Môr Hapus

The Môr Hapus project aims to increase awareness of coastal ecological systems and the environmental impact we as humans are having on them through our processes and actions. We want to help promote positive actions through engaging with members of the public and enabling them to have a positive impact and preserve the natural heritage of their local area.

We have a passion for the ocean and sea-based activities, which has made us develop a passion for the environment and an awareness of how our activities can be harmful. We have realised that we are often taught how to swim and be safe around the ocean; however, we do not always know how to preserve it. Being on the beach regularly has shown us that the Gower is an area with incredible potential for science education and outdoor activities focused on protecting the ocean, informing locals on how to do so, sharing with them ecological processes, and promoting community wellbeing. This has inspired us to create the Môr Hapus Project, which we believe is especially relevant after the pandemic since it highlighted the importance of engaging as a community.

We plan to achieve our goals by organising workshops that are free to attend. These workshops will consist of beach cleans, rock pooling and species identification activities, discussion about the coastal ecology of the site, and discussion about water safety and coastal survival. Some workshops will consist of collecting litter and creating art with it to reuse and reduce waste. We will also teach sampling techniques, biotope mapping and species ID using transects and quadrats along the beach.

We will do this in a way that is less damaging to the environment and innovative by promoting the use of boats, stand-up paddle boards, and electrical transport to reduce the CO2 emissions and our carbon footprint, making it accessible for people with disabilities. This project will make a difference to the target area and local people by empowering individuals and the community, providing them with knowledge and a new set of skills that they can use. A higher level of understanding of the coastal environment will encourage people to opt for more sustainable behaviours and practices. This will in turn help preserve the natural heritage around the Gower and protect biodiversity, adding value to the local identity and natural and cultural resources. The use of an energy-efficient building, paddle boards, public transport, and carrying out workshops locally will reduce the carbon footprint.