The program "Development of a model Web based virtual observatory of Acherontas, Kalamas and Torre Guaceto ecosystems and its application as a mobile exhibit and permanent environmental kiosk towards public awareness and sustainable development of coastal ecosystems (EcoDo-net)" focuses on the improvement of the management, the protection and the sustainable development of the Greek and Italian coastal ecosystems in the border area (Acherontas, Kalamas, their intermediary coastal zone and -Torre Guaceto) through the observation of the ecosystems' quality and the increase of public awareness about environmental issues.
For this goal, the natural and anthropogenic impact on the ecosystems but also the impact of marine transportation of the Greece-Italy connection route will initially be determined. Also, a Web based Virtual Observatory (EcoDO) will be developed, which will include information about the ecosystems. The Web based Virtual Observatory will be used as a mobile environmental exhibit to motivate and train specific groups of the local population of the Epirus area such as students, people related in the agro and coastal-marine economy and other stakeholders. The ultimate goals of the project will be the establishment of a volunteers and local stakeholders network and the foundation of a community-based ecosystem monitoring network. Finally, the Virtual Observatory will be installed in permanent environmental desks at the Igoumenitsa port and at the Centers of Environmental Education of the Kalamas-Acherontas Ecosystem Management Authority (FO), in Sagiada and Ammoudia.