Katla Geopark Wins Honorable Mention in European Union Citizen Science Award!

Good news!  Katla Geopark is thrilled to announce that our Citizen Science mapping initiative has earned an Honorable Mention in the prestigious European Union Prize for Citizen Science Award for 2025!  

Celebrating Community-Driven Research

At the center of this project is the seasoned, Víkurfjara Beach Project.  Which was launched in 2021, by team Geologist,  Jóhannes Marteinn Jóhannesson. The objective is to monitor shoreline changes and climate impacts. To illustrate, Elementary students in Vík are trained as Citizen Scientists to collect this important data.  For example, they measure specific beach profiles, analyze sand sediments, and use photography (both ground cameras and drones) to document changes. Their data informs short and long term studies on coastal erosion and storm impacts. Furthermore this project integrates geoscience, citizen science, and sustainable tourism, sharing data with universities and policymakers to support climate resilience and safety.  Likely the main reasons why this honorary mention for Citizen Science award was given to Katla Geopark!

Why the Recognition Matters

The EU Prize for Citizen Science celebrates projects that democratize research, empower communities, and amplify public engagement in science.  Our initiative stood out by bringing together local and international participants, using inclusive methods to present data to diverse audiences, and building a sustainable model for field-based citizen science. In fact, out of 58 countries and 100's of submissions we received one of the 27 honorary mentions!  Making us kind of a big deal!

What's Next: Formal Honor at Ars Electronica Festival 2025

Our project, "Monitoring Everchanging Environment in Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland" and fellow Honorable Mentions will be spotlighted at the Prix Ars Electronica Festival in Linz this September (September 3–7, 2025).  We’re incredibly honored for our efforts to be shared on international stage, sharing the success with a global audience!

• To our Citizen Scientists: Thank you for your boots-on-the-ground efforts!  Your measurements, observations, and time made all the difference!!

• To All of our Project Supporters & Partners: Your support and collaboration enabled the powerful combination of exploration, education, and research, a heartfelt THANK YOU! But I assure you, we are just getting started!

• Science Lovers + Visitors to Iceland: We would love to have you on one of our coastline or glacier mapping expeditions!  Feel free to Katla Geopark for more information!

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