Energa expands FRUG partnership, broadening Baltic conservation and marine education outreach
Polish energy company Energa has expanded its long-term partnership with the Foundation for the Development of the University of Gdańsk (FRUG), strengthening the “Direction Baltic” programme with new educational initiatives, enhanced accessibility measures and continued support for marine conservation and research activities in Hel.
In brief
Energa is expanding its cooperation with the University of Gdańsk Development Foundation in the Kierunek Bałtyk programme, launched in 2023. A new feature of this year's edition is a pilot for children and young people with hearing impairments: three two-day marine workshops in Hel for groups of 45 participants, with the support of a sign language interpreter. The 2026 calendar includes Porpoise Day in Gdynia, Marine Children's Day at the Hel seal sanctuary, Fish Day in Hel and the new Energy Worker Day at the Seal Sanctuary of the Professor Krzysztof Skóra Marine Station, scheduled for 14 August.
Partnership enters next phase
Launched in 2023, the cooperation between Energa and FRUG focuses on protecting the Baltic marine ecosystem, with particular attention to endangered species including the harbour porpoise and grey seal.
Under the renewed agreement, Energa will continue supporting research and public education delivered by the Marine Station in Hel, one of Poland’s leading centres for Baltic ecosystem studies and marine mammal protection.
Expanded public outreach programme
The 2026 programme calendar includes a series of flagship outdoor science and environmental events, such as Harbour Porpoise Day in Gdynia, the Fahrenheit Universities Science Picnic, Marine Children’s Day at the Hel seal sanctuary, Ocean of Change Science Picnic in Sopot and Fish Day in Hel.
A new addition this year is Energy Day at the Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Marine Station Seal Sanctuary, scheduled for 14 August, aimed at engaging local communities and summer visitors through marine-themed educational activities.
Events will feature thematic zones, expert talks, scientific presentations and interactive workshops designed to increase awareness of Baltic biodiversity and conservation challenges.
Accessibility becomes programme priority
A major development in 2026 is the introduction of a pilot initiative dedicated to children and young people with hearing impairments, including deaf, hard-of-hearing and partially hearing participants.
The project will deliver three two-day marine workshops in Hel, each accommodating 45 participants and caregivers. Sessions will be led by qualified specialists in special education alongside marine educators, with sign language interpretation provided throughout.
The initiative marks a significant move towards more inclusive marine and environmental education in Poland.
Blue School and digital learning
FRUG also continues to run its Blue School programme, offering extracurricular marine biology and Baltic ecology education through lectures, laboratory work, field sessions and research cruises.
Participants include children from foster care institutions involved in Energa’s social initiative Good Energy Homes.
Alongside on-site activities, the Direction Baltic programme maintains a strong online education component, reaching thousands of students, teachers and senior learners across Poland annually.
ESG alignment
The partnership supports Energa’s ESG and sustainability agenda, contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land and Partnerships for the Goals.
By expanding the scope of Direction Baltic, Energa and FRUG are reinforcing the role of business-academic partnerships in advancing marine conservation and environmental literacy in the Baltic region.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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