Written by IIS Isa Conti Eller Vainicher
Students from the Isa Conti Eller Vainicher school have taken an important step toward understanding the future of marine sustainability thanks to their participation in the Blue Ocean Erasmus+ program. The initiative, carried out this week, gave learners exclusive access to the digital learning platform Blueoceanerasmus.com, where they explored the intersection of tradition, scientific research and technological innovation in the protection of marine ecosystems.
The program provided students with the opportunity to follow a specialized Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) dedicated to the processing of marine living resources, covering areas such as food innovation, bio-based transformation, and bioenergy production. These topics are central to the growing blue economy, a sector that plays a crucial role in Europe’s environmental and economic strategies.
Guided by teachers Giuseppe Scalogna, Arianna Fonti, and Mariangiola Li Vigni, students also engaged with the personal stories of three industry professionals. Chef Manuel Lazzaro, Dr. Broni Hornsby, and Dr. Francesco Italiano shared insights into their professional paths, illustrating how diverse and interdisciplinary blue economy careers can be. Their testimonials highlighted the opportunities available to young people in fields ranging from gastronomy to scientific research and environmental conservation.
According to the teaching team, the experience was not only educational but transformative. “The students approached complex topics with enthusiasm and curiosity,” said the educators. “This project allowed them to see the ocean not just as a natural resource, but as a space for innovation and sustainable development.”
The initiative is considered a significant milestone for the school, reinforcing its commitment to providing students with skills and perspectives that reach beyond the classroom. By engaging directly with experts and innovative learning tools, students gained a broader understanding of how their future choices can contribute to protecting and revitalizing marine environments.
As global attention increasingly turns toward sustainability, the school’s participation in the Blue Ocean Erasmus+ program demonstrates a proactive approach to preparing the next generation of professionals, innovators and citizens.
With this achievement, Isa Conti Eller Vainicher continues to position itself at the forefront of educational projects that link scientific learning, international cooperation, and environmental awareness.