The Asterousia project, titled “Monitoring marine litter and generating fit-for-purpose data through a participatory science approach in Asterousia Biosphere Reserve”, is spearheaded by MIO-ECSDE in cooperation with the Local Management Committee of Asterousia (LMCA), the Mediterranean Educational Initiative on Environment and Sustainability (MEdIES), the Hellenic Marine Research (HCMR), and the University of Crete and its Museum of Natural History.
The Asterousia project primarily aims to implement a harmonized marine litter monitoring and research approach along the biosphere reserve’s coastline. To this end, the project has set up an effective participatory science campaign which will generate fit-for-purpose marine litter data and develop scientific knowledge by engaging all societal actors, in particular, youth and primary and secondary schools.
A total 6 sites have been surveyed throughout the Asterousia Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve, 856 items of marine litter have been collected and catalogued, and 115 community members including students and teachers from a primary school in Tympaki have taken part.
The community-based research approach involved local residents and long-term visitors participating in the ongoing, grassroots level work of taking better care of the planet.
“The most valuable part of this project is its community-based aspect that gives “non-scientists” of almost any age or ability, the chance to be involved in research activity that directly impacts the world they live in,” said Gina Bily Kraft, Communication Officer of the Association of Volunteer Firefighters and Environmental Protection of Asterousia. “It raises awareness while giving people a hands-on chance to act positively and also see that working together to try and help solve a problem is also lots of fun.”
One of the project’s specificities is that it promotes a hands-on inquiry-based learning style, involving primary and secondary schools located within the biosphere reserve. So far, 85 teachers and students have participated in the first series of school events held by the project, including two educational online assemblies which had an attendance of more than 30 stakeholders, including 10 teachers.
A further 30 stakeholders, including grassroot NGO members, researchers, and members of the public have also benefited from interactive ‘capacity development’ activities carried out at the project's 6 study areas. There are another 6 marine litter monitoring events planned for April 2023, where more than 20 stakeholders and 110 primary school students and teachers are expected to attend.
"I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet so many motivated individuals in the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve. Witnessing their transformation into a powerful taskforce committed to generating fit-for-purpose data was truly inspiring. This data is instrumental in addressing one of the greatest threats of our times - marine litter,” said Thomais Vlachogianni, Senior Scientist/Policy/Programme Officer at MIO-ECSDE and Project Coordinator. "Thanks to the support of UNESCO, the abrdn Charitable Foundation, and all those who joined us, we are building a concrete showcase of how community-based research can deliver the Science We Need for the Future We Want.”
MAB Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves such as Asterousia are sensitive sites due to their high level of biodiversity and fragile and rare ecosystems. They are particularly vulnerable to processes of climate change and global warming, which affect and are affected by the ocean. In this context, they can be seen as pilot sites to promote ocean-related research, education and citizen science. We are delighted with the results of the Asterousia project so far, and of the incredible community-based approach undertaken by the site.
As part of the UNESCO and the abrdn Charitable Foundation (aCF) 3-year partnership launched in 2022, the project “Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO’s programmes and sites” seeks to promote a more sustainable and climate neutral Europe by working with Biosphere Reserves and other UNESCO sites to act as pilot sites for sustainable development.
