Partners from across Europe gathered in Denmark to turn coastal heritage into innovative tools for sustainability education, testing new storytelling methodologies and creative activities that will empower communities well into the future.
At the core of Stories of the Sea is a clear goal: developing a methodology that uses storytelling to enhance sustainable development education in coastal communities across Europe. Our recent three-day meeting on the island of Læsø, Denmark, hosted by Visit Læsø, marked the project’s first partner visit to a work region. It was a milestone when ideas transitioned from theory into practice.
Exploring Heritage to Shape the Future
Partners from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Germany, and Aalborg University gathered to explore Læsø’s unique coastal identity. We took inspiration from seagrass houses built using pioneering techniques that have lasted for centuries, and from salt production dating back to the 12th century, which is now on its way to UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2029. These stories were not ends in themselves but catalysts: they helped us imagine how storytelling can be reimagined as a tool for sustainability education.
Innovation Through Storytelling
Workshops moved beyond tradition into experimentation. Partners tested creative ecosystem activities, such as sense trails and species treasure hunts, to explore how stories can engage learners in new ways. Local interviews and statements gathered during the visit will soon be shared on social media and in film, amplifying voices from the island while feeding into the project’s broader methodology.
From Vision to Action
This first visit demonstrated how tradition, innovation, and storytelling can come together to empower coastal communities and foster sustainable futures. By merging academic rigour with creative practice, Stories of the Sea is developing tools that will assist guides, educators, and communities across Europe in using storytelling not only to preserve heritage but also to shape the future.
Looking Ahead
The journey continues. Next year, Bulgaria will host the project’s international conference, where partners will refine the Sustainability framework and advance the training methodology. Each step brings us closer to a future where storytelling empowers communities to create a sustainable future.