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Description
Thessaloniki is a coastal city and many times citizen’s'' relations with the sea environment are not always harmonious. Issues of human intervention to the detriment of the environment are often raised (e.g. human waste, pollution etc.). Frequently the sea can turn into a field of accidents because of safety issues. The GREEN WATERS Network aims to enhance the involvement of volunteers dealing with the sea environment, through collaborations and networking of their organizations by developing skills and acquiring equipment.
The action plan consists of the following:
1. Invitation for cooperation, co-configuration and co-creation of Green Waters Network. Consultation for the establishment of the Network by recording the needs in training and adaptation of good practices in the field.
2. Establishment of the Network in legal form and acquisition of organizational infrastructure. Implementation of pilot actions in the field for the interconnection of Green Waters Network with other existing Networks.
3. Training workshops to strengthen the capacity of volunteers in the implementation of good and safety practices in the sea environment also in management of financial and human resources.
The immediate beneficiaries are the volunteers of the Green Waters Network who will be trained in good practices. Consequently the awareness and involvement in issues of the marine environment will be increased.
The project proposal stakeholders’ scheme includes the American Farm School (implementing stakeholder) which has organizational and managerial capacity by implementing various projects including alternative tourism activities, iSea which deals with sustainability in the sea environment and Ethelon which has the experience of supporting and developing voluntary awareness and participation in civil society.
Summary of project results
The “Green Waters, Network for life in the sea” project was designed to support a sustainable and balanced engagement between society and the marine environment. Its primary goal is to create a network of 15 members that place the marine environment at the heart of the conversation. The project aimed to harness societal forces and resources, fostering collaborations focused on the environment, safety, and culture.
Over the past two years, the project has accomplished:
- 9 educational workshops for volunteers
- 5 public engagement activities
- 1 educational package for school-aged children
- 1 crowdsourcing experiential group game
- 6 educational tutorials
- Participation in 1 educational conference
- 1 set of digital sensors for measuring marine environment parameters
- Creation of a Network
The project established the "Network for Life in the Sea, Green Waters," which now connects 15 organizations, institutions, and services in Central Macedonia. This network fosters collaboration and a shared commitment to marine conservation, ensuring ongoing impact and coordinated efforts in the region.
- Increased Volunteer Capacity and Engagement
171 volunteers were trained and actively involved, contributing over 1,200 hours of service to various project activities. Volunteers acquired skills in marine conservation, education, and citizen science, enhancing their ability to contribute to environmental initiatives.
- Educational Contributions:
Designed an educational package tailored for school-aged children, integrating marine conservation into classroom learning. Developed 6 educational tutorials and an innovative crowdsourcing experiential game, providing accessible tools for interactive learning and engagement. Enabled schools to incorporate environmental education into their curricula, inspiring younger generations to engage in marine conservation.
- Public Awareness and Involvement:
Conducted 5 public engagement activities to raise awareness about marine issues and encourage broader community participation. Participated in an educational conference, sharing knowledge and promoting the project''s initiatives at a broader level.
Impacts:
- For Volunteers:
They gained knowledge, hands-on experience, and a platform for contributing to marine conservation efforts, strengthening their role as environmental stewards.
- For the Community:
Public engagement activities and awareness campaigns encouraged community participation and built a culture of responsibility towards marine ecosystems.
- For the Environment:
The project provided tools and a collaborative framework that enhanced conservation efforts, promoted sustainable practices, and improved monitoring of marine ecosystems.
Beneficiaries:
- 171 volunteers
- Schools and educators
- Students involved in educational initiatives
- The 15 organizations, institutions, and services in the newly formed network
- Local communities in Central Macedonia
- Broader society benefiting from improved marine conservation and awareness initiatives