• May 9, 2025

This May, PHAROS Partners CSIC and PLOCAN delivered an informative webinar on the Blue Schools programme (in collaboration with ProBleu project) to 28 teachers and educators in Gran Canaria. As well as explaining the accreditation and funding processes in the Blue Schools programme, they shared inspirational stories from some of the 732 current Blue Schools who have mobilised their students to explore marine issues!

PHAROS innovations in marine habitat, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity research were also shown to inspire Blue Schools projects with linkages to our real-life marine demonstrations in Gran Canaria.

Interested teachers and educators can watch the recording, and schools in Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and the rest of Europe ready to apply can explore current funding opportunities:

• https://probleu.school/probleu-funding-calls/  (Up to €7,500, application closes 23 May for projects starting in September)

• https://shoreproject.eu/open-calls/  (Up to €10,000, application closes 30 June)

• https://blue-lights.eu/grants-for-schools/ (up to €2,500, closes 15 May)

Bringing the Ocean into the Classroom: Gran Canaria’s Journey Towards Blue Schools

Gran Canaria Embraces European Blue Schools Initiative for Ocean Literacy

Gran Canaria, an island encircled by the Atlantic Ocean, is making significant strides in environmental education. Recently, educators from across the island gathered to learn about the European Blue Schools initiative and how local educational institutions can join this growing movement focused on ocean literacy and sustainability.

The European Blue Schools Concept

European Blue Schools are educational institutions committed to incorporating ocean awareness into their curriculum. The initiative challenges schools to “Find the Blue” by developing projects that explore connections to the ocean whilst creating networks across Europe. This approach empowers students to look into important concepts such as ‘Ocean Health’, ‘Food from the Ocean’, and ‘Climate and Ocean’ through meaningful, project-based learning.

During the informational session, Olalla Morán, Education and Youth Councillor of Gran Canaria, emphasised: “We cannot forget that we live in an archipelago, that we are in islands, and that caring for the environment, our coasts, and our oceans is a fundamental part of our culture. I believe there’s no better place than Gran Canaria to embrace these Blue Schools.”

The PHAROS Project Framework

The informational session was organised within the framework of the PHAROS project, a €9.5 million initiative funded by the European Commission and coordinated by PLOCAN (the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform). This project unites 24 pan-European organisations to develop and test nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration in the Atlantic and Arctic regions.

Running for five years from September 2024 until August 2029, PHAROS supports the objectives of the European Union’s Ocean Mission. The project particularly emphasises educational initiatives that promote ocean literacy and sustainability awareness amongst young people.

Becoming a European Blue School

Educational institutions seeking Blue School certification must develop a project meeting five mandatory criteria:

1. Develop a project with interlinked activities
2. Produce a clear output
3. Involve all students
4. Collaborate with a local partner
5. Communicate project results

Additionally, five optional criteria can strengthen applications, including providing authentic learning experiences, working in a multi-disciplinary manner, mobilising beyond the classroom, fostering land-sea interaction, and incorporating a European dimension.

Applications for certification are accepted twice yearly: from September to December and from January to May. The application form must be completed in English, and projects must be either ongoing or already completed when applying.

Funding for Educational Ocean Projects

One of the most compelling aspects of the Blue Schools initiative is the availability of funding to support educational projects. Three sister projects under the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” – BlueLightS, SHORE, and ProBleu – offer financial support for schools interested in joining the Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS).

For example, the BlueLightS funding call offers grants of up to €3,000 for Blue Challenge projects scheduled to run between February and July 2025.

Ocean Education in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, with their rich marine biodiversity and strong maritime traditions, provide an ideal setting for Blue Schools. PLOCAN is already spearheading educational initiatives in Gran Canaria through the EDUSEN and EDUBLUE projects, which will engage more than 500 students and nearly 40 teachers from 25 secondary schools during this academic year.

These projects aim to raise environmental awareness about ocean conservation whilst connecting young islanders with their surrounding marine environment. Students participate in hands-on activities including assembling oceanic sensors, conducting fieldwork to collect seawater samples, and attending specialised lectures.

Demonstrated Success and Future Potential

The potential impact of widespread Blue School adoption is exemplified by the Island of Elba, which recently became the first territorial unit in Europe where all educational institutions are certified as “Blue Schools.” This initiative, backed by the European Commission and promoted by UNESCO-IOC, has successfully engaged schools, teachers, and students in Ocean Literacy programmes.

A unique relationship with the marine environment

As an archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands have a unique relationship with the marine environment. The Blue Schools initiative offers local educational institutions an opportunity to strengthen this connection whilst preparing students to address future environmental challenges.

With support from European funding programmes and local organisations like PLOCAN, Gran Canaria’s schools are well-positioned to become leaders in ocean literacy and environmental education, nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.