For years now, in cooperation with the Otok association, the FabLab association has been contributing to the development of Prvić as an “island of ideas” – a place where tradition, innovation and care for the environment meet. Together we are creating a space in which islands are not just tourist destinations, but centres of knowledge, dialogue and environmental awareness.

STEM as a tool for protecting the environment

The Bioplanet project is aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations so that innovative STEM outreach programmes can be developed at national level. The project activities emphasise that STEM education is not only about technological progress, but is a key tool for:

*understanding environmental challenges
*creating sustainable solutions
*developing a society based on the “knowledge triangle”: science – innovation – lifelong learning

All the STEM activities on Prvić were designed to bring a scientific way of thinking closer to children, young people and visitors, and to show how technology can contribute to protecting the environment and to the green transition, as recognised in the European Green Deal.

Over the three days, visitors were able to:

• watch 3D printers in action
• try out interactive STEM/STEAM activities
• experience hands-on examples of how technology helps the environment
• learn about innovations that grow out of local needs and natural resources

All the activities emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, of encouraging curiosity and of developing environmental awareness – particularly in the context of the worrying decline in young people interest in science and STEM, which the PISA results also show.

Through Bioplanet and the Thematic Systemic Support scheme, FabLab sees islands as laboratories of sustainability and as places where an innovative, environmentally aware society can develop.