FRUG’s ecological initiatives with Energa’s support

Fundacja Rozwoju Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego | fot. A. Adamski

The University of Gdańsk Development Foundation, in partnership with the UG Marine Station in Hel, carries out projects aimed at preserving Baltic Sea nature while conducting research and educational activities. In 2025, the foundation plans to continue its initiative focused on protecting the Baltic ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on coastal species and habitats, key threats (including climate change and plastic pollution), and strategies to mitigate these risks.

- Together with the University of Gdańsk Development Foundation and the Marine Station in Hel, we will continue the important ‘Kierunek Bałtyk’ (Direction: Baltic) project. Energa operates in the Baltic Sea region, and responsibility for our immediate environment is our priority. The project's objectives align with our mission to support the local community. Above all, this is an investment in public education, particularly for younger generations. We also greatly value collaboration with the scientific and expert community, which allows us to develop initiatives for the protection of the Baltic ecosystem, says Piotr Szymanek, Vice President of Energa SA.

Marine education

Energa, in partnership with the University of Gdańsk Development Foundation and the UG Marine Station, leads the Kierunek Bałtyk initiative, aimed at protecting the Baltic environment. The program includes conservation efforts for the region’s most endangered species, such as the harbor porpoise and gray seal.

A significant component of this collaboration is a series of educational events with a long-standing tradition and consistently high attendance. During gatherings such as Porpoise Day in Gdynia or Fish Day in Hel, FRUG educators and UG Marine Station specialists share up-to-date knowledge on the Baltic ecosystem, biodiversity, and endangered species.

With Energa’s support, additional educational activities take place at the UG Marine Station, including the summer course Ichthyologist of the Sea. This program introduces participants to the biology and ecology of the Baltic fish fauna and the threats impacting its resources. The course includes lectures, laboratory work, and field workshops conducted by experts from universities across Poland.

As part of this initiative, the UG Marine Station in Hel also hosts children from orphanages participating in the Homes of Good Energy program. The youngest visitors take part in the Blue School—boarding research vessels, engaging in hands-on activities and workshops. They learn about marine mammal biology and receive guidance on how to behave if they encounter a seal on the beach. They also attend lectures on the hydrology of the Baltic Sea and environmental challenges caused by human activities.

Beyond outdoor events, workshops, and specialized courses for diverse audiences, Kierunek Bałtyk also offers online resources to reach people across Poland. With an annual audience of several thousand, these initiatives aim to promote environmentally friendly behaviors and foster ecological awareness from an early age.