Main aim of the workshop was to review the developed species lists and collected up to now information for these as well as to check out the structure and functionality of the working version of the applet with the aim of its optimization. External experts of two project partners have approved the collected information and selected species to be included in the species catalogue to be made available on the mobile applet and website. Aiming to raise awareness of citizens on the rich diversity of species for which that Black Sea is home in the catalogue will be included species from different taxonomic groups like: algae, sea grasses, sea shore plants, sea shells and molluscs, crustaceans, jellyfish, fish, marine mammals, birds and others. It is planned the English version of the catalogue to be completed by the end of May with respective Bulgarian and Turkish versions to be available by the end of June latest. Afterwards mobile apps for Android and iOS will be free available in Google Play and iTunes store.
The working edition of the web-based version of the applet BLACKSEAWATCH.ORG has been reviewed. Different improvements have been proposed aiming to improve and facilitate its user interface. Users will have the chance to submit their findings of Black Sea inhabitants through photos and videos with their position that will be reviewed by experts of two organisations and once these are approved will be visualized on a map. Section for the most actively contributing amateur naturalists will be supported as well as finding of the month.
Partners discussed options for promotion of the applet among different potential interested groups in both countries. Different events are planned where to demonstrate the mobile app and to inform the citizens for its free use.
Contacts:
Dimitar Popov - +359885108712, e-mail: dpopov@greenbalkans.org
