Project duration: 01/01/2025 – 31/05/2025
Status: Completed
Grantee: General High School of Poros

THE CHALLENGE: 

The underwater meadows of Posidonia oceanica are one of the most important marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean, playing a critical role in biodiversity protection, water quality, and carbon storage. Despite being present in the waters around Poros, their ecological value is little known to local communities. Lack of awareness, combined with threats from fish farming, tourism, and unsustainable practices, puts these fragile ecosystems at risk. Engaging younger generations and the wider community is essential for long-term conservation in the Argosaronic Gulf.

THE SOLUTION: 

Supported by AEF, the Poros High School initiative set out to cultivate a new generation of ocean-literate citizens by connecting science education with real-world experience and local identity.

The concept of the project centered on learning through discovery, inviting students not just to study Posidonia but to experience it, understand its importance, and communicate its value to others. By linking classroom knowledge with hands-on exploration and dialogue with experts, the project turned environmental education into active engagement.

Its design rested on three interwoven ideas:

• – Science as inspiration: Using evidence-based learning to reveal the hidden life and value of marine ecosystems.
• – Experience as understanding: Encouraging students to observe, explore, and investigate their local environment to build personal connection and curiosity.
• – Community as amplifier: Empowering youth to become messengers of change within their island, bringing science to life for families, peers, and residents.

Through this approach, the Poros High School project will become a living classroom, where learning will move from desks to coastlines, and students will discover science in action. Over the course of the program, they will explore Posidonia meadows alongside local divers, attend lectures and webinars with university experts, visit research facilities in Patras, and share their findings in a public presentation to the community. In doing so, they will transform curiosity into understanding and participation into lasting care for the sea that surrounds their island.

OUTCOMES & IMPACT : 

With AEF’s support, the project delivered concrete results:

• – 25 senior high school students engaged in hands-on environmental education.
• – Webinar with a scientific advison of the National Centre for the Environment and Climate Change (N.E.C.C.A.)
• – Field research with local divers for direct observations
• – Educational trip and seminar at the University of Patras and interactive presentation from the University Museum.
• – Interactive workshop on the biodiversity web and ecosystems with Rewilding Greece
• – Community event with participation from 200+ attendees (parents, other students and educators, local NGOs, and residents).

OFFICIAL PARTNERS: 

• – N.E.C.C.A (Natural and Climate Change Agency)
• – Rewilding Greece
• – University of Patras
• – Science and Technology Museum (Panepistimioupoli Patron)

OUR PARTNER: 

The General High School of Poros, led by a dynamic faculty, is dedicated to expanding learning beyond the classroom. With a forward-thinking vision, the principal and educators provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, engage with the community, and deepen their understanding of the world, shaping engaged, knowledgeable, and environmentally conscious generations.

READ ALSO: 

MicroplaSTEAM: Empowering Youth for Microplastics Prevention 

Supporting the Centre of Environmental Education and Sustainability of Nea Kios 

3rd Summer University of Sustainable Greek School 

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