Biodiversity

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Sea Shore Event (Ireland) [2024]

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Country: Ireland

Sites: An Trá Mór, Coill Rua, Indreabhán

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents, Kids and Families, Tourists and Visitors.

Short Description

The "Discover the Beach" event was held during National Heritage Week to celebrate the natural richness of Irish seashores and to emphasise the need to preserve local natural resources for future generations. Young people could attend inclusive, free-of-charge and bi-lingual educational events that included a seashore bioblitz (recording living species within a designated area), a scavenger hunt, litter clean-up, and a litter study, uncovering the ecological treasures and human pressures placed on the environment.

The participants were tasked to find and identify as many living species as possible on the beach and in the sea. Through this fun and interactive activity, the organiser aimed at creating awareness with young people about local biodiversity, how healthy beaches and dune systems are so important for many organisms, and the role these fragile habitats play by providing nature-based solutions to coastal erosion.

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Protect Our Dunes Campaign (Ireland) [2024]

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Country: Ireland

Sites: Bertra Beach, Murrisk; Keel Beach, Achill Island, Salthill Beach

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents, Kids and Families, Teachers and Schools, Tourists and Visitors.

Short Description

This initiative consisted of a series of 5 roadshow events dedicated to families and young people, and aimed at raising local communities' awareness of how to protect dune systems in Northwest Ireland. Along with the free and open events, a social media campaign was launched, focused on simple actions that everyone can take to protect the dunes.

The educational and fun family activities during the roadshow included Family Seashore Safaris and Q&A sessions with a Marine Biologist, raising awareness about dune systems and their biodiversity, as well as spreading knowledge of activities and behaviours that harm or protect the dunes.

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My booklet #ocean without plastic (Morocco) [2024]

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Country: Morocco

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents, Kids and Families, Teachers and Schools, Tourists and Visitors.

Short Description

To educate about the importance of protecting the coastal environment, engaging booklets were designed and distributed at the Blue Flag awarded beaches. as well as to groups of guides and scouts from the National Federation of Moroccan Scouting, summer camps, and school pupils.

The booklets were prepared to promote collective responsibility and sustainable practices to preserve the Moroccan coastline. Through numerous exercises and games, children could learn about the marine biodiversity and endangered species. They were also able to discover what simple actions can contribute to protecting the beaches and marine ecosystem.

It's in Our Hands (Portugal) [2024]

Country: Portugal

Site: Pedrogão Centro (beach)

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents, Kids and Families, Teachers and Schools.

Short Description

This project encouraged young people to widen their knowledge about local ecosystems and to get actively involved in nature conservancy activities. The initiative consisted of two different parts: a theoretical one, where the students learned about the specific environmental issues and the importance of fighting invasive species, as well as a practical one, where attendees participated in ecosystem restoration activities, such as monitoring the weevil on the beach, controlling and eradicating the beach willow, herb pampas, and acacias.

Thanks to the form of this educational activity, the local population was provided with more information about their region, enhancing their sense of belonging and protection. By having a chance to actively contribute to reducing the adverse effects of the presence of invasive species in this territory, they also improved their understanding of how ecosystem, society, and economy are interrelated.

Nurturing Blue Flag Beaches as place-based Environment and Sustainability Educational Sites (India) [2024]

Country: India

Site: Golden Blue Flag Beach, Odisha (beach)

Target: Students and schools; Local communities and residents.

Short Description

The Blue Flag beach in Odisha, India, has become a dynamic hub for environmental education. Leveraging its natural setting, the beach hosts regular Saturday events that have grown increasingly popular, attracting families, children, and tourists eager to learn about marine biodiversity, beach ecosystems, and the importance of sustainability. The programme's success stems from the strategic planning and insights gained from the Beach Managers Training Workshop, part of the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education Project (MECCE).

Led by the Golden Beach Management Committee and supported by local authorities, the initiative emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, such as marine turtle nest making and wetland protection activities. These events, designed by nature educator Akash Ranjan and his team, are diverse and interactive, ensuring sustained interest and engagement. The inclusion of rewards like handicrafts and local food items has further encouraged participation and fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.

The programme has not only attracted local visitors but has also drawn the attention of community leaders, with notable visits from figures like the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Puri. Educational activities included the following events: “Remember water fowls protect wetlands”; “Imagine your beach”, “Celebration of World Migratory Birds Day”, “Identifying ten ecosystems of Odisha and contributing to their conservation initiatives”, “Beach talk on Ghost crabs and sand dunes”, “Marine turtle nest making”, “Unseen seeds collage”, “Identify and build leaf crown”, “Web of life.”

Native and Endemic Species Reforestation in Padre Nuestro (Dominican Republic) [2024]

Country: Dominican Republic

Site: La Laguna Dominicus Catalonia (beach)

Target: Local communities and residents.

Short Description

The "Native and Endemic Species Reforestation in the Archaeological and Ecotourism Path Padre Nuestro" project in the Dominican Republic highlights a significant conservation effort within the Cotubanamá National Park. This 2-kilometer trail, rich in Taíno heritage and tropical biodiversity, saw the reforestation of endangered species with plants donated by the national botanical garden.

The reforestation included the planting of Mirabal flowers, Copey trees, and Bayahibe flowers, all critical to preserving local flora. The project, involving community engagement and education, emphasized the importance of protecting these species and the broader ecosystem. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity along the historic trail but also fosters community awareness and participation in environmental conservation.