To mark World Oceans Day 🌍🌊, Professor and Researcher Tina Keller Costa from DBE and iBB visited Escola Básica e Secundária de Gama Barros in Cacém (Sintra, Lisbon District) to speak with 8th and 9th grade students about “Ocean and Health”.
The session explored the link between human and marine ecosystem health, introducing the “One Health” concept and the goals of the UN Ocean Decade. Several challenges were discussed, including harmful algal blooms and marine pathogens such as Vibrio bacteria, which can impact human health and are exacerbated by climate change, affecting water quality and food safety.
Tina also presented examples from IST research on fungal pathogens threatening coral health, highlighting the key role of science, evidence-based solutions, and blue biotechnology in promoting both ocean and human health. 🧫 🧬