During the Posidonia Green Festival held in Bogliasco (Genoa) on 12 July 2025, FVA New Media Research, representing the European projects iCULTURE and BlueMissionMed, ran an experiential workshop for children aged 3 to 10, featuring hands-on experiments, games, and quizzes.

At the heart of the workshop was the book “Our Blue Treasure” – developed within the BlueMissionMed project – an engaging and educational resource designed to promote ocean and water literacy among children aged 6 to 10. Already translated into 11 languages, with two more underway, the book is an inspiring tool for helping younger generations understand the value of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

The workshop, facilitated by Susanna Albertini from FVA New Media Research, introduced these themes in a playful and interactive way, allowing children to learn through games, explore fun facts about our shared “blue treasure”, and discover how each of us can contribute to safeguarding it. All participating children received a complimentary copy of the book.

A dedicated session focused on algae – a core theme of the iCULTURE project – helping children understand the difference between macroalgae and microalgae, their incredible diversity, and their essential role in ecosystem balance and CO₂ capture. The session also showcased real-world applications of algae in food, feed, agriculture and cosmetics, sparking curiosity and fascination among the young participants and highlighting the vast potential of Europe’s blue resources.

Joining the session alongside Susanna Albertini – who is also one of the book’s three authors – was Alistar Illustrations, whose captivating artwork has been instrumental in bringing the book’s educational content to life.

During the activity, held directly on the beach, children also explored small library-tents featuring a selection of sea-themed books and an exhibition of different educational projects and activities. Even the youngest participants were able to join in, supported by their parents or older siblings.