Raising awareness of the role of legumes in the sustainability of food systems was the goal of a science outreach activity led by researchers from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry at the Faculty of Biotechnology of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which involved around 90 students from a school (“Eco-Escola”) at the Centro Social de Bairro, in Vila Nova de Famalicão.
Designed and facilitated researchers Anissa Davel, Jacinta Santos, and Sara Pereira, the initiative was part of the LegumES and LeguCon projects, which aim to highlight the value of legumes for more sustainable food systems and promote their cultivation and consumption through knowledge sharing. The activity took place on February 11, as part of the World Pulses Day celebrations.
Following a brief introduction to concepts such as ecosystems and ecosystem services, students were challenged to take part in group activities exploring the benefits of legumes for both the environment and society. The session culminated in the creation of visual representations linking different ecosystem services to various parts of the plant, transforming scientific concepts into creative exercises and extending learning beyond the classroom. In total, five teachers, three researchers, and around 90 primary school students participated, in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and active engagement.
This initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between the UCP PlantTech laboratory and the Eco-School at Centro Social de Bairro, which has promoted several educational initiatives around legumes over the past few years.
For the researchers involved, activities like this demonstrate the essential role of science outreach in connecting research with society. Within the LegumES and LeguCon projects, education and public engagement are considered key to increasing awareness of the benefits of legumes and contributing to more sustainable food systems.
