

STEM Program for Land and Aquatic Share Lab
The Ria Formosa as a living laboratory

The place
Fuseta is a village with a maritime soul, where the blue of the sky reflects on the calm waters of the Ria Formosa. Here, time seems to flow with the rhythm of the tides, among colorful boats gliding gently and fishing nets that tell stories of generations connected to the sea. More than just a place, Fuseta is a way of life. Its narrow streets, where the scent of salt and fresh fish mingles with the aroma of hot coffee served on the terraces, hold the secrets of a simple and authentic past. The Ria is the heart of the village — it provides livelihoods for fishermen, shelter for migratory birds, and moments of pure beauty for those who find refuge in it. But this natural paradise is also fragile. The world is changing quickly, bringing challenges that are not always easy to grasp. In a time when information circulates in confusing and often contradictory ways, it becomes essential to distinguish fact from opinion and to look at reality with critical and well-informed thinking. The Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon located in southern Portugal, in the Algarve region, stretching for around 60 kilometers between the Ancão Peninsula and Manta Rota. The village of Fuseta lies at the heart of this landscape, within the municipality of Olhão, along the vast southern coastline of Europe facing the Atlantic Ocean. This unique ecosystem — made up of barrier islands, salt marshes, channels, and sandbanks — is considered one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Its rich biodiversity supports a wide variety of species, from migratory birds to fish, shellfish, and salt-tolerant plants, and it plays a vital role in protecting the coastline and regulating the local climate. The Ria is not just a natural space; it is a living territory, essential to the economy, culture, and identity of the communities that depend on it.


What is SplashLab?

E.B. 2/3 Dr. João Lúcio School is part of the Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes School Group, located in the municipality of Olhão, Portugal. It is a member of the Escola Azul (Blue School) network, a Portuguese educational program that strengthens the connection between schools and the ocean, while promoting marine conservation practices. The school is also part of the Network of European Blue Schools, a European initiative committed to ocean literacy and sustainability. SplashLab is an innovative project developed by our school to bring science education closer to the Ria Formosa lagoon and to engage students in its protection. Over the course of 12 months, elementary and middle school students, together with their teachers, will explore local biodiversity, monitor air and water quality, and develop innovative technologies to help safeguard this fragile ecosystem. SplashLab has been selected for funding by ProBleu, a European initiative that supports schools in implementing projects focused on environmental education and the conservation of water resources. Funded by the Horizon Europe program, ProBleu aims to equip younger generations with scientific knowledge and promote hands-on action to protect seas, rivers, and coastal areas. The SplashLab project will focus on four key areas: 1 - Coastal Monitoring; 2 - Blue Technologies; 3 - +Azul; 4 - Public Engagement.

The four key areas

Stand with us to protect our ocean
Click on each image to learn more about the organizations supporting SplashLab:
Funded by the European Union. However, the opinions and views expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Therefore, the European Union cannot be held responsible for them.
Contact
Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes
Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro
8700-853 Olhão
+351 289 700 450














