A holistic approach to environmental education

DEME’s “Friends of the Sea: Discovering, Caring and Enjoying” campaign was more than a one-off event – it was a carefully designed environmental education workshop aimed at primary school children in Moín, Costa Rica. Led by environmental educators and specialists, the initiative took place at the Moin Primary School.

The workshops were grounded in the principles of environmental education, which seek to develop critical awareness of the human-nature relationship. It promotes values and attitudes that support the conservation of natural resources and ecological balance. In this context, the campaign aimed to provide children with tools to understand the importance of marine ecosystems and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Pedagogical foundations and justification

The campaign’s pedagogical strategy was based on mediation – an approach that encourages dynamic learning through dialogue, reflection and action. This method is particularly effective in community settings, where conservation efforts depend on citizen engagement. The workshops used playful activities to facilitate interaction and knowledge construction, helping children become active agents of environmental protection.

The justification for the workshop was clear: the global environmental crisis, marked by biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and climate change, demands urgent educational responses. Environmental education in community spaces becomes a vital tool for change, linking scientific knowledge with everyday actions. By fostering a responsible and critical citizenry, such education contributes to building equitable societies in harmony with nature. The activities also involved teachers creating a training-of-trainers base to provide school staff with the skills to continue the work.

Discovering, caring and enjoying the ocean

The workshop was structured around three core themes: discovering, caring and enjoying the ocean. These themes guided the activities and learning outcomes.

• Discovering: Children explored the marine world through sensory experiences and games. They learned about species, ecosystems, and ecological interactions. The goal was to foster admiration and respect for nature, encouraging children to see the ocean not just as a recreational space but as a vital habitat.
• Caring: Once children understood the ocean’s value, they were introduced to its threats – plastic pollution, habitat loss and human impact. The workshop promoted concrete actions, such as reducing plastic use and respecting marine life. These lessons were aimed at strengthening environmental responsibility.
• Enjoying: Responsible enjoyment of nature reinforces emotional connections with biodiversity. Children were encouraged to appreciate the ocean’s beauty while understanding the need for its preservation. The workshop promoted sustainable tourism and recreation practices.

Interactive activities and learning dynamics

The workshop featured a series of participatory activities designed to engage children physically, intellectually, and emotionally.

• “Who Am I?” Marine species game: Children identified local marine animals using visual clues and learned about their ecological roles and threats. This activity strengthened species recognition and ecological understanding.
• “What belongs and what doesn’t?” Ocean sorting game: Participants distinguished between natural marine elements and pollutants. They discussed the impact of waste on marine life and shared ideas on how to prevent pollution.
• Marine species relay race: Children mimicked the movements of marine animals and navigated their correct habitats. This activity combined physical movement with ecological learning, highlighting the challenges marine species face.

After these activities, children returned to their classrooms for artistic sessions. Younger students coloured a storybook titled “The incredible journey of a little turtle”, while older students constructed paper models of leatherback turtles. These creative tasks reinforced the day’s lessons and allowed children to continue learning at home.

Workshop schedule and participation

The workshop was divided into two sessions to accommodate all 103 children aged 4 to 12. Each group engaged in the same core activities, adapted to their age level.

Teachers played a crucial role in supporting the activities, ensuring that each child could participate meaningfully. The schedule also included breaks for snacks and lunch, creating a relaxed and inclusive learning environment.

Expected outcomes and educational impact

The workshop aimed to achieve several outcomes:

• Strengthen environmental awareness among children.
• Promote sustainable habits at home and school.
• Encourage participation in experiential learning.
• Inspire ecological projects and follow-up activities.

These outcomes reflect the campaign’s commitment to long-term impact. By integrating environmental education into community education, DEME contributed to building a culture of conservation and active citizenship.

Linking to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The campaign aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4: Quality education – The workshop provided inclusive and meaningful learning experiences, promoting environmental literacy from an early age.
• SDG 13: Climate action – Children learned how their actions can mitigate climate change effects on marine ecosystems.
• SDG 14: Life below water – The programme motivated greater understanding of ocean conservation and encouraged responsible use of marine resources.

By creating educational spaces that involve the community and motivate environmental action, the campaign also supported broader goals of equity and sustainability.

Reflections on social engagement in dredging projects

The “Friends of the Sea” campaign in Moín is a testament to the positive social impact dredging projects can have when they prioritise community engagement and integrate social dimensions into their operations. By engaging with local communities, educating young minds and fostering environmental stewardship DEME has shown that sustainable infrastructure development is going hand in hand with education and empowerment.

This approach not only enhances the social licence to operate but also contributes to the resilience of coastal communities and future generations. As the industry evolves, integrating social programmes into project frameworks will be key to building inclusive and lasting legacies. It shows that dredging is not just about reshaping coastlines – it’s about shaping futures.