Ocean protection and sport: successful awareness days in Orio!
The third OSES (Ocean Sustainability through Education and Sport) awareness event took place on October 3-4 in Orio (Spain). Organized by Begi Bistan, an agency specializing in outdoor activities respectful of the environment and partner of the project, this event brought together young people, educators, and local stakeholders to promote ocean preservation through education and sport. Since its launch in January 2023, the OSES project has focused on raising environmental awareness from a young age, using sports as a powerful tool to address climate change and advocate for eco-responsible actions.
A Day of Engagement and Learning
On the first day, local schoolchildren participated in hands-on environmental monitoring sessions and a coastal cleanup giving them the opportunity to directly engage with their environment and learn about the importance of ocean conservation.
Alongside Begi Bistan, Sport and Citizenship, EMSEA and Surfrider España, partners of the OSES project, took part in the event.
These activities demonstrated how sports can inspire young people to take action and become advocates for the protection of our seas and coastlines.
Day Two: Connecting Sport with Ocean Protection
On the second day, a group of adults was welcomed. The day was filled with interactive activities and educational sessions that connected sport with ocean protection. Participants explored how physical activity can foster eco-responsibility and combat climate change, and discussed ways for local sports organizations to integrate these lessons into their daily practices.
Adults had the opportunity to engage in a supervised kayak session with the local club Begi Bistan. This hands-on experience allowed them to test the methodologies developed during the project under the guidance of the Surfrider España. Activities on the water included utilizing various tools to assess water quality, such as:
– the Forel Ule scale for classifying water color,
– Secchi disks for measuring water clarity,
– and a hydrophone to evaluate noise pollution affecting marine life.
Participants also used a waste collection kit to gather marine litter, including microplastics, and documented their findings with biodiversity charts. This engaging day highlighted the vital connection between sport and ocean conservation, empowering participants to become advocates for sustainability in their communities.
The workshop also included sessions on the impact of climate change, biodiversity loss, and water pollution, providing a deeper understanding of the threats facing our oceans. Additionally, the event showcased the OSES Good Practices handbook, a key resource developed to help water-sport federations and local organizations integrate environmental education into their activities.
What’s Next?
The toolkit for ocean conservation with information on the tools used during these awareness-raising days will be available at the end of the year on the OSES website. This resource provides valuable support for sport organizations interested in contributing to ocean protection through sport.
Stay tuned for more updates on the OSES project and join us in our mission to protect the oceans for future generations!