Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-01-13

Description

Description (EN):

The EcosySTEM project is a transnational initiative aimed at addressing the common challenge of environmental degradation and a lack of environmental education in the Black Sea region. The project's objective is to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable development among children and youth, ultimately leading to positive change in the current environmental situation. Through the project, several key outputs and results will be developed. Firstly, innovative training modules and curriculum materials will be created to enhance environmental education and STEM disciplines. These resources will be accessible to teachers, students and educational institutions in the Black Sea region, ensuring a wide range of beneficiaries. The project also aims to establish training centers, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, where educators will receive specialized training in environmental education. This will enable them to deliver high-quality and engaging lessons to their students, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encouraging sustainable practices. The EcosySTEM project will benefit various stakeholders, including children, youth, educators, families and local communities in the Black Sea region. Children and youth will gain a better understanding of environmental challenges and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become active contributors to sustainability. Educators will receive professional development opportunities and access to resources that enhance their teaching capabilities. Families and local communities will benefit from increased environmental awareness and the implementation of sustainable practices. To effectively address the complex challenges in the Black Sea region, transnational cooperation is crucial. By working collaboratively across countries, the project partners will pool their expertise, share best practices and develop innovative solutions. Transnational cooperation also allows for the exchange of resources, such as training materials and equipment, maximizing the project's impact and reach. Furthermore, by involving multiple countries in the project, a broader geographical scope is achieved, ensuring that a greater number of children and youth in the Black Sea region receive innovative environmental education. The project's activities, including Environment & Science Festivals and Clean-up Campaigns, will provide a platform for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge and foster dialogue on environmental issues. This collaborative approach will establish networks and connections that will lead to future collaborations and initiatives, creating a sustainable impact beyond the duration of the project. The EcosySTEM project seeks to address the common challenge of environmental degradation and the limited environmental education in the Black Sea region. Through transnational cooperation, the project aims to develop innovative training modules, establish training centers and promote environmental awareness among children and youth. By doing so, the project will empower the younger generation to become active contributors to environmental sustainability, resulting in positive changes to the current environmental situation in the Black Sea region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The ecosySTEM project has achieved remarkable progress in its initial phase, setting the foundation for a transformative approach to environmental education for children in the Black Sea region. Through collaboration among partners, the project has made progress in desing and planning innovative learning spaces, developing the first two interactive educational modules and raising public awareness. The partners held regular meetings to ensure effective communication and coordination among teams. Key discussions included the setup of the project offices, recruitment of essential staff for the roles including; Project Manager, Finance Manager and Communication Expert. Furtmore, partners dicussed planning of the kick-off meeting. To streamline collaboration and information sharing partners also established WhatsApp groups for real-time updates and efficient communication. A dynamic kick-off meeting in Istanbul brought together all partners, aligning goals, strategies and management structures while establishing a Steering Committee to guide implementation. Partners set up dedicated project offices, recruited teams and finalized a number of contracts for essential services, ensuring smooth project operations. This solid organizational groundwork has been crucial for advancing key activities. One of the project’s standout achievements is the comprehensive design and planning of E-STEM Centers, which will serve as hubs for experiential learning. These centers feature cutting-edge laboratories, seminar rooms, outdoor spaces such as gardens, aquaponics systems, composting areas, and renewable energy setups. Designed with sustainability, accessibility and child-friendly ergonomics in mind, these spaces create an inspiring environment for hands-on exploration and discovery. Equipment specifications and procurement plans were finalized and shared with partners, setting the stage for installation and operational readiness. Each partner had individual progress in establishing own center. LP designed a multifunctional center in Kadıköy with labs and interactive spaces. PP2 - DUTH completed plans for two labs and a seminar room supporting six E-STEM modules. PP3 - UABSC finalized an ergonomic, sustainable, and accessible design for its Mykolaiv center, while PP4 - IO-BAS planned and equipped STEM labs in Asparuhovo with environmental education tools. Two foundational E-STEM modules, "Ecosystem and Biodiversity" and "Environment and Soil" are developed. These modules integrate fun and interactive activities, including virtual experiments and field trips, to engage children and foster critical thinking. Supporting resources such as technical annexes and an impact evaluation framework were also prepared, marking an important step toward delivering a complete and impactful curriculum. Efforts to enhance communication and visibility have been highly effective. The domain name secured as “ecosystemhub.org” for a multilingual website and social media platforms were created, alongside media campaigns and press releases that reached diverse audiences across the Black Sea region. Collaborations with local municipalities, schools and NGOs have strengthened community integration, ensuring that the project resonates with its target groups. Notably, a press conference after the kick-off meeting and an additional one in Ukraine formalized a partnership with the Department of Education created a wide promotion for the project. Each partner has brought unique expertise and perspectives, enriching the overall effort. LP and PP2 provided standardized designs for E-STEM centers and advanced procurement processes, while PP3 fostered strong community connections and finalized the setup of its E-STEM center in Mykolaiv. PP4 engaged local stakeholders and managed equipment procurement, ensuring timely progress. During the second reporting period, the ecosySTEM project moved from planning to tangible implementation. All four partners achieved important milestones in line with the project’s objectives to establish E-STEM centers, deliver environmental education modules and strengthen cooperation. The hybrid SC meeting hosted by PP3 brought together all partners and stakeholders in a collaborative space. The co-development of educational materials, cross-border trainer engagement and harmonized visibility efforts showcased the project’s spirit of unity and its potential for long-lasting impact on environmental awareness and STEM education in the region. One of the key achievements was the significant progress in setting up the E-STEM training centers. Indoor infrastructure was almost fully completed across all four countries. LP finalized installing the indoor furnishing and electronic devices. LP also prepared tenders for outdoor training units with non-consumable and consumable laboratory equipment. PP2 finalized the procurement and installation of essential lab equipment, electronic devices and classroom furniture. PP3 completed indoor furnishing and installed composting systems, while PP4 successfully installed laboratory equipment and prepared tenders for outdoor training units and electronics. Another major accomplishment was the delivery of the six-module E-STEM curriculum by LP. These modules cover vital environmental themes, biodiversity, soil, air, water, renewable energy and waste management and were translated into English and made available on the project website. Recruiting qualified trainers was also a common goal successfully reached by all partners. LP signed contracts with four trainers; PP2 and PP4 conducted open and inclusive selection processes; PP3 reviewed 15 applications and appointed five expert trainers after interviews. All trainers were oriented on the project and are prepared to participate in the Capacity Building Training taking place in Istanbul in March 2025. In terms of visibility, the project’s outreach efforts have been strong and coordinated. LP launched the official project website and social media accounts. PP3 led a creative campaign including physical banners, online posts and public events. PP2 and PP4 engaged with their education ministries and local authorities, ensuring institutional support and long-term relevance of the project at national level. During this reporting period, the project partners have made significant progress towards project objectives by strengthening cooperation, delivering visible outputs, and engaging diverse target groups. The partnership has demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration, enabling knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and innovative approaches that would not have been possible individually. The LP successfully coordinated overall implementation while ensuring smooth communication among all partners. LP organized the five-day Capacity Building Training in Istanbul (March 2025), which equipped educators with both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching methods. Additionally, LP established and launched the E-STEM Education Center in Kadıköy, piloting modules with 15 children aged 8–15, selected from local children's centers directed by the Kadıköy municipality. The project was widely promoted through major events such as the “Kadıköy Environmental Festival”, where families, NGOs, and local authorities were reached. Although direct promotion of the upcoming Environment & Science Festivals has not yet started, the LP has consistently mentioned them in outreach and campaign activities. Dissemination activities were further reinforced with media visibility, municipal cooperation, and communication tools. The six E-STEM modules were finalized in English, published on the project website, and prepared for local adaptation. PP3 and PP4 completed translations into their local languages while PP2 reported that translations have started and will be completed in the fourth reporting period. Pilot applications by PP3 confirmed the usability and impact of the modules. PP4 equipped their centers and carried out preparatory work such as school outreach and awareness campaigns, though some infrastructural and organizational steps remain pending. PP2 experienced a delay in launching school trainings due to the Greek academic calendar, as summer and Easter holidays limited access to students. Nevertheless, PP2 used this period to prepare educational materials and adapt training modules for the upcoming cycle. Strong collaboration with local schools and stakeholders was maintained, ensuring readiness for implementation in the next reporting period. PP3 tailored the project’s educational content to local needs and engaged schools and NGOs for pilot trainings. It also worked with community actors to maintain interest and ensure smooth implementation. In addition, PP3 played a key role in online dissemination and visibility, keeping Ukrainian stakeholders connected to the wider project partnership and benefiting from transnational cooperation. PP4 adapted the project modules to the Bulgarian context and engaged with schools and young learners in preparatory activities. Its expertise strengthened the scientific quality of the project outputs, while also supporting visibility actions and integrating local environmental issues into the broader E-STEM framework. The transnational partnership has enabled the project to deliver innovative and practical training, adapt content to different cultural and educational contexts, and build resilience against local challenges. Children have been directly involved as active participants. By combining resources and expertise, the project has established a strong foundation for future phases, with an operational E-STEM Center, piloted modules, trained educators, and strengthened community engagement.

Project outputs: Innovative Environment Training Centers (EN)
E-STEM Curriculum (EN)
Collaborative Environmental Initiatives and Impact Analysis(EN)
International Environment & Science Festival(EN)

Thematic information

Education and training

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Uluslararası Kalkınma ve Çevre Derneği

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881419213

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 8900343102

Department: N/A

Address: Rasimpaşa Mah. Karakolhane Cad Kadıköy, 34150 İstanbul, Turkey

Department address: Rasimpaşa Mah. Karakolhane Cad Kadıköy, 34150 İstanbul, Turkey

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ideauniversal.org

Total budget: EUR 521 183.71

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 469 065.33

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 118.38

Contractors:

Name: CSIT Bilişim A.Ş:
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2150268337
Name: GES Eğitim ve Teknoloji AS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3941081176
Name: Erendiz Eği.Yön Dan Hiz A.Ş.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 350834831
Name: Invo Proje Dan. Hiz. Ltd.Şti.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4780849067
Name: LODESTAR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32945048342
Name: Macellan Tur.Dan.Tic. Ltd.Şti.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6090551320
Name: Atlas Inc İlet. Hiz. A.Ş.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8450318451
Name: BRAU Grup Mobilya Ltd. Şti
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1870699054
Name: Evcen Yapı Mühendislik
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3810423168

Институт по Океанология - Българска академия на науките

Name: Институт по Океанология - Българска академия на науките

Department: Marine Biology and Ecology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999482569

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000080612

Address: First May Street, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Department address: First May Street, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://io-bas.bg

Total budget: EUR 349 448.71

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 314 503.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 944.88

Contractors:

Name: Siensis AD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG121708078
Name: Valley Computers Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG104518906
Name: UCMAG Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG103927241
Name: ITB-INTER TRAVEL BULGARIA LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG103866621
Name: ITT-Bulgaria Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG123115379
Name: Laborbio Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG000711860
Name: Uchmag Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG103927241
Name: Biotechlab Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG201054113
Name: Dynafos Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG175353702
Name: Sphere Light Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG203470391
Name: Technopolis Bulgaria EAD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG130858590
Name: Magnum-D Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG831674421
Name: PUMPEN OFFICE LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG202988881
Name: SAS CLIMA LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG206053595
Name: Innovations and Consulting Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG202410459
Name: STEM Academy Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG204077925
Name: ISS ENGINEERING LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG103650730
Name: RB GREEN LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG200688933
Name: Sinmed Bulgaria Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG205175742
Name: Viva Advertising Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG204298966
Name: Amex Bulgaria Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG130565476
Name: Office Element Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG175073013
Name: Verras Panagiotis Ilias
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL066877390
Name: Iskar Service Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 130585678
Name: Global Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 831283839
Name: Technomarket Bulgaria EAD
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200586330
Name: Idea Service Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200712462
Name: B&B Partners Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200454179
Name: Store Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 131394206
Name: Praktiker Retail Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 200525782
Name: Bioevibul Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 130862417
Name: Fot Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 131025586
Name: Yumax Design Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103816885

Українська Асоціація Центрів Підтримки Бізнесу

Name: Українська Асоціація Центрів Підтримки Бізнесу

Department: -

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 881710795

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 26112446

Address: Potyomkinska , 54001 Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Department address: Potyomkinska, 54001 Mykolaiv, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://uabsc.org/

Total budget: EUR 351 374.71

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 316 237.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 137.48

Contractors:

Name: IE Sperelup L.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1892310603
Name: IE Kolosovsky D.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3184918878
Name: IE Shvets V.M.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3437806632
Name: IE Popovych M.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2069414691
Name: IE Sterpul K.I.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3199222829
Name: IE Babiichuk O.L
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3285616304
Name: IE Khrystyik D.V
VAT registration or tax identification number: 307492599
Name: IE Zadorozhna T.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2801203360
Name: IE Yarova L.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2705411163

Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης-Πολυτεχνική Σχολή-Ειδικός Λογαριασμός Κονδυλίων Έρευνας

Name: Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης-Πολυτεχνική Σχολή-Ειδικός Λογαριασμός Κονδυλίων Έρευνας

Department: School of Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999659109

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 999975749 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: V.Sophias, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

Department address: V.Sophias - Building 1- PROKAT, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.duth.gr

Total budget: EUR 405 752.11

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 365 176.89

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 575.22

Contractors:

Name: SPECTRAtech Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία
VAT registration or tax identification number: 998921817
Name: ΟΡΓΑΝΟΤΕΧΝΙΚΗ ΑΕ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 094266871/
Name: ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ STEM EDUCATION
VAT registration or tax identification number: 997003295
Name: WIN ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΟΙ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 998143124
Name: INTRAWAY
VAT registration or tax identification number: 998143124
Name: ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΝΙΔΗΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗΣ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 102719457
Name: Panagiotis Menexes
VAT registration or tax identification number: 997655642
Name: ΔΙΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΜΑΘΗΣΗ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 084134880

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Oceanology-Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Partners and Projects info

Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centers

Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Partners and Projects info

Democritus University of Thrace-School of Engineering-Special Account for Research Funds

Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Partners and Projects info

International Association for Development and Environment

Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Project acronym: ecosySTEM

Project ID: BSB00354

Project start date: 2024-07-02

Project end date: 2026-07-01

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

1- Projects supported under the Horizon 2020 programme: Horizon 2020 is the EU's largest research and innovation program. It supports a wide range of projects across various fields, including environmental sustainability, energy management, healthcare and disaster resilience, among others.
STEAMitUP: This project aims to enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education in schools by providing innovative teaching methods and materials. It focuses on fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. The project is supported by the Horizon programme to promote interdisciplinary learning and prepare students for future STEM careers.
Green Schools: This project focuses on creating sustainable and energy-efficient school environments. It aims to raise awareness among students about environmental issues and empower them to take actions to reduce energy consumption, promote recycling and implement sustainable practices. The project provides training and resources to schools to implement green initiatives and educates students about the importance of environmental sustainability.
3. STEM4Youth: This project aims to promote STEM education and career opportunities among young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. It provides hands-on STEM activities, mentorship programs and career guidance to inspire and engage students in STEM fields. The project focuses on building the skills and knowledge necessary for the future workforce in STEM-related industries.
(EN) | TEAMitUP: The ecosySTEM project shares a common focus on enhancing education in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields. While STEAMitUP aims to provide innovative teaching methods and materials for STEAM education in schools, ecosySTEM focuses on integrating environmental training with STEM disciplines. By incorporating E-STEM training, ecosySTEM expands the scope of STEAM education to include environmental sustainability and natural resource management. Both projects contribute to fostering creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
Green Schools: The ecosySTEM project complements the goals of Green Schools by focusing on creating sustainable and energy-efficient school environments. While Green Schools primarily focuses on raising awareness about environmental issues and implementing sustainable practices, ecosySTEM goes a step further by providing E-STEM training to children. Through E-STEM modules such as "Environment and Water," "Environment and Renewable Energy," and "Environment and Waste Management," ecosySTEM educates children about the importance of environmental sustainability and equips them with practical skills to address environmental challenges.
STEM4Youth: The ecosySTEM project aligns with the objectives of STEM4Youth by promoting STEM education and career opportunities among young people. Both projects aim to inspire and engage students in STEM fields, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. While STEM4Youth provides hands-on STEM activities, mentorship programs and career guidance, ecosySTEM offers E-STEM training and innovative environmental education. By integrating environmental education with STEM disciplines, ecosySTEM prepares students for future STEM careers while also fostering an understanding of environmental challenges and solutions.
(EN), EcoSTEM for Sustainable Cities; This project aims to empower children and young people living in urban areas by providing them with innovative environmental training through the integration of environmental education and STEM disciplines. The project focuses on creating Sustainable City Hubs in different urban locations where children will participate in hands-on activities related to water conservation, energy efficiency, waste management and urban biodiversity.
E-STEM Education for Coastal Communities; This project focuses on building the capacities of children and young people living in coastal communities to address environmental challenges specific to coastal areas. The project establishes Coastal Learning Centers that provide E-STEM education and training on topics such as marine biodiversity, coastal erosion, climate change adaptation and sustainable fishing practices. The project includes the development of E-STEM modules, capacity building for trainers and the organization of educational programs and awareness campaigns in coastal communities.
E-STEM for Sustainable Agriculture; This project aims to educate children and young people about sustainable agriculture practices through E-STEM education. The project establishes innovative agricultural applications where participants will learn about topics such as organic farming, soil conservation, biodiversity in agriculture and sustainable food production. The project includes the development of E-STEM modules specifically tailored to sustainable agriculture, capacity building for trainers and the organization of training programs and practical workshops in rural communities.
(EN) | Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, the ecosySTEM benefits from the experiences and expertise of the below-mentioned projects, while also contributing its own insights and approaches. This synergy will lead to a more comprehensive and impactful environmental education and STEM training for children and young people in different regions and contexts.
EcoSTEM for Sustainable Cities: EcosySTEM collaborates with the EcoSTEM for Sustainable Cities project by sharing best practices, methodologies and innovative training approaches. Both projects aim to empower children living in urban areas and have opportunity of exchange knowledge and experiences in implementing environmental education and STEM activities. EcosySTEM provides insights into how to integrate E-STEM education effectively, while the EcoSTEM for Sustainable Cities shares its experiences in establishing Sustainable City Hubs.
E-STEM Education for Coastal Communities: EcosySTEM collaborates with this project by sharing expertise and resources related to coastal environmental challenges. The ecosySTEM project contributes to the development of E-STEM modules specifically tailored to coastal areas, focusing on topics such as marine biodiversity, coastal erosion and climate change adaptation. This collaboration enhances the capacity building efforts in both projects and ensure a holistic approach to environmental education in coastal communities.
E-STEM for Sustainable Agriculture: EcosySTEM collaborates with this project by sharing knowledge and practices related to sustainable agriculture. EcosySTEM contributes to the development of E-STEM modules focused on topics such as soil conservation and sustainable food production. This collaboration strengthens the educational programs and practical workshops in rural communities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices among children and young people.
(EN), 1. The Erasmus Plus Programme supports various projects related to education, training, youth and sport, including those focused on environmental sustainability and STEM education.
"Youth for Sustainable Future": This project focuses on empowering young people to take an active role in creating a sustainable future. It combines environmental education, leadership development and entrepreneurship training to equip young participants with the skills and knowledge to address environmental challenges. The project involves international partnerships and includes training programs, workshops and awareness campaigns.
STEM for Eco-Innovation": This project aims to foster eco-innovation and entrepreneurship among students by integrating STEM education with environmental sustainability. It focuses on developing students' critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity skills through hands-on STEM projects that address environmental issues. The project involves collaboration between schools, universities and business partners.
"Climate Action through STEM Education": This project aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote climate action among students through STEM education. It focuses on integrating climate change topics into the STEM curriculum, providing teacher training on climate education and organizing student-led climate action projects. The project involves collaboration between schools, environmental organizations and research institutions.
(EN) | The ecosySTEM project reinforces and expands on the themes and objectives of the mentioned projects by providing innovative E-STEM training, fostering environmental awareness and equipping children and young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to a sustainable future. The project's establishment of Innovative Environmental Training Centers and collaboration with local stakeholders further strengthen the impact and reach of the initiatives.
1. "Youth for Sustainable Future": EcosySTEM directly supports the goal of empowering young people to take an active role in creating a sustainable future. By providing innovative environmental training through E-STEM modules, ecosySTEM equips children and young people with the skills and knowledge needed to address environmental challenges. The project's emphasis on leadership development and entrepreneurship training further aligns with the objectives of the "Youth for Sustainable Future" project.
2. "STEM for Eco-Innovation": EcosySTEM contributes to fostering eco-innovation and entrepreneurship among students by integrating STEM education with environmental sustainability. Through hands-on STEM projects and activities focused on environmental issues, ecosySTEM encourages students to apply their STEM knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. This aligns with the goals of the "STEM for Eco-Innovation" project.
3 "Climate Action through STEM Education": EcosySTEM directly contributes to raising awareness about climate change and promoting climate action among students through STEM education. By integrating climate change topics into the E-STEM curriculum and organizing student-led projects, ecosySTEM empowers students to become active agents in addressing climate challenges. This aligns with the goals of the "Climate Action through STEM Education" project.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 627 759.24

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 464 983.28

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The project promotes the development of a consistent approach for the protection and restoration of the Black Sea ecosystem. Through innovative environmental training modules, the project equips children with practical skills and knowledge to mitigate the impacts of climate change and other stressors on the marine ecosystem which contributes to Priority 1 of Goal 1 of CMA.
The project addresses marine pollution and plastic litter by raising awareness among public authorities and citizens about the impact of human activities on the marine ecosystem. It promotes best circular economy practices, marine litter harvesting, waste reduction and the implementation of regional action plans to reduce pollution. The project also supports research on challenges such as eutrophication, invasive species, emerging pollutants and litter which contributes to Priority 2 of Goal 1 of CMA.
The ecosySTEM project contributes to promoting blue skills and blue careers as an engine for innovation and competitiveness. It focuses on building the capacities of children by providing innovative environmental education through E-STEM modules. The project aims to foster regional training programs and collaboration between BSO and educational institutions to prepare individuals for future challenges in the blue economy. An by this way the project contributes to priority 3 of Gaol 2 of CMA.
The project supports the promotion of maritime entrepreneurship and clusters. It encourages the support and development of existing maritime clusters and innovation clusters, fostering cooperation across regions and the implementation of blue economy actions. The project also promotes business hubs, accelerators and networking events for businesses, with a focus on start-ups in the circular and blue economy. These outputs contribute to Priority 3 of Goal 3 of CMA.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The ecosySTEM project contributes to the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region by addressing the specific objective of enhancing the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity as well as reducing pollution. The project focuses on environmental education and awareness-raising actions targeted at children in the Black Sea region.
By implementing E-STEM trainings and using innovative tools and methods, the project aims to equip children with practical skills and knowledge related to water, sustainable energy and the balance between protecting and using natural resources. The project's goal is to prepare participants to become actively engaged in solving environmental problems and driving positive transformations in their communities.
The project includes various activities such as developing E-STEM modules, establishing "Innovative Environmental Training Centers" in each partner region, capacity building training for trainers and launching and promoting the trainings. The modules cover topics such as ecosystems and biodiversity, environment and water, environment and air, environment and soil, environment and renewable energy and environment and waste management.
The ecosySTEM project aligns with the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region’s objectives of promoting environmental protection, biodiversity preservation and reducing pollution. By providing environmental training and empowering young people, the project contributes to building a greener, low-carbon and more resilient Europe.
Other UN DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
The ecosySTEM project contributes to several UN Development Goals through its focus on environmental education and sustainable practices as follows;
Goal 4: Quality Education - By equipping children with practical skills and knowledge related to water, sustainable energy and the balance of protecting and using natural resources, the project prepares them for future environmental challenges.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy - The project includes a module on "Environment and Renewable Energy," which allows children to recognize different types of renewable energy and understand their working principles. By engaging children in designing systems powered by renewable energy sources, the project promotes the use of clean energy and raises awareness about its importance.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - By establishing "Innovative Environmental Training Modules" and centers, it aims to enhance protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas. The project also focuses on waste management, water quality and air pollution, contributing to the development of sustainable communities.
Goal 13: Climate Action - Through modules on "Environment and Air" and "Environment and Soil," the project raises awareness about global warming, climate change and the impacts of human activities on the environment. By examining air quality and factors affecting soil quality, the project promotes understanding of climate-related issues and the importance of taking action to mitigate climate change.
Goal 15: Life on Land - The project's module on "Ecosystems and Biodiversity" aims to educate children about terrestrial and aquatic biomes, ecological concepts and the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem services. By exploring local ecosystems, conducting field trips and understanding the delicate balance of nature, the project promotes the conservation and preservation of biodiversity in the region.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-01-13

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 67 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

296 / 296 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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