Limpeza dos Mares brings environmental education to 5,000 students in Greater Florianópolis

The Limpeza dos Mares (Ocean Cleanup) team wrapped up this Wednesday (Sept 9) another edition of the annual cycle of environmental education talks of the project created by ACATMAR, the Brazilian Nautical Association. Held at Escola Magia do Saber, in Vargem do Bom Jesus, Florianópolis, the final activity gathered about 200 children and closed a series of actions that reached around 5,000 students from public and private schools in Greater Florianópolis.

Held every year during August, the cycle aims to bring children and teenagers closer to a reality that often stays out of society's sight: the amount and the variety of waste that reaches rivers, beaches and oceans. This edition featured more than 20 talks, counting the morning and afternoon sessions.

The idea is to have students take an active part in the learning. Part of the waste found during Limpeza dos Mares actions is brought into the schools, so children can see the different materials removed from aquatic environments and understand that the problem goes far beyond the best-known items, such as plastics and straws.

Topics include microplastics, recycling, proper waste disposal and the impact of litter on marine life. Language and activities are adapted to the students' age group. Games and challenges help teach how to sort and dispose of waste correctly and show how marine animals, such as turtles and dolphins, are affected by litter.

The talks also feature a video about the work carried out by Limpeza dos Mares, including cleanup actions and the dives to remove submerged materials. Then, playful activities put the students at the center of the experience.

"There is a moment to talk about sustainability, but also a moment to teach how to do it. And that may be one of the most important parts of environmental education: letting the child experience it. That is why we use games, a spinning wheel, challenges and missions, so they understand why waste harms the oceans, learn to sort it and realize they are also part of the solution. Sustainability stops being a difficult word and starts making sense in their lives. And when a child understands, they take that knowledge home, teach their family and talk to their friends. It is learning, but it is also experience, and that is what stays," says Michele Ferrari, ACATMAR's Director of Tourism, Events and Sustainability and coordinator of Limpeza dos Mares.

In the activity that closed the cycle, at Escola Magia do Saber, about 200 students aged 6 to 15 took part in the program. Besides the educational content, the children joined activities such as a spinning wheel of tasks, which includes the "Fort Mission", and exercises to identify the right destination for different kinds of waste.

The Turma do Limpeza dos Mares comic books, with two issues published so far, are also handed out: a playful, socio-educational material that carries important environmental awareness messages through stories, activities and games.

The work in schools also seeks to keep students involved in the project's actions. During the visits, schools are invited to take part in the Limpeza dos Mares Olympics, an annual initiative that reaches its third edition in 2026. This year, the event is scheduled for November 28 in Jurerê, Florianópolis.

About Limpeza dos Mares

Limpeza dos Mares is a social and environmental project dedicated to preserving aquatic environments. The initiative combines the removal of waste from rivers, beaches and the sea with permanent environmental education and awareness work.

Beyond the cleanup drives, the project draws attention to the so-called "litter no one sees": submerged, hard-to-reach waste that builds up underwater and directly affects ecosystems and marine life.

The initiative is part of the commitment of ACATMAR and its partners to the Sea Economy, promoting the preservation of the environment that sustains activities such as tourism, fishing and boating, as well as the quality of life of coastal communities.

Main sponsor: Fort Atacadista.

Held by: Mundo Mar Consulting, ACATMAR and Acquanauta Floripa.

Official support for the Talks Month: Blue Fox Marina, Marina Atlântida, Mano's Comunicação Visual, Iate Clube Veleiros da Ilha and Blue Nautical Hub Brasil.

Official institutional support: City of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Harbor Master's Office, SOAMAR Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Fire Department, Santa Catarina Environmental Military Police, ICMBio, SEMAE Santa Catarina and the Blue Flag Programme.