On July 24, 2025, the Workshop on Blue Bioeconomy for young people brought together youth from the Associação de Solidariedade da Zona das Fontaínhas in Porto. The event focused on inspiring and empowering young people to explore innovative and sustainable solutions based on marine resources. Co-organized by the EU-funded BlueMissionAA project, represented by SPI, and the B2E – Collaborative Laboratory for the Blue Bioeconomy (B2E CoLAB) , the initiative aimed to stimulate creative thinking and interest in science and sustainability.
SPI, represented by Igor Lopes, Elisa Frias-Bulhosa, and Lucas Lima, played a pivotal role in the workshop’s delivery. The SPI team, in collaboration with Hugo Barros from B2E CoLAB, led engaging and age-appropriate sessions. For youth aged 11-17, the facilitators delivered a PowerPoint presentation on Blue Bioeconomy, followed by a dynamic card game about marine resources and their industrial applications. In parallel, the younger children (up to age 10) participated in a session with an ocean literacy book and coloring murals. This practical and divided approach equipped participants with knowledge tailored to their age group.
During the hands-on sessions, participants were challenged to think creatively. The older group used the card game to develop innovative ideas based on marine raw materials—such as algae or shells—for application in sectors like food, energy, bioplastics, or cosmetics. The younger group engaged with ocean literacy themes through coloring and educational materials. The activities were facilitated by Igor Lopes (SPI), Hugo Barros (B2E CoLAB), Elisa Frias-Bulhosa (SPI), and Lucas Lima (SPI).
SPI’s contributions, in partnership with B2E CoLAB, underscored the importance of collaboration in environmental education. The efforts empowered attendees with engaging tools and inspired them to view marine resources as a basis for sustainable innovation. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the partners after the event highlighted the workshop’s success in driving meaningful engagement for a sustainable future
