This section gathers research and scientific materials related to coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental education. It includes reports, research activities, and creative learning tools for students to explore and understand the urgent environmental challenges we face.
This scientific study presents the floristic diversity of the “Ochyro” hill in Rafina, Eastern Attica, conducted within the Erasmus+ KA210 project “Protect Your Nature, Protect Your Future.” The catalogue includes 90 taxa with data on family, genus, status, chorology, growth form, life-form, habitat, IUCN category, and national protection (PD 67/81). The fieldwork was carried out by students using digital applications such as PlantNet and iNaturalist under the supervision of Anna Samara and the Department of Biology, NKUA. The activity combined scientific research with experiential environmental education and aims to develop a long-term Local Encyclopedia of Life for Rafina.
This document presents the results of the environmental fieldwork carried out by students of 1st Gymnasio Rafinas (Greece) and partner schools from Latvia, Germany, Italy, and Turkey within the Erasmus+ project “Protect Your Nature, Protect Your Future” (Project Code: 2023-1-EL01-KA210-SCH-000155609). The study took place on May 5th, 2025, at Marikes Beach in Rafina, Greece, with the participation of all partner teams and the valuable support of the A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, which provided scientific materials and methodological guidance. The activity focused on the observation and protection of the coastal ecosystem of Rafina, applying citizen science methods to connect environmental awareness with hands-on learning. Students conducted: Beach litter analysis, recording, sorting, and weighing waste items, and Water sampling, measuring physical and chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrates, and sulfates.
“From Clean Seas to Plastic Waves” is an educational worksheet designed for students aged 12–15 within the Erasmus+ project Protect Your Nature, Protect Your Future. Through the observation of two contrasting images — a clean sea and a polluted sea — students are guided to reflect on the causes and consequences of marine pollution, its impact on biodiversity, and their own role in protecting the environment. The activity integrates visual analysis, group discussion, creative expression and critical reflection. It aims to strengthen environmental literacy, empathy, and active participation in sustainability initiatives at both local and European level. The worksheet supports teachers in promoting key competences for lifelong learning: environmental awareness, cooperation, creativity, and critical thinking. It can be used independently or as part of a broader curriculum on ecology and sustainable development.
