Building on previous citizen science initiatives, MedCities is scaling up its efforts in 2026 under the ANERIS project. This year marks a key milestone, as the project approaches its final phase in the fourth semester, offering a strategic opportunity to strengthen public awareness and enhance the use of the MINKA platform for biodiversity monitoring across the Mediterranean.

In April, two major activities were held: one in Mersin, Türkiye, on April 3, and another on Porquerolles Island in southern France on April 15.

Mersin Engages Youth in Citizen Science

In Mersin, the Metropolitan Municipality brought together young participants for a hands-on citizen science experience within the ANERIS project, in collaboration with MedCities. The initiative aimed to empower students to actively contribute to environmental data collection while increasing awareness of marine and coastal ecosystems.

The activity began at the Mersin Science Center, where participants were introduced to the MINKA platform and the principles of citizen science. During an interactive training session led by Dr. Aysegul Cil, students learned how to observe biodiversity, document findings, and upload data to a shared platform.

The group of 22 participants then moved to the Viranşehir coastline to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Using mobile devices, they recorded observations of marine and coastal life, documenting species and environmental conditions directly in the field. Under expert guidance, the students contributed valuable data to the MINKA platform.

Beyond data collection, the initiative encouraged participants to see themselves as active contributors to science and environmental protection. By combining education with fieldwork, the activity demonstrated how citizen science can connect communities with their local environment while supporting evidence-based decision-making.

The Mersin experience highlights how local governments can effectively engage youth, strengthen environmental awareness, and generate meaningful data simultaneously. It stands as a model for other Mediterranean cities seeking to involve communities in sustainable coastal management.

Read the related news published on the Mersin official site

Porquerolles Hosts First MINKA Bioblitz

On Porquerolles Island, MedCities partnered with SMILO to organize a series of bioblitzes throughout the year, complemented by additional citizen science activities such as marine litter characterization.

The April 15 event began with the collection and analysis of waste on La Courtade beach. Participants gathered approximately 40 kilograms of plastic and wood debris, with analysis revealing a notable presence of polystyrene.

In the afternoon, attention shifted to biodiversity monitoring using the MINKA platform. The application was well received by the 24 participants, who expressed strong interest in contributing to the identification and study of the island’s biodiversity.

This combined approach showcased both practical and educational dimensions of citizen science, highlighting its potential to engage communities while generating valuable environmental data.

MERSIN MATERIALS