Through F‑LIFE, Treenacria pursued interconnected educational, social, and civic goals aligned with Erasmus+ priorities on inclusion, adult learning, and sustainability. The main objective was to empower senior women in coastal and island areas by offering accessible environmental education on marine ecosystems, sustainable consumption, and responsible everyday practices. A second objective was to deepen participants’ understanding of the “sea as a resource” in its cultural, environmental, and productive dimensions, linking traditional maritime knowledge with modern sustainability principles. The project also aimed to reconnect women with fields historically seen as male‑dominated, such as fishing and maritime culture, promoting gender equity and active ageing. A third objective focused on civic participation, encouraging women to move from awareness to action as local ambassadors of sustainable behaviours within families and communities. At organisational level, Treenacria sought to strengthen its capacity in non‑formal adult education and European project management, benefiting from methodological exchange with SEAL Cyprus and highlighting the value of locally rooted education for sustainability and social cohesion.
Treenacria applied for the project Fisher’s Life for Inclusion (F-LIFE) in response to social, educational, and territorial needs affecting coastal communities in Sicily. Despite a strong maritime identity, the territory experiences socioeconomic vulnerability, limited access to adult education, low skill levels, and high female unemployment, especially among women aged 45-65. These conditions often lead to social marginalisation, weak civic participation, and limited involvement in sustainability transitions promoted at European level. At the same time, the Mediterranean Sea is increasingly affected by pollution, biodiversity loss, overfishing, and climate change, requiring behavioural change and improved environmental literacy. However, senior women living in peripheral coastal areas are rarely reached by mainstream environmental education initiatives. The project was conceived to address this dual gap by responding to the lack of inclusive, non-formal adult education opportunities for senior women & the need to strengthen awareness of marine and environmental sustainability. Through cooperation with SEAL Cyprus, Treenacria created accessible learning spaces and fostered civic engagement rooted in culture and everyday practices.