Project Summary
BLUE-ECONOMY-LAB is an Erasmus project involving organizations from Colombia, Chile, Germany, and Spain to strengthen the maritime sector in Latin America, particularly in Colombia and Chile. The focus is on new curricula, practical training, and close collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and local communities. The goal is to promote sustainable fishing, coastal management, and other “Blue Jobs,” with a special emphasis on gender equality and respectful use of marine resources.
Project Manager
Status
ongoing since 2025
Budget
EUR 392.690
Links
Partners
European Commission
DomSpain SLU (ES)
2811 – Asociacíon Veintiocho Once (CO)
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (CO)
Centro De Formación Técnica Instituto Del Medio Ambiente (CL)
Mil y un mentorías (CL)
Project goals
Needs Assessment for Green Skills
Within the first three months, individual interviews and short surveys will be conducted with participants from VET institutions and local businesses in Chile and Colombia to identify gaps in “Blue & Green Jobs.” This will result in an analysis report with concrete recommendations, laying the foundation for further project steps.Development and Implementation of a Digital Learning Platform
By the twelfth project month, a user-friendly online platform with interactive modules on topics such as coastal tourism and marine resource use will be established. The goal is to provide teachers and industry experts with practical e-learning content and test runs, aiming for at least 80% satisfaction feedback.Regional Pilot Initiatives
Between the tenth and twelfth months, practice-oriented pilot projects will be conducted. Three educational institutions—two from Chile and one from Colombia—will test the concepts developed on the learning platform and generate best-practice examples for future scaling.Expert Conference “Green Skills for the Blue Economy”
A conference will bring together participants from the education sector, NGOs, and industry to exchange ideas on green competencies and professional opportunities in the maritime sector. In addition to expert presentations and workshops, concrete recommendations will be documented in a final report.Green Skills Booklet
Based on the insights gained, a compact guide will be created by the 21st project month. This booklet will serve as a useful tool for individuals, educators, and professionals to enhance their understanding of sustainability practices, environmental protection, and economic opportunities in sectors related to the blue economy.
LATAM VET for the Regeneration of Seas and Oceans – Blue Economy and Blue Jobs Program for Colombian and Chilean Institutions
Our long-term partner, 2811 UG from Berlin—founded by Chilean Wald Soto, who completed his master’s degree in Berlin—asked us once again to take on the role of coordinator in an Erasmus+ project. Since meeting Waldo in one of our workshops in 2018, we have collaborated with his then-small organization on numerous climate education projects. We were inspired by Waldo’s tireless efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change in his homeland while also strengthening awareness and the ability to make a positive impact among young people through innovative teaching and awareness-raising concepts. Today, 2811 is active throughout Latin America, and we are the ones learning from them.
BLUE-ECONOMY-LAB is a two-year Erasmus project that brings together experts from Colombia, Chile, Germany, and Spain to prepare coastal regions in Latin America for the future. In many of these regions, jobs are closely tied to the sea, yet suitable educational offerings and necessary infrastructure are often lacking. This is where the project comes in: Together, curricula and learning materials are developed, covering topics such as sustainable fishing, aquaculture, coastal management, and marine conservation.
A key component is training for teachers and trainers, where both technical know-how and modern teaching methods are taught. Pilot phases test the newly developed concepts on the ground, allowing for adjustments as challenges arise. At the same time, BLUE-ECONOMY-LAB places great emphasis on collaboration with local businesses, communities, and authorities to ensure all stakeholders work together and improvements are sustainably implemented.
A central goal is to make these educational opportunities accessible to as many people as possible. The project prioritizes gender equality and inclusion, such as by specifically supporting women and disadvantaged groups. Additionally, an international network is being created, enabling long-term exchange of innovative concepts and best practices among participating institutions.
BLUE-ECONOMY-LAB aims not only to strengthen the local economy but also to raise awareness for the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. It seeks to demonstrate that sustainable economic practices are not just empty phrases but can create concrete jobs while safeguarding nature.