The Catalan Network of Blue Schools is an initiative that connects educational institutions committed to the understanding, protection, and sustainability of the marine and aquatic environment in Catalonia.
Through educational projects, training activities, and collaborations with scientific and social organizations, we foster a critical, conscious citizenry with a strong connection to the sea.
We believe that “blue education” is key to addressing the environmental challenges of the present and the future.
If an educational institution wishes to become a Blue School, it must meet the 5 requirements set out by the Network of European Blue Schools:
Develop a project with interconnected activities
Generate a clear result
Involve all the students in at least one class
Collaborate with a local partner
Communicate the project results
If an educational institution wishes to become a Blue School and meets these requirements, it can apply for accreditation via the European network’s website during two annual calls:
If you are a Catalan educational institution, you can contact the Catalan Network of Blue Schools at escolesblaves@gmail.com for further information, and we will provide you with support.
In 2017, we carried out the first Blue Schools pilot project in Spain, and one of the first two in Europe. The project was funded by the FECYT (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology) Grants Programme and received the endorsement of the Department of Education of the Government of Catalonia.
Eight secondary schools from the Terres de l’Ebre region took part: INS Candelera, Institut Escola El Perelló, INS Deltebre, INS Dertosa, INS Roquetes, INS Flix, INS Sòl-de-Riu and INS Manuel Sales i Ferré.
The project had two main pillars:
Creation of the “Blue Schools” label, featuring teacher training via the Marine Sciences Campus, support through “Marine Science Assistants,” and the development of the “Sea Kit” (*Maleta de la Mar*) as an educational resource.
“Sea, Science, and the Terres de l’Ebre” talk-workshops, open to the public.
Plàncton, together with the Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC), has co-founded and co-coordinates the Catalan Network of Blue Schools—established in 2023—with the support of other Catalan organizations involved in blue education.
