Behind the scenes: Building the BLUEFRONT Research Methodology

We are at the next phase of the BLUEFRONT project, developing a flexible, participatory research methodology to help young people explore and address water-related challenges in their communities. We are excited to share how this key component of the project is taking shape.

From local dialogues to structured research

BLUEFRONT seeks to empower youth by involving them in the research and mapping of water resources, contributing directly to WP2: Water Resource Research. To kickstart this effort, partners across Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Malta hosted focus groups with young people, local NGOs, environmental experts, and educators.

These sessions provided rich insights into regional water dynamics, from coastal pollution and overreliance on bottled water to lack of infrastructure and digital exclusion. The findings are now serving as the evidence base for the development of our Research Methodology, which will shape how young people conduct community-level water mapping across the project's pilot sites.

What will the Methodology deliver?

The methodology, led by FILEF Basilicata, with contributions from all partners, translates real-world insights into a practical toolkit designed for youth and youth workers. It will serve multiple purposes:

• Guide participatory research on waterbeds and local aquatic systems

• Support the co-creation of Water Roadmaps in each country

• Form the foundation for upcoming training activities (WP3) and the online MOOC (WP4)

The methodology includes:

• Structured guidelines for inclusive, non-formal research activities

• Templates for interviews, mapping, and data gathering

• Tools for community engagement, creative expression, and digital storytelling

• Adaptable pathways for different water settings: coastal, rural, island, river-based, etc.

Why it aligns with the BLUEFRONT vision

This activity directly contributes to the project's aim to foster place-based understanding of water systems, while promoting youth engagement in line with the European Green Deal, the EU Youth Strategy, and the Blue Economy agenda. As described in the proposal, BLUEFRONT emphasizes a “ground-up” approach, ensuring that actions are rooted in the voices and knowledge of the people who live with these challenges every day.

“Youth must be seen not only as beneficiaries, but as drivers of change.”

By developing a methodology that is evidence-based, inclusive, and scalable, BLUEFRONT sets the stage for deeper community engagement and lasting environmental stewardship.

What’s coming next?

As we finalize the methodology, it will be tested and applied through upcoming youth training sessions and peer-learning activities, paving the way for the development of local Water Roadmaps in each partner country.

This is just the beginning of our journey to empower a new generation of changemakers. Stay with us as we continue transforming research into action.