The Sea Needs You: Protecting Marine Biodiversity Through Awareness and Action

The Sea Needs You (Project No. 2024-3-TR01-KA153-YOU-000283365) was an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project hosted by IF Association and organized by Taşköprü Yerel Eylem Grubu Derneği in Kastamonu, Türkiye, from 10–17 May 2025. The mobility brought together youth workers from Italy, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Spain, and Türkiye to strengthen environmental awareness, promote marine conservation, and exchange innovative non-formal education practices. By combining scientific knowledge, creative learning methods, and intercultural cooperation, the project empowered participants to become active advocates for protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

One of the project's main objectives was to increase participants' understanding of endangered marine species and the importance of biodiversity conservation. Through expert-led symposiums, scientific presentations, and interactive discussions, participants explored the threats facing marine plants, animals, and other marine organisms. They engaged directly with specialists, asked questions, and reflected on scientific evidence, strengthening their active listening, analytical thinking, communication, and critical reasoning skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of the urgent need to protect vulnerable marine life.

Participants transformed their newly acquired knowledge into creative awareness materials by researching endangered species and designing informative visual campaigns. Using research, analysis, and visual communication techniques, they developed educational brochures highlighting the causes of species decline and the actions needed to support conservation efforts. This process enhanced their creativity, research competence, problem-solving abilities, and environmental communication skills while demonstrating how visual learning can make complex environmental issues more accessible to wider audiences.

The project also encouraged participants to transfer their learning beyond the training environment by engaging directly with the local community in Kastamonu. Through public awareness activities, educational materials, and conversations with residents, participants shared information about endangered marine and freshwater species, sustainable environmental practices, and Erasmus+ opportunities. These outreach activities strengthened their leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and community engagement skills while demonstrating the value of active citizenship and environmental responsibility in creating long-term social impact.

Intercultural learning complemented the environmental dimension of the mobility through a cultural exchange dedicated to Ireland. Participants explored Irish history, traditions, music, gastronomy, landmarks, and cultural heritage while sharing experiences across cultures. Together with reflective evaluation activities that encouraged participants to express personal growth and learning outcomes, these experiences strengthened intercultural communication, self-awareness, empathy, and social competence. Overall, The Sea Needs You provided youth workers with practical educational tools, stronger environmental awareness, and lasting international partnerships that will support future initiatives promoting sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive youth work.