Our Seas,” “Wanted!” and “Prey or Life?” taught participants about marine biodiversity and endangered species.

• Marine Pollution Awareness: “Does It Belong to You?” and “A Drop of Water Becomes a Desert!” highlighted the negative impacts of pollution on marine life.

• Local Visits and Workshops: Visits to Kastamonu Inebolu Fishing Shelters and workshops on harmful sea creatures gave participants practical insights into sustainable fishing and scientific research.

• Cultural Activities: Participants from Italy, Azerbaijan, Spain, Ireland, and Turkey shared their cultures, strengthening intercultural understanding and cooperation.

The project had multiple long-term benefits for participants and their communities:

• Increased cultural awareness and empathy.

• Improved leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

• Raised environmental awareness, encouraging participants to take action in their own countries.

• Supported social integration and confidence for disadvantaged participants.

• Created brochures and awareness campaigns reaching local communities.

• Established international networks for future collaboration in environmental and social responsibility projects.

  
  

As the Spanish partner, Asociacion IF Green World actively contributed to raising environmental awareness among youth workers. The project inspired future participation in sustainable ocean protection initiatives and strengthened international cooperation.

Protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility. Through projects like this, youth workers gain the knowledge, skills, and motivation to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness in their communities.