SPM24 Centre for Conservation of Marine and Coastal Species

The students actively partook in a workshop themed conservation of marine and coastal species. Fundacion aula del Mar Mediterraneo presented environmental conservation of Mediterranean Marine Biodiversity, habitat restauration, environmental awareness and protection of the ecosystems, and also the importance of seas and oceans as a source of biodiversity. Students listened, read on the powerpoint and discussed about marine and coastal conservation and the sea and oceans as a source of biodiversity. Students were introduced to 3 different types of beaches and discussed respecting nature and all species, for example, not to remove species from its natural habitat. Habitat, ecosystem, adaptation, and trophic web were discussed. There is a strong connection between ecosystems. The presenter explained about marine seagrass – Neptune grass meadows and its functions. A short underwater video helped the students to see and better understand the information in the presentation and the presenter explained and pointed out the important points. Emblematic species of the Mediterranean Sea were presented (endemic, native, exotic and invasive species). Rising sea and ocean’s temperature effects on climate change were discussed. The presenter discussed endangered species and linked to ecosystems and other information in the presentation. The presenter asked questions and involved the students actively throughout the presentation. The presenter rounded off by showing the students what we (everyone) can do to help.

By taking part in the workshop, students cooperate and have fun while learning more about the importance of actively working for the conservation of our common environments. Digital documentation of the activity can be used to document the workshop activity. Digital presentation with powerpoint, text and pictures and a video was used. During the presentation the presenter asked questions to the group and involved the students in the discussion. Important issues such as climate regulation, source of fresh water and important source of food and jobs were lifted in the presentation. The students learned a lot about the Malaga marine and coastal species and ecosystems and could relate to previous knowledge of the subject from school and environment in their home countries.