IMIS

Referring to, inter alia, the conclusions from a first statistical test analysis of the survey data available at that point, in which the need for longer time series of surveys to make statistically significant trend analyses was emphasised, the BDC endorsed a prolongation of the pilot project until the end of 2006. An international Steering Group8, including the national project coordinators, has coordinated the implementation of the pilot project. The Steering Group has included representatives of Belgium, Denmark (mainland and the Faroe Islands), France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as observer organisations KIMO (Local Authorities International Environmental Organization), and Seas at Risk (represented by Marine Conservation Society and Stichting De Noordzee). The national project coordination and beach surveys were funded by a combination of national governments, NGOs and volunteers. In Belgium, the project was represented by MUMM-BMM. Results of the Belgian region were integrated in the database.