2026/03/23 by Sahima Hamlaoui, Maria Cellamare · 1 voice
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Marine Biology and Ecology Research #Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology #Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
paper · doi:10.58981/bluepapers.2026.2.11
openalex publication_date 2026/03/23 · openalex created_date 2026/03/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Because of their historical and architectural richness, since 1991 the banks of the Seine in Paris have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, the definition of the historic urban landscape (HUL) emphasizes the interdependence between cultural heritage, the natural environment, and the evolution of urban life. However, underwater, the Seine River abounds of microscopic life constituted by phytoplankton organisms that are essential to aquatic ecosystems. Revealing this invisible life can help raise public awareness of the importance of the living as a natural heritage – similar to cultural heritage. The HUL approach should recognize the value of these autotrophic (self-feeding) microorganisms and the ecosystem services they provide. Several activities within a citizen science project offer the possibility to raise public awareness through plankton observation workshops. This approach also engages citizens in the protection of natural heritage for future generations.