The project aims to create a space dedicated to the study, research and dissemination of ecological damage in aquatic ecosystems.
Castellón, January 22, 2025 – IbizaPreservation and the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló (UJI) have today signed an agreement for the creation of the IbizaPreservation Classroom of Blue Criminality , “a space dedicated to the study, research and dissemination of ecological damage in aquatic ecosystems ”, explain both entities.
The event was held this Wednesday at the Rectorate of the UJI and was signed by the rector of the UJI, Eva Alcón Soler, and Inmaculada Saranova de Martín , executive director of IbizaPreservation. In addition, the vice-rector for Innovation, Transfer and Scientific Dissemination, David Cabedo Semper ; the director of the Classroom, Esteban Morelle-Hungría ; and the professor in charge of the Criminal Law Area, María Luisa Cuerda Arnau, also attended. The IbizaPreservation Classroom of Blue Criminality aims to “offer an academic and scientific platform to analyse and address crimes related to the marine environment, such as illegal fishing, trafficking of aquatic species and dumping , which can have legal and even criminal consequences, as well as the environmental impact of human activities on ecosystems,” explains Inma Saranova.
These practices represent a serious threat to sustainability and biodiversity , especially in vulnerable areas such as the Pitiusas Islands. In addition, there are legal actions, such as overfishing , whose long-term effects can be equally harmful to marine ecosystems. This type of conduct is analysed from the perspective of Green Criminology, which addresses ecological damage with an ecosystemic and holistic approach, considering both its legal implications and its environmental impact. “This initiative seeks to promote sustainable solutions through study, training and the transfer of knowledge, linking academic work with the needs of society,” highlights the rector of the UJI.
The agreement between IbizaPreservation and the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló will promote training, dissemination and research activities around blue crime . These activities include the incorporation of specific content on blue crime in the Degree in Criminology and Security taught by the Universitat Jaume I. Likewise, the completion of Final Degree and Master’s Theses focused on this topic will be encouraged, incentivizing academic development in this field with the presentation of an IbizaPreservation Award for the best TFG. In addition, dissemination and transfer activities will be organized, such as seminars, conferences and meetings , as well as educational days aimed at secondary schools in Ibiza and Formentera, with the aim of “raising awareness among new generations about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems”.
In this sense, the activities of the IbizaPreservation Classroom of Blue Crime will begin on February 11 in Ibiza , coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science . On this day, a group of female scientists who are experts in marine conservation will visit educational centres on the island to give talks and share their professional experiences with students.
With the creation of the IbizaPreservation Classroom by Criminalidad Azul, both the environmental foundation and the Universitat Jaume I reaffirm their commitment to the protection of marine ecosystems , contributing to the training of experts and raising awareness among new generations about the importance of preserving aquatic environments.
