Iberia in a Grain of Sand – IBERARENUM

The project "Iberia in a Grain of Sand – IBERARENUM," led by the Marine Research Center (CIM) of the University of Vigo, exemplifies the transformative potential of citizen science for advancing ocean literacy and addressing pressing environmental challenges. This initiative engages the Spanish public in creating the first National Sand Bank, cataloging biogeochemical compositions of beach sands, and fostering societal involvement in coastal monitoring and climate change adaptation. By harnessing public participation in sampling campaigns and using open-access geospatial databases, IBERARENUM bridges scientific research and community action.

Targeting hydological basin representative sites along Iberian diverse 3,300 km coastline, the project standardizes data collection through educational tools, including online tutorials, field manuals, and video guides, prioritizing inclusivity. Collaborations with schools, fisheries, and associations for individuals with diverse abilities ensure broad and meaningful participation. The project highlights gender equity by featuring women scientists in its outreach.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, IBERARENUM delivers high-resolution sedimentological data that illuminate coastal dynamics, ecosystem services, and climate-driven vulnerabilities. Results are disseminated via interactive maps, public exhibitions, and educational materials, promoting scientific literacy and empowering communities to co-create knowledge. Its innovative framework integrates FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, facilitating data sharing across scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development Goals, IBERARENUM strengthens the citizen-science nexus to address climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. This initiative serves as a replicable model for integrating research, education, and public engagement, advancing both societal and scientific capacities to tackle coastal and climatic challenges.