The training, which took place on 17-18 December 2012, aimed to present the concept of Sandwatch for climate change adaptation and education for sustainable development, discuss Sandwatch methodologies, and develop a one-year workplan for Sandwatch implementation in the three participating schools on Wangi-wangi island.
According to UNESCO, each school is now developing a one-year workplan for beach monitoring, data analysis, result sharing and action taking.
26 December 2012: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported that its Jakarta office and the FOCIL Foundation organized a training of trainers for teachers and students from Wangi-wangi island, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, to kick-start the implementation of Sandwatch activities on the island.
The training, which took place on 17-18 December 2012, presented the concept of Sandwatch for climate change adaptation and education for sustainable development, discuss Sandwatch methodologies, and develop a one-year workplan for Sandwatch implementation in the respective schools.
The participating teachers and students: identified the environmental problems facing Waha beach; discussed the environmental problems they will focus on as part of Sandwatch activities; and addressed how Sandwatch activities can be regularly implemented in their schools for the next five months and beyond. Participants identified as coastal environmental issues: sand mining and the ensuing erosion; beach use; and marine debris. According to UNESCO, each school is now developing a one-year workplan for beach monitoring, data analysis, result sharing and action taking.
Sandwatch is a volunteer network of schools, youth groups, non-governmental and community-based organizations working together to monitor and enhance their beach environments. The network is coordinated by the Sandwatch Foundation, a non-profit organization. Sandwatch receives support from UNESCO and from the University of Puerto Rico. [Sandwatch Website] [UNESCO Press Release]