Vagionia on Poros and Agia Sotira in Galatas are the two beaches that participate in WWF’s program “Adopt a beach“. Katheti, as a member of the Ec(h)o consortium, organized the action, which includes waste recording and beach cleaning. The second action on the beaches we “adopted” takes place in November. On November 7^th and 8^th, the team of volunteers will visit Vagionia and Agia Sotira respectively.  

The program “Adopt a beach” is innovative and the Municipalities of Poros and Troizinia-Methana responded to it very positively. It is based on voluntary contribution and operates in the context of “citizens’ science”. In other words, it is an action with which adults and children come in contact with scientific methodology.   

The process

The recording process is very simple and needs, ideally, groups of 5-6 people, with one coordinator. Participants are informed of both the methodology and the safety rules. The beach should be easily accessible and exposed to the open sea. Monitoring is done two to four times a year. 

The collected data are entered into the open database located on the program’s website. The knowledge of the volume, origin, composition and seasonality of the waste found on the beaches constitutes a background for research, but also for informing citizens and competent state bodies. 

It is important that there is a second action on the beaches we “adopted” because the information collected may contribute decisively to the understanding of the ways and sources of coastal pollution. It contributes to a healthier environment, better living conditions and the sustainable development of our area. 

So, let’s reinforce the action “Adopt a beach” with our participation! 

Photo 1: poros.com