From February 21st to 23rd, our team headed to the EUDI Show at Bologna Fiere, Europe’s largest exhibition fair dedicated to diving. We set up our stand for the REEForest project thanks to the collaboration with Divulgando, which produced graphics and panels.
We set up a wheel of fortune to engage the audience. Depending on where the wheel stopped, we asked the participants to tell us what they knew about Cystoseira’s marine ecosystem and then we told them about our project.
Even among divers, the role of macroalgal forests is often underestimated. Between questions, prizes and curiosity, we highlighted the essential services they provide and the dangers that threaten them.
On Friday the 21st we had the chance to meet with the network of other LIFE projects. We talked with colleagues that work with marine restoration, with plastic and rubbish removal from the seabed and with the protection of endangered species in marine and river waters.
Attending the meeting alongside us were colleagues working with LIFE NatuREEF, LIFE Prometheus, LIFE Pinna, LIFE SeaNet, LIFE Minnow, and Clean Sea LIFE.
The meeting was organised at the LIFE European Sharks stall. During the network meeting we shared our achievements and expectations for the future. The synergy between projects allowed us to stimulate new ideas and imagine collaborations.
The first step in protecting an endangered ecosystem is to raise collective awareness: we hope to come back next year to tell you about the results of our project!
