The ICO-FES project of the Observatório Oceanográfico (UFF) presents the turtle “Kûá” at the III FLUHIDROS & XVII ENES in Niterói. The extension project ICO-FES (Ocean Culture Initiatives: Training, Education and Society), linked to the Observatório Oceanográfico of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), took part in the III FLUHIDROS (National Symposium on Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics) and the XVII ENES (National Meeting on Sediment Engineering). The joint event, promoted by the Brazilian Water Resources Association (ABRHidro) in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, brought together researchers to discuss innovations in water resource management and coastal environments.
During the program, the O2 team presented the work “Ocean Culture as a strategy for Environmental Education in coastal territories.” One of the highlights of the group’s activities was the presentation of “Kûá,” a life-size turtle replica developed as a tactile teaching resource to help people understand marine fauna.
The initiative is led by educator Jaqueline P. A. Rapagna (a master’s student in the Graduate Program in Biosystems Engineering at UFF) and counts on the active participation of students Bianca Silva dos Santos, Milla V. Vieira, Sofia Lima Feitosa, and Thauana Fogos de Brito, with coordination and support from researchers Luciano Rapagna and André L. Belém.
The ICO-FES project is structured around three central pillars — Training, Education, and Society — to turn ocean culture into action. Through interactive materials, courses, and community engagement, the group seeks to promote Ocean Literacy, encouraging citizenship and the conservation of coastal ecosystems in schools and communities.
The project’s activities are registered with SIAEX/UFF and receive support and scholarships from UFF’s Pro-Rectory for Extension (PROEX).