School trips and environmental education: learning outside the classroom also means protecting nature

School trips, outdoor educational activities and residential camps are currently facing a period of uncertainty in Catalonia. According to an article published by La Vanguardia on Thursday, 30 April 2026, the educational conflict between part of the teaching staff and the Department of Education is affecting the planning of excursions, end-of-year trips, school camps and complementary activities.

The article points to a significant drop in bookings for the next academic year and reflects the concern of organisations in the educational leisure sector. Fundesplai estimates a 70% reduction in reserved places for the 2026-2027 school year, while ACELLEC reports a 54% drop and around 5,000 people in the sector affected.

Beyond the figures, this situation raises an essential issue: the educational, social and environmental value of school trips.

Learning also happens in nature

Activities outside the classroom allow students to learn in an experiential, direct and participatory way. A school trip is not just an excursion: it is an opportunity to observe, discover, share experiences and better understand the environment.

In natural areas such as l’Estartit, the sea becomes an open-air classroom. Contact with the coastline, observation of the marine environment and guided activities allow students to work on topics related to biodiversity, sustainability, respect for nature and both individual and collective responsibility.

These experiences help students connect with the environment through emotion and direct experience. This connection is essential to educate more aware citizens who are committed to protecting the planet.

Environmental education based on respect

At Medaqua, we carry out our activities in a privileged natural setting: the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, especially around the Medes Islands, one of the most emblematic marine areas in the Mediterranean.

For this reason, our educational activities are not understood merely as sports or leisure proposals, but as experiences of discovery in the natural environment. Each activity is also an opportunity to convey the importance of conserving the environment that makes it possible.

Through activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and coastal interpretation, students can discover the richness of the marine ecosystem first-hand and understand why it needs to be protected. The aim is to enjoy the sea, but always with respect, safety and responsibility.

Environmental management and continuous improvement

Medaqua’s commitment to sustainability is part of the way we work. Our environmental policy is based on offering memorable sea experiences while combining quality, safety and respect for the natural environment.

We work to control the impact of our activities, prevent pollution and promote good environmental practices among clients, partners, schools and our team.

This commitment is reinforced by an environmental management system based on the ISO 14001 standard, implemented in 2018, which reflects our commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability and responsible management.

In addition, Medaqua is a member of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in the natural park and participates in the SICTED programme, initiatives that strengthen our commitment to quality, sustainability and ongoing improvement.

Protecting the sea starts with knowing it

We believe that you cannot protect what you do not know. That is why school trips to natural environments play a fundamental role in the environmental education of children and young people.

When a student observes marine life, understands the fragility of ecosystems, learns not to touch wildlife, avoids leaving waste, follows the guides’ instructions and values the biodiversity around them, they are gaining knowledge that goes far beyond a day outside the classroom.

At Medaqua, our activities are designed to enjoy the environment without altering it, encouraging a responsible relationship with the sea and the Natural Park.

The importance of continuing to support educational trips

The current uncertainty surrounding school camps and trips affects schools, families, students and organisations in the sector. But it also reminds us of the importance of defending these learning spaces.

School trips contribute to the all-round education of students. They encourage coexistence, autonomy, teamwork and respect for the environment. In the case of nature-based activities, they also bring sustainability closer to students in a practical and meaningful way.

At Medaqua l’Estartit, we remain committed to high-quality, safe and responsible environmental education. We continue working to ensure that every school trip is an enriching experience, respectful of the environment and aligned with the conservation values that guide our activity.

Because learning outside the classroom also means learning to care for the world we share.