On 16 December 2024, MAR2PROTECT launched its first civil society engagement activity proposed by the Living Lab of the Lima river estuary demosite of the project. This event was organized by CIIMAR in collaboration with CMIA Viana do Castelo and the Santa Maria Maior Secondary School.

As part of the activity Saltmarsh as a laboratory, the 11th-grade class from Santa Maria Maior Secondary School participated in a field trip to the Lima estuary, located near the Urban Ecological Park. The objective of this excursion was to gain firsthand insight into the saltmarsh ecosystem and to understand the significant functions that these critical habitats serve, particularly in addressing water pollution and climate change challenges.

During the visit, students had a look at the site where the pilot revegetation study is being conducted as part of the Mar2Protect project. They also collected water samples to analyze some water physicochemical parameters at both low and high tide, allowing them to observe the natural variations within this highly dynamic environment.

With the support of CMIA, the students conducted a hands-on activity using a lab-scale model of a constructed wetland. This practical experience provided them with an opportunity to explore key concepts such as phytoremediation, as well as the use of natural and constructed wetlands as effective nature-based solutions.

Take a look at the photos taken!