Project description
A smooth transition to a bioeconomy
A major challenge of our time, climate change has put entire nations on high alert in an effort to minimise its effects. New ideas and solutions are therefore necessary to reduce the risks posed by climate change. To that end, the EU-funded BioBeo project, with the assistance of its 15 partners, is introducing Europe’s youth to the benefits and importance of implementing a bioeconomy. To achieve this, it will create an engaging and educational programme that encourages participation and action throughout society, based on five bioeconomy themes: outdoor learning, interconnectedness, forestry, food loop and life below water. The overall aim is to increase participation in STEM careers, promote active citizenship and ease the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.
Objective
BioBeo is a 2 year, €2M project with 15 partners, bridging theory and practice. Its overall aim is to develop and deploy an education programme to enhance understanding and engagement across society regarding lifestyle, circularity and bioeconomy, using 5 bioeconomy themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water and the food loop. A network committed to promoting the bioeconomy concept will co-create and co-deliver the programme. BioBeo will provide for better coordination between bio-science and education in schools by developing the Circular Economy Science-Society message with a particular focus on circular lifestyle/behaviours, and a governance framework on society-wide engagement in bioeconomy policy. BioBeo will address social issues such as gender bias, disadvantaged youth groups, migrants and members of society with additional needs. We shall 1. increase awareness of environmental, social and economic benefits of sustainable and circular bioeconomy among young people at pre-school, primary and secondary school level 2. identify institutional and cultural barriers 3. develop innovative approaches and digital toolkits for educational and information materials 4. pilot BioBeo education programme reaching 35 schools, 1,000 university students, 1,800 parents/guardians and 100 teachers across Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany 5. demonstrate a measured increase in engagement of young people and their intention to pursue education and careers in life science, technology and bioeconomy 6. enhance governance of bioeconomy related processes within society by engaging European citizens from young to old in active policy making 7. coordinate communication and dissemination to optimise the reach and visibility to students, teachers, policy makers and parents. BioBeo will contribute to the transition to a sustainable EU circular bioeconomy by enhancing society-wide awareness and inspiring Europe’s youth to pursue STEM related careers.
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support ActionsCoordinator
4 Dublin
Ireland