As part of the Erasmus+ Green Meme Effect project, Associação BioLiving organised two local environmental events in Portugal. These initiatives aimed to promote scientific knowledge, environmental awareness and community participation in nature protection.
Close to Halloween, BioLiving organised its usual thrilling evening event, ‘Night of the Dark Creatures’. Around 20 participants gathered in a mysterious and educational setting - an old abandoned primary school transformed into a ‘Haunted House’ in Frossos, Albergaria-a-Velha.
The aim of the event was to demystify nocturnal fauna that is often considered ‘scary’, such as bats, frogs, spiders and centipedes. Participants got involved in an interactive group challenge, solving four riddles about nocturnal biodiversity. One of the most exciting activities was investigating the mysterious death of a radiated wolf spider (Hogna radiata), so that they could deduce which predator was responsible. By analysing clues related to the main characteristics and behaviours of various fauna groups, the teams successfully identified the ‘culprit’, promoting a better understanding of these misunderstood creatures and their role in the ecosystem.
Later, to mark National Sea Day in Portugal, BioLiving led a coastal clean-up in collaboration with the Colégio da Areosa and the Vila Nova de Gaia Municipality. Students, families and teachers joined forces to remove approximately 120kg of marine litter from the Douro Estuary Local Nature Reserve. One of the most common items of waste collected was disposable wipes, which led to reflections on the environmental impact of daily consumption habits. As well as collecting waste, the participants discovered various marine species, strengthening their connection to nature and reinforcing the importance of protecting habitats.
Through immersive nature experiences and hands-on conservation work, participants not only gained knowledge, but also developed a greater appreciation for native biodiversity. BioLiving continues to lead these efforts, using creative approaches to inspire and empower communities towards a more sustainable future.
To learn more about the European project Green Meme Effect, visit the website here.
About BioLiving:
Associação BioLiving is an Environmental Non-Governmental Organisation (ONGA) whose work focuses on four areas of activity:
🌱 Nature Conservation;
🌱 Environmental Education and Training;
🌱 Scientific and Technical Consultancy;
🌱 Social Action and Inclusion.
After more than a decade of work in favour of nature and environmental education, BioLiving was born in 2016 in Frossos, Albergaria-a-Velha, with the aim of bringing ‘Nature and Education for All’ to Portugal and abroad.
