Every ripple of change starts with a single action. In Lagoa, Portugal, the Rotary Club Lagoa International is setting a benchmark in environmental education – by bringing the ocean, and a robot named Jellyfishbot, into the classroom.
The Project:
Ocean Guardians is a pioneering initiative that uses the JELLYFISHBOT, a marine drone, not only to clean the waters of Lagoa and Portimão but also to educate the next generation of ocean defenders.
Students will engage hands-on with real scientific research: monitoring microplastics, analyzing invasive algae, and operating autonomous marine technology.
Educational Innovation:
- Middle schoolers will explore marine biodiversity, examine pollution under microscopes, and participate in monthly ocean-themed activities.
- High schoolers will work with scientific data, conduct long-term ecosystem research, and learn to pilot the Jellyfishbot.
Impact Goals:
- Analyze 3 tons of marine debris in Year 1
- Weekly environmental sampling and data logging
- Expand the program to 10 Algarve schools by 2027
Support Needed:
To launch, €30,000 is required for Jellyfishbot acquisition, school integration, and development of scientific partnerships. The goal: classrooms that act as real-life marine labs.
Why It Matters:
The Algarve is threatened by plastic pollution and invasive species. Ocean Guardians offers a powerful way to restore and protect our waters while educating future changemakers.
How You Can Help:
Spread the word. Share the campaign. Support Rotary Lagoa’s mission to turn learning into real-world impact.