COPOS​

Community Observation and Protection of Shoreline Systems​​

Core Focus


COPOS builds citizen science capacity for managing the Curonian Spit, working with the Curonian Spit National Park. Combining community monitoring, method co-design and a recurring evidence-to-decision cycle, the project will generate the data and participation structures the Park needs for timely management. ​​

Challenge


The Spit faces three gaps. Data: the Park needs regular data on erosion, beach composition and fore-dune condition, but the site is too large for staff alone and monitoring is not integrated. Participation: a 2025 survey found 30% of willing residents do not know how to help. Governance: no transparent process links evidence to decisions, and 50.5% of residents feel excluded.​

Key Activities

  • Co-design citizen-science protocols (shore & dunes)​
  • Train 350–500 monitors​
  • 4+ seasonal monitoring cycles​
  • Quarterly governance reviews with published responses​
  • Visitor Centre exhibition​
  • Reusable citizen-science framework

Communities Engaged

  • Waterfront cities & regional authorities​
  • Citizen science & community education

Project info

  • Funding instrument: Community-Led Actions

  • Lead partner: Curonian Spit National Park Administration (Lithuania)

  • Consortium member: Lithuanian Citizen Science Association (LT)

  • Project Budget: €395.950,00

  • Countries of implementation: Lithuania​​

  • Project duration: Up to 24 months