Catalyst of Change
Supporting a vibrant civil society in Europe
Sciaena
www.sciaena.orgSciaena is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting a healthy marine environment through sustainable use, public engagement, and political action. The organization works to bridge scientific knowledge and society, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By raising awareness, Sciaena develops integrated strategies and action plans that support marine conservation. Serving as an open platform for communication, education, training, and knowledge sharing, it plays a key role in empowering communities and influencing policy for the protection of the ocean
About the Project
Coluna de água (Water column)
In Portugal, environmental justice and ocean protection remain underrepresented in mainstream media and public debate, despite being critical to people’s lives and rights. While coastal communities, women shellfish gatherers, and small-scale fishers are directly affected by pollution, overexploitation of resources, and the impacts of climate change, their experiences and voices rarely make it into the public sphere. Instead, the narrative around development often prioritizes economic growth and tourism over social equity, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
The proposed project, Coluna de Água, aims to strengthen Sciaena’s capacity to tell stories, publish opinion pieces, and use accessible formats to bring environmental justice, gender equality, democratic participation, sustainability and harmonious living into the public eye. By investing in storytelling and Op-Ed writing, and by committing to monthly publications in a local journal, the project will ensure that critical issues—such as pollution, climate justice, degrowth, fisheries management, among others—are regularly part of the civic conversation.
Communication Outputs
Published Articles
Un mar de possibilidades – Column by Sciaena on the importance of restoring marine habitats in Portugal
A era do desperdício eletrónico – Sciaena opinion piece about the dangers of deep sea mining
Tradições, sustentabilidade e poke bowls – Sciaena article on the need for sustainable consumption fishing practices
Social Media
Funded by the European Union
name
Catalyst of Change: Protecting the Union values by supporting a resilient, engaged and vocal civil society for the promotion of women’s rights, environmental justice and anti-corruption
partner
European Center for Not-for-Profit Law Stichting (ECNL)
duration
1 January 2023- 31 December 2026
budget
3,411.982 EUR
