What we do
Taking education outside the classroom:
Education for sustainable development is an approach to teaching and learning that seeks to empower people of all ages to assume responsibility for creating and enjoying a sustainable future.
By taking education out of the classroom, students are introduced to real life situations and can develop critical thinking skills to address environmental issues. Taking action based on good scientific practice is the basis of the Sandwatch methodology, which consists of four main steps: Monitoring beach changes and people’s use for the beach; Analysing the results; Sharing the findings; and Taking action (MAST).
As such, Sandwatch embodies the principles of sustainable development and in 2014 Sandwatch was recognized at the end of the United Nations Decade on Education for Sustainable Development
as one of the 25 most successful projects from around the world.
Examples of the Sandwatch MAST methodology in action follow:
By taking education out of the classroom, students are introduced to real life situations and can develop critical thinking skills to address environmental issues. Taking action based on good scientific practice is the basis of the Sandwatch methodology, which consists of four main steps: Monitoring beach changes and people’s use for the beach; Analysing the results; Sharing the findings; and Taking action (MAST).
As such, Sandwatch embodies the principles of sustainable development and in 2014 Sandwatch was recognized at the end of the United Nations Decade on Education for Sustainable Development
as one of the 25 most successful projects from around the world.
Examples of the Sandwatch MAST methodology in action follow:
Measuring beach profiles
Eco-Warriors in Seychelles monitor four beaches in Seychelles
A group of young environmentalists who participated in the Eco-Warriors Sandwatch Training programme selected four beaches for their Sandwatch monitoring. Beau Vallon and Anse Royale beaches were selected on account of the number of tourists who visit these beaches while Anse Boileau was chosen as it is frequented by a large group of fishermen. The fourth beach, Intendance Beach, was chosen as erosion was taking place and various hotels and touristic establishments are situated there.
For more information see website article
A group of young environmentalists who participated in the Eco-Warriors Sandwatch Training programme selected four beaches for their Sandwatch monitoring. Beau Vallon and Anse Royale beaches were selected on account of the number of tourists who visit these beaches while Anse Boileau was chosen as it is frequented by a large group of fishermen. The fourth beach, Intendance Beach, was chosen as erosion was taking place and various hotels and touristic establishments are situated there.
For more information see website article
Turbidity results
Sandwatch results applied to halt illegal coastal development in the Dominican Republic
Sandwatch water quality monitoring results at Playa Montero in San Pedro de Macoris Province showed very high turbidity values and these were linked to the illegal construction of a nearby jetty. The Sandwatch group reported their findings to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources who issued an order to stop the construction.
For more information, see report (in Spanish)
Sandwatch water quality monitoring results at Playa Montero in San Pedro de Macoris Province showed very high turbidity values and these were linked to the illegal construction of a nearby jetty. The Sandwatch group reported their findings to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources who issued an order to stop the construction.
For more information, see report (in Spanish)
Students removing stones and preparing the area for grass planting
Taking action to address coastal drainage issues in Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Students used the Sandwatch methodology to investigate and identify the drainage problems at the Geoff Gregg drain at Paget Farm, and then worked with the community to clear debris from the drain and prepare the coastal area for planting.
For more information see report
Students used the Sandwatch methodology to investigate and identify the drainage problems at the Geoff Gregg drain at Paget Farm, and then worked with the community to clear debris from the drain and prepare the coastal area for planting.
For more information see report