From the Mediterranean to Spitzbergen

04.08.2005

International Polar Foundation

In 2005, Participe futur and Participe futur Switzerland will be organizing, in cooperation with the International Polar Foundation, an expedition from the Mediterranean to Spitzbergen and back on their 14m sailing ketch Alcyon. During this nine-month voyage, the expedition will pass along almost 13,500 of European coastline.

The route passes through the territorial waters of several western European countries and the Alcyon will tie up at major port cites like Valencia, Lisbon, London, Edinburgh, Bergen, Dublin and Marseilles. Constinuous contact with the expedition is possible via a dedicated internet site.

Objectives

This expedition is intended to sensitize our own and future generations to topical themes linked to the environment, the polar regions, navigation and the voyage.

We have dreamed up an interactive concept by which schools can easily follow the voyage through the media and a dedicated internet site, whilst working in play-learning mode on the topics proposed. Every time it comes into port, Alcyon will be a messenger and spokesperson for the children of Europe, calling for greater respect of the environment and stronger efforts to preserve the marine, terrestrial and polar environments.

The target group

The concepts, tools and interfaces have been developed in cooperation with primary and secondary school teaching staff, scientists and the members of EducaPoles, which is the pedagogical committee of the International Polar Foundation.

The primary target is schools, although the general public will have extensive access to the information through the media and the expedition internet site.