O Oceano dá bom clima

Summary of the project

Contrary to common sense, the three ecosystems with the greatest capacity for retaining carbon on Earth are located in the Oceans, including marine prairies (MP), which are considered key ecosystems in the fight against climate change, but have been suffering a severe decline in recent years. The goal of this project is to create awareness and give an active role to coastal communities around the importance of the Ocean in the fight against climate change, specifically through the promotion of advocacy action for the protection of the MPs. We present a proposal for a sustainable development education programme that promotes a multiplier effect at three levels: (1) leaders of the school (teachers) and fishing communities (female fishers of reference) become aware and trained (2) encourage students and fishermen to develop actions to protect the local MPs, (3) involving local stakeholders and averaging a common consciousness in society that local choices have global effects. It is intended that the project, after being monitored and evaluated, shall be promoted in European NGO and University networks through a position paper. OA has demonstrated results in involving society for the recovery of the MPs located in the Sado estuary, which are responsible for retaining 257,300 t to 456,500 t C / ha / year. We believe that with the support of NO Planet B it will be possible to raise awareness and involve other coastal communities in the preservation of European marine prairies.

Beneficiaries

• 200 Students
• 30 Teachers
• 10 Leader women of fishing community
• 1.000 people for the fishing community
• 100 Local companies

Overall achievements

The project opened the recognition of the role of seagrass meadows in combating climate change. Recognition has been achieved in various sections of society, from the local level to the national political agenda. For the scope of the theme the recognition of the seagrass meadows achieved by the project spills over into European politics. As stated in the position paper, the involvement of the local community was the key to achieving this result.
The training and raising awareness on the educational community was done, creating resources and experiences that empowered young people to investigate and act to protect the seagrass. Directly were reached 1.483 people: teachers, students, fishing community, stakeholders, scientist, etc.