The European Union (EU) is funding a €2m international project to develop an education programme for young people focusing on a sustainable future for the next generation.
The project aims to develop and deploy an education programme that will enhance societal understanding and engagement on circularity and the bioeconomy, centering around five themes: interconnectedness, outdoor learning, forestry, life below water, and the food loop.
BioBeo, funded through the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation in the EU, is coordinated and led by associate professor Tom Curran of the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. The project will be delivered by 15 partners across 10 countries, including Maynooth University and An Taisce in Ireland.
Dr Máire Nic An Bhaird of the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University will lead the education development work involved in BioBeo.
“A key focus is on embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals into primary and secondary education programmes across Europe, leading to an enhanced society-wide understanding of a sustainable future for the next generation,” she explained.
While the primary focus of BioBeo will be on circular lifestyles and behaviours, as well as a framework on society-wide engagement in bioeconomy policy, it will also address social issues such as gender bias, disadvantaged youths, migrants, and people with additional needs.
“Given the unique position of Ireland as a global leader in sustainable agri-food systems, it is highly opportune that UCD and Maynooth University have come together in the leadership of this pan-EU bioeconomy project,” said UCD’s Prof Shane Ward, project partner.