BioPlatgesMet, promoted by the AMB with the support of ICM-CSIC and the Institut Metròpoli, combines open technology, citizen science and public management to improve the conservation of natural areas.
The BioPlatgesMet project comes to an end after two years of activity with remarkable results: more than 6,000 observations recorded on the MINKA platform, corresponding to 697 different species from metropolitan beaches. Of these, 47 are classified as protected and 24 as invasive.
The five most frequently observed species were the warty cockle Acanthocardia tuberculata (112 observations), the cut-through shell Spisula subtruncata (111), the by-the-wind sailor Velella velella (102), the red-mouthed rock shell Stramonita haemastoma (101) and the Audouin’s gull Ichthyaetus audouinii, listed as a protected species (99 observations).
The data collected will be used to plan conservation actions, such as prioritising interventions in dune areas with invasive species, reinforcing signage, restricting access to areas where protected species have been detected, and monitoring the recovery of native vegetation.
Daniel Palacios, head of the AMB Beach Service, states:
“Looking ahead, several challenges arise: maintaining data collection, ensuring continuous validation and quality control of observations, and integrating the data generated into decision-making for the integrated management of beaches. It is also key to give visibility to the results to amplify the social and environmental impact of BioPlatgesMet.”
Karen Soacha, researcher at the EMBIMOS group of ICM-CSIC, highlights the positive results of the project:
“Co-designing technological tools with public administrations has shown how these infrastructures facilitate the transition from data to decision-making.”
Elena Domene, head of sustainability at the Institut Metròpoli, adds:
“Metropolitan beaches are biodiversity hotspots, but also social spaces that require shared management. The BioPlatgesMet project has demonstrated that citizen science can generate valuable knowledge and strengthen connections with the territory. The challenge now is to maintain this participation so that beaches are more valued and more participatory.”
BioPlatgesMet represents a qualitative leap in the understanding and management of biodiversity on metropolitan beaches through the integration of technology, science and citizen participation.
The data and tools used have enabled a shift from occasional studies to a collaborative, continuous strategy for coastal monitoring and management. At the same time, citizen involvement, educational and engagement programmes, and communication efforts have reinforced public awareness, fostering the perception of beaches as natural environments.
Technological infrastructure for biodiversity
The project has enabled the development of digital tools and methodologies that combine data collection on flora and fauna, data visualisation and the promotion of citizen participation. Among these tools is MINKA, the citizen science platform created by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC). Through this platform, technicians, volunteers, and citizen observers record geolocated photographs of flora and fauna in coastal and dune areas. Observations are validated collectively and also by experts before being integrated into open databases. To date, 253 people have participated in the project, with 165 contributing observations.
The MINKA Dashboard has also been developed, a monitoring tool designed for management teams that visualises and analyses data generated by MINKA. This tool helps detect trends, identify areas requiring action and locate potential invasive species, supporting the AMB in technical decision-making.
Additionally, pilot tests have been conducted using complementary tools, including a real-time interactive ChatBot, the PlantNet artificial intelligence system for species identification from photographs, and CirculAR, an augmented-reality application that visualises dune dynamics.
Together, these tools have enabled the transition from traditional one-off studies to a continuous, collaborative and digitalised monitoring system in which citizens contribute scientifically valuable data and the Administration can respond more efficiently.
Environmental education and citizen engagement
One of the project’s cornerstones has been its integration into the educational and engagement programmes of metropolitan beaches within the Aprenem a la Xarxa (“Learning in the Network”) programme. This includes the adaptation and integration of content and materials for the Jugatecambiental environmental play area, the specific adaptation of activity cycles in metropolitan parks, beaches and rivers, and the integration of BioPlatgesMet into APS (service-learning) educational projects.
This approach, supported by extensive dissemination and communication efforts, has strengthened the relationship between citizens, the natural environment and public management, creating a community of volunteers and active organisations working towards a common goal: conserving and improving coastal ecosystems. Overall, citizen participation in Aprenem a la Xarxa activities has grown from 6,144 in 2024 to 6,770 in 2025.