4SEAS

SYNERGIES BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY FOR A SHARED APPROACH TO EUROPEAN SEAS

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'More than 70% of the globe is covered by water, and Europe itself is bordered by four different water basins (the Atlantic Ocean/North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea) which have been shaping and influencing the European cultural, social and economic heritage since the ancient times. Seas are the paradigm of cross-cutting approaches to knowledge and life. Oceans are appealing and fascinating which make them ideal tools for engaging and communicating with the public at large (irrespective of its age) even on otherwise complex, distant and themes. 4SEAS comes by a consortium mainly composed of science museums/aquariums and research centres located on the coasts of the 4 different European basins. Partners will act as single modules within a European network based on ITC technologies. 4SEAS will address all of the above through the following actions: 1) direct engagement of the public at large following a bottom-up approach to science communication; 2) selection of marine-related topics to be addressed by each partner taking into account both a shared/European and a specific/regional approach; 3) cooperation between science centres and science museums/aquariums to develop each topic and set up interactive exhibitions; 4) large use of ITC technologies to ensure connectivity in the network and open to the widest audience; 5) museum exhibitions and marine-oriented external events planned and made available directly or on the web. 4SEAS aims are: 1) to ensure visibility and dissemination of research results to the civil society; 2) to enable the public to express its views and concerns about science; 3) to promote science to the young; 4) to strengthen the European citizens’ sense of participation in Europe through their direct involvement; 5) to develop a European awareness of the marine environment, cultural and technological aspects included; 6) to promote the regional approach within a broader context of European dimension.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An enterprising project has been engaging Europeans in learning about the opportunities, threats and lore of the seas that border the continent.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Europe is bordered by four different seas that have been shaping and influencing European cultural, social and economic heritage since ancient times. The Baltic Sea, Black Sea, North Sea and Mediterranean Sea - in addition to the Atlantic Ocean - have been a doorway to knowledge and life for millennia. As science and culture have operated in a bi-directional way over these bodies of water, the 4Seas project is unveiling all the opportunities that seas offer to mankind and to the threats that mankind poses to the seas.

From sailing expeditions and marine life to shipwrecks and kids' art exhibitions, the project continues to enrich the minds of youth and adults alike. Overall the many topics involved are fascinating, transforming the seas into ideal tools for engaging and communicating with the public at large, including otherwise complex and 'unattractive' themes. The project is enhancing society's interaction with science and technology with - needless to say - emphasis on marine-related topics.

The 4SEAS' host cities are Genoa, Gdynia, London and Sevastopol, very close to - or right on - the main European seas. The project has successfully accomplished its aims with flying colours over its two-year lifespan. It has set up a dedicated website in four languages and has organised three permanent exhibitions on marine-related themes in Genoa, Gdynia and Sevastopol. A series of events called 'Nature live' also took place in London, plus many dozens of side events and multimedia products including movies, videos and presentations. Thousands have surfed the 4SEAS website and 90% of those surveyed - both online and through other events - have been 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the programme.

In truth, the project outdid itself in promoting dialogue between science and society, making a strong impact on all who were interested or got involved. Much of the rich multimedia it generated well remain in circulation for many years to come. The seas have become yet another way for society to respect the forces of nature and learn about it.