SPLASH-EU: Supporting a civic community of Advocacy for a healthy ocean Habitat in Europe

SPLASH-EU – Supporting a civic community of Advocacy for a healthy ocean Habitat in Europe is an EU4Ocean-supported initiative coordinated by the University of Coimbra/MARE in partnership with MindmeUp LP. The project connects ocean and climate education with active citizenship, community participation and advocacy, empowering young people and other citizens to become informed and active actors in the green transition.  SPLASH-EU combines a digital community platform with a Blue Educational Series, community activities and an Ambassador Training Programme. The educational programme addresses topics such as marine pollution, biodiversity, sustainable innovation, EU climate policies, coastal resilience and practical actions for ocean conservation. Learners are encouraged not only to understand environmental challenges, but also to identify solutions, change behaviours and participate in community action.   The Ambassador Training uses interactive learning, gamification, peer-to-peer activities and practical exercises to develop communication, leadership, digital advocacy and community mobilisation skills. Participants are supported to become ambassadors capable of raising awareness, engaging stakeholders and leading sustainability actions in their communities.  Through cooperation between researchers, education actors, citizens, NGOs and community stakeholders, SPLASH-EU aims to transform scientific and policy knowledge into accessible learning and concrete civic action for healthier oceans and more sustainable communities.