POLARIS

Participatory science is an excellent way of involving the general public in data acquisition, while at the same time raising environmental awareness.

“POLARIS, Platform for Coastal Observation Applied to Research, Information and Awareness-raising”.

This collaborative platform, created by Septentrion Environnement, an association based in Marseilles, combines participatory science and marine ecology research. The platform offers methods and tools adapted to the different players in the Aix Marseille Provence metropolis. A long-term action program, POLARIS collects field data to help implement management measures to protect Mediterranean ecosystems.
POLARIS is providing technical and educational support for the creation of a sea and coastal observatory for the Marseille metropolitan area.

This project is developing a new digital tool so that as many amateur divers as possible can collect data that will be analyzed by scientific research institutes in relation to the issue of climate change. This application will enable them to record their observations and transfer data to scientists, thus contributing to the collective management of the local marine ecosystem. The mobile application facilitates data collection and brings together scientists, researchers, marine park managers and citizens to protect biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea.