Within the EU project “CONTRA”, sustainable measures specifically for beach cleaning and the removal/recycling of beach wrack i.e. seagrass/macro-algae, are being developed for selected case study sites. Within this scope of work, knowledge of the socio-economic impact of beach wrack removal (pros and cons) can support local authorities in finding a balance between environmental protection and tourists’ demands for cleaned beaches.
Main topics
- Ecological value of beach wrack
- Sustainable beach management practices
- Composition & pollutant flux
- Socio-economic impact & awareness
- Recycling options & legal frameworks
- Value chains & markets
Possible tasks of an intern could include:
- Developing a concept on how to monitor litter content in beach wrack accumulations on the beach.
- This task would need on-site field work.
- COVID-19 contingency plan (in case of on-site): Keeping distance between co-workers (min. 1.5 m) during field work, hand disinfectants available for students.
- Developing a concept and communication tools for presenting information about ‘Beach wrack in Baltic Sea Communities’ online in a visually attractive way, e.g. a type of e-museum or informative gallery.
- This task can be fulfilled fully online.
- Review of existing data on public opinion about beach wrack and how this translates into holiday destination and activity choices.
- This task can be fulfilled fully online.
- Review of existing data on beach wrack management cost factors and the financial burden of beach cleaning on local communities within Germany and at case study sites around the Baltic Sea region.
- This task can be fulfilled fully online.
- Developing a concept for an online information campaign on beach wrack’s relevance for a blue bio-economy, incl. development of information materials for different online media channels.
- This task can be fulfilled fully online.
EUCC-Germany offers its interns self-responsible, interesting work in a dedicated team and an insight view into the work of a non-governmental organization (NGO). EUCC – The Coastal Union Germany, or EUCC-D for short, promotes integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and the sustainable development of coasts and seas. To this end, EUCC-D provides information, consultation, knowledge, and education around Germany in addition to arranging workshops and leading demonstration projects. EUCC-D provides a voice for German ICZM activities in Europe and bridges the gap between science, practice, and the public.
