CapSenHAR capitalizes on the strategic results of the HARMONY and SenHAR projects, expanding their reach and impact. The project extends the non-indigenous species (NIS) surveillance framework developed under HARMONY into an operational early warning system within new cross-border Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Through a diverse network of marine stakeholders, the project promotes knowledge sharing between local and cross-border observers. The awareness campaign “P stands for Fish, not Plastic,” already tested in SenHAR, will be replicated and enhanced in new target areas, increasing citizen involvement.

Innovative educational tools, such as the educational game “I Measure You Thermoblitz” and the marine temperature sensor app, will be relaunched to raise awareness among students, citizens, tourists, fishermen, and divers about the effects of climate change within the MPAs.

CapSenHAR aims for a lasting transfer of knowledge, promoting environmental education and citizen science activities with a sustainable medium- to long-term impact.

The project foresees joint actions within cross-border Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), aimed at protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity through the following activities:

• Active involvement of MPAs in Italy and Malta for environmental protection;

• Adoption of shared tools for monitoring and early response to threats (e.g., alien species, marine litter) through the implementation of common monitoring systems, promoting participatory and sustainable environmental governance;

• Awareness-raising and training of citizens and local stakeholders to strengthen the culture of conservation through awareness campaigns and the use of innovative educational tools.

The project activities will achieve:

• Implementation of an Early Warning system for non-indigenous species (NIS), based on the HARMONY framework, within new MPAs forming a cross-border network, covering an area of 100 km². This will enhance response and prevention capacities in biodiversity conservation;

• "P stands for Fish, not Plastic" Campaign (CapSenHAR Edition): A campaign aimed at raising awareness among a larger number of citizens and stakeholders about marine litter in cross-border MPAs. This action strengthens environmental awareness regarding the fragility of marine ecosystems;

• "I Measure You Thermoblitz" Gaming (CapSenHAR Edition): An educational and citizen science initiative to raise awareness about the impact of marine heatwaves in MPAs. Based on the format developed in SenHAR, it will be extended to additional sites to increase participation.

Lead Partner:

• University of Palermo

Project Partners:

• University of Malta

• Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)

• Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, Sicily Marine Centre

Email

rettore@unipa.it