The Power of Surfers for Ecosystem Protection: the Save the Waves App

In a world where the health of our coastlines is at stake, an app is empowering surfers, beach-goers, and ocean lovers to be the change they wish to see. The Save The Waves App is not just a tool; it's a movement that's bringing global coastal communities together to tackle pressing issues head-on. This Ocean Decade-endorsed action is transforming the relation between humans and coasts.

The Mission

The Save The Waves App puts the power of data in the hands of those who love the sea. Users can document and report threats to surf ecosystems, from plastic pollution and water quality issues to coastal access problems and rising sea levels. This information is instantly displayed on the global coastal threat map, connecting users and partner organizations worldwide.

Why It Matters

With more than 35 million surfers worldwide, not to mention countless other beach enthusiasts, there's an incredible opportunity to capture real-time data on coastal threats. These threats are complex and interconnected, but with the help of citizen scientists, we can provide critical insights and channel resources to areas in dire need.

How It Works

Using the app is simple: users snap a photo of the affected site, select a threat category from the menu, and add a brief comment. Thanks to geotagging, the app pinpoints the location via the phone's GPS and displays it on a map. The data is then shared with partner agencies, prompting swift and effective action.

But it doesn't stop there. Users can go beyond data collection and take action through the "Take Action" feature. They can choose steps to respond to the threat, connect with local stewardship projects, and even request assistance from agencies and organizations equipped to address the issue.

The Vision

Save The Waves has set an ambitious target for the future. By the end of 2025, they aim to have 30,000 app users who have collectively documented at least 5,000 threats. This wealth of data will be shared with collaborators and used to inform key partners of Save The Waves. With a global coalition of surfers and ambassadors, the app is poised to become an invaluable tool for the conservation community.

Through the Save The Waves App, communities are empowered to make a real impact, whether it's in their backyard or during their travels. The app is a testament to what can be achieved when a passionate global network comes together to protect the coastlines we all cherish.

Who is behind the App

Spearheading this initiative is the Save the Waves Coalition, an international nonprofit that works with diverse organizations dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems. The Coalition promotes an empowering approach to make surfing hotspots a treasure to protect and save, and make surf a tool for conservation. Save the Waves has set an ambitious goal for 2030: protect 1,000 surf ecosystems by the end of the decade.

Learn more about Save the Waves Coalition and its app during our webinar "Riding the Waves of Resilience: Empowering Coastal Communities" on October 19th, 2023!