Plastic, glass, metals and other waste cause immense damage to marine ecosystems, and the effects of this pollution are also felt by humans. To address this issue in the long term, raising awareness and educating about marine litter from an early age is crucial. This is one of the ML-FREE project goals, led by the Sunce association, which brings together students from the Marco Polo Liceo Artistico Venezia and the Economic and Administrative School Split. From October 7 to 11, the students participated in a study trip to Venice, exchanging ideas and learning about marine conservation.
A game for children: students’ pilot-project
As part of the Venice study trip, one of the highlights was the pilot-project designed by students from the Marco Polo Liceo Artistico Venezia. Inspired by the popular Italian board game “Il Gioco dell’Oca,” they collaborated with their Croatian partners to create an interactive game tailored for children aged 6 to 10.
This fun and educational event, open to the public, took place on October 11 in San Trovaso Square. Fourth-grade children from the San Girolamo Primary School in Venice played the game, while many curious passersby stopped to see what it was about.
– We believe learning can be fun, and participating in a game makes it easier to absorb knowledge, – said Francesca, a student from Marco Polo Liceo Artistico Venezia.
– We want to teach children how to protect the sea from an early age, not to learn about marine litter only when they’re older, – added her classmate Ginevra.
The game was played on a large board made from recycled “Tetra Pak” squares and included questions about marine litter and the pollution of the Adriatic Sea, which connects Croatia and Italy. The children were divided into four teams and had to answer questions in both Italian and English. Interestingly, answers given in English earned double points, encouraging the use of a foreign language while learning about marine conservation.
A similar pilot project was conducted by the students in May 2024 in Split (link).
Education for active youth engagement
This project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021-2027 program, with the goal of tackling marine litter through education and active youth participation, ultimately aiming to create a society committed to preserving marine ecosystems.
– It’s somewhat disappointing that we only learned about the problem of marine litter through the ML-FREE project. Our education system is not focused in the right direction, we could have learned about these issues much earlier. I’m grateful we had the opportunity to educate primary school children about marine litter and show them and everyone how we can all make a difference, – said Ana Vuković, a student from the Economic and Administrative School Split.
– We should be learning about marine litter in every grade of both primary and secondary school, – added her classmate Ivan Bašić.
– At the beginning of the project, I didn’t know much about marine litter, but now I understand more about the technical aspects and the extent of microplastics. I think it’s important to introduce more projects like this into schools because they can influence our personal lives as well, – said Linda, a student from Marco Polo.
After a grand musical welcome at the Marco Polo Liceo Artistico Venezia, the rest of the study trip included a variety of educational activities, each providing students with insights into the importance of environmental conservation, particularly marine and coastal ecosystems.
ML-FREE: study trip to Venice
The students took part in a beach cleanup at Alberoni Beach on Lido di Venezia, organized by the Venice Lagoon Plastic Free association. The goal was to collect as much plastic waste as possible in an hour. Students and teachers were divided into two groups, “Pink Panther” and “Blue Lagoon”, and together collected nearly 20 kilograms of small plastic items.
– We found so much small plastic that it really made me think. If we don’t reduce our waste and regularly clean up plastic from beaches, and as plastic breaks down into microplastics over time, will our beaches be plastic instead of sandy in a hundred years? – said student Marin Pleština.
After the cleanup, the association demonstrated a special device that analyzes each collected item and identifies the type of plastic, PlasTell. This device can help develop better measures to reduce plastic pollution and create targeted educational campaigns.
The students furthered their understanding of the state of Venice’s waters by visiting the Institute for Marine Sciences (CNR – ISMAR). During a presentation and discussion with leading experts, the students learned about the impact of plastic and microplastics on marine ecosystems and humans, as well as methods of marine litter collection in Venice. Expert Francesco Falcieri explained how the MOSE system was developed to protect Venice from increasingly frequent floods. In response to rising sea levels and intensifying climate change, MOSE operates with barriers that raise and lower at key points to prevent water from entering the Venetian lagoon during tidal surges.
In addition to the educational activities, the students had the opportunity to explore Venice’s rich history and culture, as well as its islands. On Sant Erasmo Island, known as the “Garden of Venice,” they saw sustainable agricultural practices and witnessed MOSE in action. In Murano, they participated in a glassmaking demonstration, and in Burano, they strolled through its colorful streets.
This study trip was a fantastic combination of hands-on work, scientific research, and cultural experiences, allowing students not only to learn about the importance of marine conservation but also to develop a sense of responsibility and become active participants in protecting the environment.
As a part of the project, in Split, an interdisciplinary conference titled “Marine Litter-Free Tides of Change” will be held from November 4 to 6. Find out more HERE.
