THE IDEA

We thought of Water Guardians while imagining potential solutions to protect ecosystems from invasive alien species. We then decided to focus our work on designing an application that would facilitate the user experience as much as possible, to make it enticing for people of all backgrounds.

Where comes from the idea ?

All, or at least most of us have been disturbed by algae when taking a casual swim in the ocean on our holidays. Unfortunately, species of algae have grown into ever-present components of the Mediterranean Sea. However, you might not know that many of them such as the Caulerpa Taxifolia are non-native, or alien species, meaning they were introduced intentionally or unintentionally by humans outside of their natural range. In order to combat this issue, Water Guardians uses image recognition technology coupled with geolocation capabilities to maintain a real-time database of invasive algae in the Mediterranean Sea. By downloading our app, citizens desiring cleaner, beaches and waters can actively participate in the removal of invasive algae.

For who is this app?

Everyone. Our mobile app was created with the idea that all citizens have a responsibility to participate in the safe keeping of the environments they interact with. More specifically though, we are targeting local citizens from cities around the Mediterranean Sea, fishermen and ocean conservationist associations. Associations play a key role in identifying the various species of algae found by our common users.

How does it work?

After signing-in, users are immediately prompted to report an IAS species with an upload button at the center of the homepage, so that they can make their reports in a timely fashion once accustomed to the app. Users can also educate themselves about different types of IAS species in the “ID Cards” section of our app.

HOW TO USE IT

STEP 1

Sign up/ Log-in to the app and supply general information about yourself : Name, email, location, occupation(optional), interests(optional)

STEP 2

Take a picture/upload from gallery to the app

STEP 3

Choose the corresponding species from the list of suggested species

STEP 4

Upload the location of the photo

STEP 5

Submit IAS report

STEP 6

Find your report on the map

TEAM