POLARIS

Coastal Observation Platform Applied to Research, Information, and Awareness-Raising.

THE POLARIS PROJECT

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

Citizen science is an excellent way to engage the general public in data collection while raising awareness about the environment.

“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.

GOALS

Develop a mobile application for amateur divers to facilitate data collection on marine biodiversity and involve citizens in the protection of Mediterranean marine ecosystems.

METHOD

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.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

POLARIS combines citizen science, digital innovation, and scientific research to collect data on a large scale.

By turning divers into real contributors to research, the project enables:
– improving knowledge of marine ecosystems
– strengthening local awareness
– and supporting management decisions based on concrete data

Une approche collaborative qui reconnecte citoyens et science au service de la préservation de la Méditerranée.