The University of Cantabria celebrates World Oceans Day with activities in which IHCantabria has participated.
A boat trip in the bay of Santander was organized, with the participation of two researchers from IHCantabria, as well as a nocturnal tidal safari on the beach of ‘La Maruca’ and a visit to the 3D printing laboratory of reefs of the ETSI de Caminos of the University of Cantabria.
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, June 8, the University of Cantabria (UC) has held a series of activities related to the need to protect the planet’s water resources and marine life, within the framework of the European project G9-SCIENCE4ALL of the Group 9 of Universities.
UC research staff participated in these activities aimed at kindergarten, elementary and high school students, focusing on the relevance of maintaining healthy oceans for environmental balance and human well-being, inspiring attendees to take action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Thus, on June 4, a group of kindergarten students from the Virgen de Valvanuz School in Selaya went on an educational boat trip in the bay of Santander.
The researchers of the Coastal Ecosystems Group of the Institute of Environmental Hydraulics of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria), Beatriz Echávarri Erasun and Ana de los Ríos Gutiérrez, emphasized the importance of the conservation of the marine ecosystems in the area, while the attendees enjoyed the views of the surrounding bay.
On the other hand, on June 5Primary school students from CEIP Miguel Hernández in Castro Urdiales had the opportunity to attend a nocturnal tidal safari on the beach of ‘La Maruca’ where they were able to observe, with the light of headlamps, marine species more active during the night, the low tide and the silence in their natural habitat. During the activity they were accompanied by UC researcher Viola Bruschi, specialized in Geological Heritage and Geodiversity, who highlighted the importance of the geological environment of the area and how research is crucial for its protection.
In addition, high school students from IES Villajunco visited the laboratory of the ETS de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, in charge of 3D printing of artificial reefs. They were able to see a sample of the print and, at the same time, researchers from the Construction Technology research group (GITECO), Elena Blanco Fernández and Eva Cuesta Astorga, explained how their research has shown that these artificial reefs contribute to the restoration of degraded marine ecosystems. As a surprise, the researchers presented them with a 3D printed letter V, in reference to the initial of their center, made of the same material as the reefs.
The participants have been invited to these activities because they won the “Oceans Mention” at this year’s Science Fair. This citation recognized his project with solutions for the environmental impact of the Pisueña River, while exploring its potential for hydropower. They also investigated the degradation of the Sámano river ecosystem, proposing recovery measures and examined how the port of Santander contributes to the sustainable development of the city.
Mission Oceans
The Oceans mission is one of the 5 main missions established by the European Commission within the Horizon Europe program. This program is dedicated to research and innovation, focusing on creating novel solutions to address Europe’s social and environmental challenges from a sustainable development perspective. The Oceans initiative aims to preserve and restore the health of the world’s oceans and seas, promoting their sustainability and responsible use.
G9-Science4All
Under the name of G9-SCIENCE4ALL the institutions that make up the Group 9 of Universities, coordinated by the University of Cantabria, join for the fifth consecutive year in a consortium to jointly celebrate the European Researchers’ Night in 2024 and 2025. The consortium also presents pre-events and the ‘Researchers at School’ outreach program.
All activities are aimed at raising awareness of the European Commission’s 5 missions: Cancer, Climate Change Adaptation, Water and Oceans, Smart and Climate Neutral Cities, Soil Health and Food.
The consortium is made up of the universities of Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Balearic Islands, Oviedo, Basque Country, Public University of Navarra and Zaragoza, with the collaboration of the University of La Rioja.
This project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe: Framework Program for Research and Innovation, under grant agreement no. 101162477.
Group of kindergarten students from the Virgen de Valvanuz School in Selaya who participated, on June 4, in the educational boat ride in the bay of Santander.
Beatriz Echávarri and Ana de los Ríos, researchers of the Coastal Ecosystems Group of IHCantabria, present to the group of students of the Virgen de Valvanuz School in Selaya.
Group of teachers and students of Early Childhood Education at the Virgen de Valvanuz School in Selaya, together with IHCantabria researchers Beatriz Echávarri and Ana de los Ríos (located in the center).
