Join the NEBS Network!

The Network of European Blue Schools is a key initiative of the EU4Ocean Coalition, sponsored by the European Union and operationalized by the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA). Its mission is to connect schools with the ocean by promoting ocean literacy through real-world, student-led projects. By completing a “Find the Blue” project—where students explore marine topics and take action for ocean sustainability—schools earn the title of European Blue School. The network fosters a growing community of educators, students, and schools across Europe who are actively engaged in protecting and understanding the ocean, strengthening the link between education and environmental stewardship. Contact us at info@balticlivinglab if you want to join in the activities such as twinning and mobility!

Highlighting the connection between the EU4Ocean Coalition and its three main communities of action:

• The EU4Ocean Platform → bringing together organizations and initiatives working on ocean literacy.

• Network of European Blue Schools → engaging schools to connect students with the ocean through projects and activities.

• Youth4Ocean Forum → empowering young changemakers to shape the future of our seas.

Together, these groups form the EU4Ocean Coalition, working across Europe to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and inspire action for healthy oceans.

💙 Schools that join the Network of European Blue Schools commit to bringing the ocean into the classroom and community, encouraging the next generation of ocean stewards.

📌 Scan the QR code in the slide to learn more about the Network of European Blue Schools.

To become part of the Network of European Blue Schools, projects must meet key criteria:

✅ Compulsory elements:

• Develop a project with connected activities

• Produce a clear output

• Involve all students

• Collaborate with a local partner

• Communicate project results

✨ Optional elements add depth and impact, such as:

• Providing authentic learning experiences

• Working across multiple disciplines

• Mobilising beyond the classroom

• Fostering land-sea connections

• Bringing in a European dimension

These criteria ensure that every Blue School project meaningfully links students with the ocean, their communities, and Europe’s shared future.

The Network of European Blue Schools has experienced a steady and impressive growth since its launch in 2020.

• In the first year (2020–2021), only a handful of schools received Blue School certificates.

• By 2021–2022, participation expanded, with both EU and non-EU schools joining the network.

• Growth continued in 2022–2023, with over 300 total certificates issued.

• In the current school year (2023–2024), the network has surpassed 500 certificates, demonstrating strong momentum and increasing international engagement.

• After the open calls of the "sister" projects - SHORE, ProBlue, and Blue-Lights - the NEBS has grown to over 800 school members.

🔹 The chart highlights that while most certified schools are in EU countries, the number of non-EU Blue Schools is also rising, showing the growing global relevance of the initiative.

Overall, this trend reflects how more and more schools are committing to ocean literacy, connecting students with the ocean, and building a stronger European and international community of Blue Schools.

NEBS Growth by Country

• The Network of European Blue Schools has expanded across Europe and beyond, with both the number of schools (yellow) and the certificates issued (blue) represented.

  • Spain and Greece stand out as leaders, with the highest number of Blue Schools and certificates.

  • Other strong contributors include Italy, Portugal, Hungary, and France, each with a steadily growing network.

  • Several countries, such as Croatia, Ireland, Romania, and Poland, are also building a noticeable presence.

  • While the Baltic Region is lagging behind other parts of Europe in terms of participation in the NEBS, there is a significant opportunity and enormous potential to expand the region's involvement in blue literacy initiatives. By strengthening cooperation and encouraging schools across the Baltic to join the network, the Baltic region, with its strong maritime identity and pressing environmental challenges, can play a much larger role in building a connected, hydrosphere-awareness in Europe.

Overall, the distribution reveals that while some countries have already built large national networks, others are just beginning their Blue School journey —demonstrating both the success and future growth potential of the initiative.

NEBS Distribution Across Europe's Basins:

• The Mediterranean Sea leads by far, with 347 schools involved.

• The Black Sea follows with 82 schools, while the Atlantic Ocean counts 76 schools.

• The North Sea (28 schools) and Baltic Sea (34 schools) show much lower participation.

  The pie charts highlight the contrast: in the EU, 61% of Blue Schools are in the Mediterranean, while the Baltic Sea accounts for only 6%, showing that northern regions are underrepresented compared to southern Europe.

  This points to a key opportunity: boosting Baltic Sea region and North Sea engagement to bring balance and strengthen blue literacy across all of Europe’s sea basins. Attention schools from these regions - Baltic Living Lab is here to help! Send us an email to info@balticlivinglab.org if you need help in joining NEBS or want to join in the activities such as accessing teaching and learning content from the sister projects, collaborate with other schools in twinning, or participate in Erasmus+ key action KA1 mobility across borders :-)