The Marine Strategies educational route comes to an end: an inspirational journey bringing the ocean to classrooms

After six weeks on the road and over 8,000 kilometres covered, the SUBMON team has completed a journey that will undoubtedly remain in the memories of all of us lucky enough to have been part of it. This educational route, which aims to introduce the Marine Strategies to the younger generations as part of the communication and awareness project we are developing for the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, has been much more than just an awareness-raising action: it has been a journey of discovery, inspiration and commitment to the marine environment.

SUBMON technician showing a whale rib.

The culmination of this journey marks the end of an initiative that has brought the importance of the marine environment and Marine Strategies to more than 3,200 primary and secondary school students across the country. From the north to the south of the peninsula, across 30 provinces, the SUBMON team has brought a piece of the ocean into the classroom, sparking the curiosity of many children, including those who may never have set foot on the beach before.During the workshops, we discussed oceanic culture, marine biodiversity, and the urgent need for its conservation. To make the session more appealing and engaging, and as experience has shown us that people remember best what they can see and touch, we decided to bring biological material such as ribs and baleen plates of a whale, Neptune grass balls or sea sponges. This allowed both students and teachers to explore up close some of the fascinating wonders hidden in our seas and oceans.

Regardless of the school’s location, whether near the coast or inland, every stop on our route welcomed us and our ocean stories with open arms. We were pleasantly surprised by the immense interest and, most importantly, the genuine and innocent desire to protect the sea that surrounds us. In each school and classroom, their enthusiasm was infectious, demonstrating that the younger generation is more aware and dedicated than ever to these crucial issues.

Educational workshop at CEIP Federico Muelas, Cuenca.

Classrooms were filled with laughter throughout the visits as we unravelled mysteries and uncertainties about the marine world, revealing some of its fascinating secrets. From realising that Posidonia balls are not kiwis to singing together the melody of the most famous sponge of the seas, each session was filled with fun, relaxed moments and, most importantly, valuable learning and discoveries. In fact, we are sure that all the students who participated in our workshops will always remember that turtles do not breathe underwater, that the largest whale is the blue whale, and that these majestic creatures do not have teeth but baleen plates.But beyond learning, this route has reminded us of the power we all have to play our part and make a difference. Regardless of age, we can all contribute to protecting the marine environment. Whether it’s through adopting more sustainable habits, cutting down on plastic consumption, or taking proactive steps to care for our coastlines, we can all contribute to achieving the Good Environmental Status (GES) of our oceans and seas. 

Educational workshop at CRA El Pinar, Valencia.

As we come to the end of this exciting journey, we can only hope that its impact will extend beyond the six-week journey. Firstly, we wanted to leave a piece of this initiative at each stop, handing out a reusable Marine Strategies tote bag to each student, which they could personalise with their own messages and drawings. Additionally, we provided educational materials to both students and teachers, ensuring that the topic continues to be explored in the classroom after our visit.

Children drawing on tote bags.

In conclusion, the Marine Strategies educational campaign has been a journey of transformation, connection, and inspiration. We are delighted and grateful to have been part of this adventure, and we want to thank all the schools for their participation and enthusiasm. We hope to continue participating in such enriching activities in the future.