EcoEcho

EcoEcho (supported by Stimuleringsfonds, Gemeente Rotterdam and Amartefonds) started from something I was noticing and researching: many children and young people feel overwhelmed when talking about ecological crisis and climate change. Not always openly anxious, but exhausted, detached, or unsure how to see their future.

I began EcoEcho in Rotterdam as a way to respond to this. It started as three stories illustrated book called Outblowing, with the first story exploring sensory overload and the rediscovery of urban biodiversity. It also introduced species that use echolocation, sound as guidance, as well as pollinators, highlighting other ways of being present, tuning in,
sensing & navigating the world.

Rooted in biophilia — the idea that humans have an innate tendency to seek connection with other forms of life — and in biomimicry, the practice of learning from living systems, it is also rotted in listening.

Listening to moss collecting humidity. To pollinators navigating urban gardens. To the hidden microbiomes that shape our mental and physical wellbeing. To children imagining future cities where biodiversity is not an afterthought but an ally.

Meanwhile, EcoEcho expanded into workshops and sensory activities
for 9–12 year olds in Rotterdam, where design, ecology, mindfulness and storytelling became the tools for hands-on exploration. Students work with plants, seeds, soil, textures, clay and paint. At every lesson, we offer an introduction and a design activity inspired by either biomimicry, emotion perception, community and local biodiversity. At the moment, we are hosting weekly sessions with grade 6 at the Rotterdam International Secondary School and eventually with Stichting MANO with an younger audience.

The program integrates:
graphic storytelling, social design and critical thinking, ecological making, research into local biodiversity,
short mindfulness elements

These sessions are adaptive. Depending on the group and institution, the rhythm shifts. Sometimes the focus is on writing, sometimes on making and creating, sometimes on observing and reflecting. Also, the project is open
to further development — including long-term school partnerships, collaborations with cultural institutions, international adaptations,
and expanded publication formats.Created and directed by Larissa Monteiro

Created and directed by Larissa Monteiro
Rotterdam edition in collaboration with  with Busra Erkara,
and one-off events with Joke Olthaar