Integrating Citizen Science and Digital Twin Technologies for Sustainable Coastal Management: The Case of Cala Iris

The management of coastal ecosystems in the face of growing anthropogenic pressures and climate change requires innovative, integrative approaches. This paper presents an analysis of the integration of Citizen Science (CS) and Digital Twin Ocean (DTO) technologies in the context of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), based on the pilot experience of Cala Iris in Morocco. Drawing on field data, partnerships with European DTO initiatives (ILIAD, ODYSSEA), and evaluation frameworks from EuroGOOS and the IUCN, this paper positions the Cala Iris initiative as a replicable model for Smart Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and sustainable aquaculture monitoring. Key findings highlight the potential of community-based monitoring to generate interoperable datasets aligned with international standards, improve marine governance, and enhance ecosystem resilience.