BiodivOcean – Raising awareness and action for marine biodiversity
The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet – yet we still know surprisingly little about life beneath the surface. Since 1997, the Virtue Project (VIRTUE.gmbl.se) has worked to change that. Originally launched as an international collaboration between researchers and educators, the project aims to increase ocean literacy and spark curiosity for marine science among both students and teachers. Through hands-on experiments, participants from over 50 countries have explored marine ecosystems — especially biofilms and species that attach to surfaces in the sea.
Now, the project is entering a new phase with BiodivOcean, a three-year ERASMUS+ project (2024–2027) that continues to raise awareness of the importance of marine biodiversity for life on Earth. With an estimated one million species currently at risk of extinction (IPBES, 2019), there is an urgent need for both knowledge and action to protect our ecosystems.
The project uses the phenomenon of colonization and ecological succession on hard surfaces in aquatic environments as a starting point for learning about the ocean. Using VIRTUE racks, specially designed to observe this process, participants interact directly with marine life, encouraging active learning, critical thinking, and a deeper emotional connection with the ocean.
In addition to using the VIRTUE racks, the project will also offer training for educators and co-develop a wide range of educational materials. Through international collaboration between educational institutions, scientific partners, and conservation organizations, the project will develop innovative learning resources, such as teaching materials, digital tools, and an updated MOOC, adapted to different ages and learning environments. These materials will be implemented in schools and learning centers to promote experiential learning and citizen participation.
An International Collaboration for the Future of Our Oceans
BiodivOcean is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg and Gothenburg Marine Biological Laboratory (Sweden), SALT Lofoten AS (Norway), SUBMON (Spain), Maryland Sea Grant College and Georgetown University (USA).
Together, we will develop innovative ways to communicate, teach, and inspire action for marine biodiversity.
Project Goals and Work Packages
- Co-create new communication tools to promote understanding of marine biodiversity, the threats it faces, and solutions for protecting it.
- Engage educators, students, and local communities through hands-on training and outreach programs based on the Virtue model.
- Build global connections within the Ocean Literacy community to strengthen collaboration and impact.
These goals will be tackled through the following working packages:
Activities and Innovation
Throughout the project, the Virtue digital learning platform will be expanded with new materials, methods, and new chapters to the online course (MOOC) for teachers and students. For the first time, the Virtue methodology will also be introduced in Norway.
Three new digital resource versions will be developed, focusing on:
The project will also explore opportunities for citizen science, enabling students and teachers to contribute biodiversity data through the platforms iNaturalist and MINKA.
By bringing together experts in research, education, and science communication, BiodivOcean seeks to inspire curiosity, knowledge, and action for our oceans. Together, we can empower a new generation — not just to learn about the sea, but also how to protect it!
Keep sailing with us for the next update!
Coordinator Anna-Lisa
