Baltic Sea video challenge

The Baltic Sea Video Challenge for Schools will open in April 2026.

Baltic Sea Video Challenge invites schools and nature houses across the Baltic Sea region to take part in an inspiring cross-border learning adventure that combines youth creativity and marine science.

The Challenge will be open 1 April — 30 September 2026.

The Video Challenge encourages middle and secondary school students across the Baltic Sea to explore the life of their local waterfront — whether marine or freshwater — and tell its story through a short video (2–3 minutes). Guided by their educators, students capture what makes their shoreline unique and share their videos via an educational platform.

The collected videos will serve as the foundation for engaging lectures, where marine scientists explain the regional characteristics of the Baltic Sea. Through these shared stories, students are invited to visit virtually each other’s shores and gain a deeper understanding of the Baltic Sea as a connected ecosystem.

Why participate?

By joining the Baltic Sea Video Challenge, schools are building a collaborative learning community across the Baltic Sea region, spanning from inland waters to coastal areas. Participants can connect with other schools, exchange perspectives, and contribute to a shared learning experience through the European School Education Platform eTwinning (school-education.ec.europa.eu). We have created our own Baltic Sea Video Challenge space on the eTwinning. Feel free to explore and join us!

Instructions for participants

Requested video content

Length: max. 3 minutes
Show your shoreline – try to catch its true character.
Show 3–5 species in their natural environment at the waterfront.
If you like, send your greetings, questions or challenge to students across the Sea.
Feel free to surprise us!
Don’t hesitate to speak! You can use your own language. Please speak clearly and loudly enough.

The Baltic Sea Video Challenge will be carried out within the framework of BlueLightS Horizon Europe project (blue-lights.eu).

The Challenge is a joint initiative designed and implemented by Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) (syke.fi) and Swedish Institute for Marine Environment at University of Gothenburg (SIME) (havsmiljoinstitutet.se). The Challenge is supported by HELCOM (helcom.fi).

Practical Instructions

Video – technical instructions

Use a smartphone, a digital camera, or a GoPro.
Use your phone sideways in horizontal position (landscape) (preferred for YouTube).
Choose Full HD 1080p (1920×1080, 16:9).
Use a mix of wide, medium, and close-up shots.
MP4 format and H.264 compression are preferred for YouTube.
Don’t add any titles or subtitles to your video.

File naming format

Use the following format:
[Country_Location_School_Grade_DayMonth]
Example: Finland_Espoo_OtaniemiGymnasium_2A_15April

Where to send your video and Word-file

Send your video (MP4) and Word file using a free file sender service (such as WeTransfer, Send Anywhere ) to email:bluelightsbalticsea@gmail.com.

What information should be included in the Word file (in English)

Country
Name and address of the school
Class grade
Teacher’s email address
Video’s date and name of the location
Coordinates of the location; use map program (GoogleMap or similar)
Short description of your shoreline; (rocky, sandy, littered, clean, etc.)
Names of the species you show in the video (we will verify the species later)
Questions you would like a scientist to answer

If you are at the seashore
Explain the extent of the catchment area entering your sea basin.
If you are inland
Explain how your water body is connected to the Baltic Sea.

Remember to complete the Teacher Declaration in Webropol!