CoastWatch© is a free mobile application developed in the context of the project «Eco-Management, Restoration and Targeted Information/Awareness Raising Activities for the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the National Parks of Parnitha, Schinias and the Saronic Gulf Protected Areas of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.)» implemented by N.E.C.C.A. and the contractor MEDASSET.
The aim of the application is to monitor the changes occurred in the beach of the protected area of Schinias with the involvement of citizens.
Schinias reveals significant biodiversity and is the most important wetland in Attica. More than 240 species of birds have been observed, while it is an important station during the spring and autumn migration. Moreover, Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica), a marine plant indicator of good ecological status, grows on its sandy bottom and hosts a great variety of marine fauna. However, both anthropogenic pressures (waste, vehicle access, boat launching/retrieval etc.) and the climate change effects (coastal erosion, rising sea levels, etc.) can harm the sensitive beach environment.
CoastWatch© application aims to engage the citizens to actively take part in the protection of Schinias beach by taking photos of the coast. The collected information will contribute to the monitoring of the coastal changes and the evaluation of the ecological condition of the beach.
Take part in the monitoring of Schinias beach by taking photos and become a Citizen Scientist!
The steps are simple:
- Download the application on your mobile
- Spot the two specially designed information boards located on the beach
- Insert your mobile phone in the relevant space and take a photo
- Upload your photo to the application
- You can also declare violations on the emergent list on the app
A marine litter recording form is provided by CoastWatch© and can be used in the regular clean-ups organised by N.E.C.C.A., as well as by other organisations and individuals. Additional information about the protected flora and fauna of N.E.C.C.A. can be found in the application.
You can learn more about our project HERE
Share your photos in CoastWatch© mobile application, [email protected] or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #protectschiniascoast. Soon there will be a Photography Exhibition with material from the Scientists Citizens!
