Guardians of the Lagoon: Boarding Students in Action on Certosa Island

Have you ever wondered what it really means to take care of nature?

For the boarding students of H-FARM International School, the answer came on Certosa Island, in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, during a hands-on and deeply meaningful experience: the Barena Project.

A Day of Learning and Action

The project, part of the larger Custodians Plastic Race initiative and carried out in collaboration with BioDesign Foundation and Vento di Venezia, aims to raise awareness among students in the Veneto region about the importance of the barene—unique tidal wetlands essential to the ecological balance of the lagoon.

The day was structured in two key moments:

• an interactive lesson (held in English, reflecting the school’s international nature), where students explored the ecological value of the barene, their ecosystem services, and the impact of microplastics;
• a clean-up activity on the Barena of Certosa Island, where students rolled up their sleeves and took direct action, collecting trash and experiencing environmental stewardship firsthand.

A Tangible Impact

Faced with the sheer amount of waste found on the island, many students expressed shock and concern. But this awareness quickly turned into action: equipped with gloves and bags, they cleaned the area with focus and determination. Some even shared their desire to return in the future to continue contributing to the cause.

Education Beyond the Classroom

This initiative fits seamlessly into H-FARM International School’s Eco-School journey, which places sustainability at the core of its educational mission. The Barena Project is another step in that journey—a real-life experience that moves beyond theory, taking students out of the classroom and into the natural world to face today’s challenges head-on.

Young Guardians of the Future

Through this project, our students not only learned to value and protect fragile ecosystems, but also reflected on their role as global citizens. Every small gesture—from picking up plastic to raising awareness among their peers—contributes to a broader shift toward sustainability.

Because education also means inspiration, and today more than ever, the world needs young people ready to care for what matters most.