LPN & DiverSea AT THE OTTERS conference : Waves of Change

©Joana M da Silva (NUCLIO)

On 23rd and 24th May, LPN took part in the OTTERS Project Conference - "Waves of Change: Changing Hearts and Minds Through Aquatic Citizen Science", organised by the Interactive Centre for Astronomy and Innovation in Education (NUCLIO). Held at IST Taguspark and part of the Oeiras Valley Festival, the event brought together around 140 enthusiastic participants, including teachers, students, researchers and the general public.

The first day included presentations on the OTTERS project, as well as the identification of citizen science methodologies and standards, how to integrate citizen science into education, challenges and good practices to increase ocean literacy and promote civic awareness.

In the afternoon, LPN had the opportunity to present a poster highlighting citizen science initiatives focussed on monitoring marine biodiversity within the scope of the DiverSea project, which was prepared in collaboration with colleagues and partners from Akdeniz Koruma Derneği (AKD), & University of Porto (UPorto). LPN also hosted a stand to share information and spark conversations about the vital role of public participation in marine conservation.

On the second day there were presentations by and about the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA), the Portuguese Citizen Science Network (RPCC) and the Blue School, as well as the public as active participants and the use of artificial intelligence, among other topics. In the afternoon there was the opportunity to take part in workshops.

To summarise: citizen science is no longer optional. It's thriving in schools, universities, NGOs, research projects - and it's actively reshaping the way we observe, understand and protect our coastlines. From awareness to action, biodiversity and ecosystems are being documented, taught and defended by communities across Europe and beyond, from rivers to coastlines to the ocean.

The DiverSea project is an ambitious and innovative initiative funded by the European Union, with the aim of significantly improving the observation, mapping, monitoring and forecasting of functional biodiversity in European coastal seas. Coordinated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the project brings together 19 partners from 13 countries.

Launched on 1 September 2023 and expected to last four years, DiverSea is developing pioneering technology to improve the quality and efficiency of marine data collection. This technological innovation will enable more accurate and integrated monitoring of marine biodiversity, which is essential for the conservation and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.

The project will be implemented in several case studies throughout Europe, including an important site in Portugal: the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, part of the Arrábida Natural Park.

For more information, see DiverSea and https://www.ntnu.edu/diversea