Network of European Blue Schools

Since 2020, EMSEA has been proudly contributing to the development of the Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS). In 2023, we took on the role of managing the Blue Schools Secretariat, focusing on effective communication to engage teachers and schools. Our responsibilities include organizing meetings, workshops, and teacher training sessions, as well as promoting the Blue School program across the EU.

What are EU Blue Schools?

A European Blue School brings the ocean into the classroom. It’s a school that, through project-based learning, engages students with marine- and maritime-related topics to create awareness and a feeling of responsibility for our ocean.

Together, the schools form the Network of European Blue Schools - one of the three pillars of the EU4Ocean Coalition. The Network is a hub for all schools and teachers that strive to engage students with oceanic topics and raise awareness on marine issues.  

NEBS aims to empower schools and teachers who are agents of change for the ocean and support them in educating the new generation of more aware, responsible, and engaged ocean-literate citizens.

Find the Blue Challenge

A European Blue School recognizes the importance of the ocean in its education activities by taking up the Find the Blue challenge. By bringing real-life marine and maritime contexts to the classroom, students are encouraged to become responsible and engaged ocean-literate citizens.

Schools that take up the Find the Blue challenge shall identify an ocean-based topic that is relevant to their students, and collaborate with their pupils to create a school project. The aim is to make the ocean a relevant part of the school curriculum through project-based learning. Student ownership, collaborations with ocean professionals, and creating a community with the same passion will be key values of these projects. By successfully completing the Find the Blue challenge, schools will receive the European Blue School certification and become part of an international network of ocean-minded teachers.