Wetlands in Europe Against Climate Change, we act Today!

The WE-ACT project aimed to raise awareness among students and the wider community about the vital role of wetlands in addressing climate change. Our main objectives were to enhance students’ und...

The WE-ACT project aimed to raise awareness among students and the wider community about the vital role of wetlands in addressing climate change. Our main objectives were to enhance students’ understanding of wetland ecosystems and their services—such as biodiversity, freshwater, carbon storage, and food security. We also addressed water-related challenges like pollution and desalination. Equally important was the promotion of digital and language skills, active citizenship, and intercultural exchange. Special attention was given to students with fewer opportunities, ensuring inclusion and equity. The project’s structure—with hands-on, cooperative learning—also contributed to the prevention of early school leaving. Through real-world experiences and creative collaboration, students developed stronger engagement with learning and environmental values, reinforcing their role as active European citizens.

Throughout the WE-ACT project, we implemented a wide range of interdisciplinary activities across the four partner countries. These included expert-led seminars on wetlands, biodiversity, water resources, and climate change. Students took part in field visits such as wetlands and desalination plants in islands of Syros-Paros, the Cavado River Water treatment station of Vilar in Portugal, aquaponic systems in Brussels and the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory at University of Gothenburg. They conducted experiments, participated in eco-games, engaged with local water authorities. Mobility weeks allowed students to explore real-world issues (wetland degradation, water scarcity), while also fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. Students and teachers created articles, videos, and social media content through many different applications (classroom, padlet, ppt, kahoot!) and, of course, through the project website and the schools’ websites. The teams held videoconferences, organized exhibitions, and co-created learning resources. Each mobility concluded with the enrichment of e-books through the addition of articles and activities. This was followed by presentations, evaluations, and dissemination through newsletters and school events.

The project generated outputs, two educational eBooks with interactive apps on wetland ecology and water management, collaboratively created by students and teachers. These eBooks were continuously enriched with articles and activities, reflecting the deep knowledge we acquired on the topic. Other results included field trip reports, scientific posters, videos, newsletters which we designed and published after each meeting. Dissemination extended beyond school through local media, exhibitions, social media, actively involving the local community. Friends, families, and local citizens became more informed and aware of the program and its themes. The project fostered environmental awareness, especially on wetland protection and water sustainability. Students enhanced their digital, scientific, and English skills, while also developing civic and intercultural competences. Importantly, the project gave voice to students with fewer opportunities and helped re-engage learners at risk of early school leaving through creative, team-based, and meaningful learning. Schools strengthened European collaboration and integrated sustainability into their curricula.The impact endures through continued use of materials and sustained partnership.