HCMR leads the WP12: Synergies and Citizen Science Activities related to the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy (Scientific responsible: Dr Eva Chatzinikolaou) of the Nautilos H2020 . A series of events were organized virtually or with physical presence in primary schools of the Municipality of Chersonisos in Heraklion, Crete (Greece) during the second week of June 2021. The events were organized within the framework of the European Maritime Day – In my Country and the World Ocean Day, under the support of the European Marine Science Educators Association EMSEA.
Young students of the 6th grade of the Gournes Primary School attended a virtual presentation regarding plastic and micro-plastic pollution and created beautiful crafts using plastic water bottles and caps.
A similar live event was organized for the students of the 4th and 5th grade of the 1st and 2nd Chersonisos Primary Schools. The students created self-watering flower pots using plastic bottles and coasters using plastic straws. The aim of these events was to raise awareness regarding plastic pollution, describe the extent of the problem, suggest the use of alternative non-plastic and non-single use items in our everyday life and to encourage young students to create utility items using plastic garbage. Similar events will be organized in the following years according to the activities planned for the Nautilos H2020 WP12 aiming to engage more students and citizens.