21 May 2013: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported on a Sandwatch stakeholder workshop involving SMA Negeri 1 and MTsN Lhoknga, teachers from schools in coastal Aceh Besar district, government officials, Panglima Laôt and local NGOs.

The workshop, co-organized by KuALa and UNESCO Jakarta, was held in Lhoknga, Aceh, Indonesia, on 15 May 2013. It aimed to present Sandwatch project implementation for the past five months in Aceh. Students presented their recent activities, including coastal cleanup, marine ecosystem conservation and climate change adaptation. They also presented samples of craft products made of recycled materials. Participants provided positive feedback on the Sandwatch project, highlighting positive impacts to students and teachers from both schools.

KuALA presented its agenda for future Sandwatch implementation, highlighting: tree re-plantation around coastal environment in Lhoknga; beach cleanup; turtle monitoring; and craft making from recycled materials.

Sandwatch is a volunteer network of schools, youth groups, non-governmental and community-based organizations working together to monitor and enhance their beach environments. It is based on the recognition that beaches are among the ecosystems at risk from climate change as they face rising sea levels and more intense storms. The network is coordinated by the Sandwatch Foundation, a non-profit organization. Sandwatch receives support from UNESCO and from the University of Puerto Rico. [UNESCO Press Release] [Sandwatch Website]