Citizen science, in the broadest terms, relates to public participation in scientific research and data collection and has evolved significantly in recent years. While traditionally it involved volunteers working alongside researchers, today’s citizen scientists often operate independently, collecting and submitting data via online platforms such as the Big Garden BirdWatch, Bug Count, and various Plastic Tracker platforms. This shift is largely due to advancements in technology and connectivity, alongside improvements in data processing capabilities, making mass participation more feasible. In the following piece, we’re going to explore the incredible (and largely still untapped potential) of citizen science in the future of efforts to Scale Conservation.
Enhanced Data Collection
Citizen science can significantly enhance conservation efforts by enabling the collection of extensive data across larger areas and over longer time periods, often overcoming funding and logistical constraints. Citizen scientists play a pivotal role in building these datasets, especially where funding and practical constraints would otherwise hinder such comprehensive data collection. It allows for broader geographic coverage, reaching under-studied and even remote areas that professionals might struggle to access. The citizen science approach has proven effective in predicting species population trends, assessing conservation management, and monitoring invasive species. Additionally, citizen scientists can play a crucial role in discovering new species and tracking existing ones, contributing to a deeper understanding of biodiversity and aiding in the protection of endangered species.
Atlas of Living Australia: In 2022, Australia’s largest open-source open-access biodiversity data repository received 10 million species observations of which 9.6 million were made by citizen scientists. This isn’t just common, conspicuous species, it is rare and endangered ones as well. The threatened black rockcod (Epinephelus daemelii) for example, a large, territorial fish which been decimated by spearfishing and other pressures, 63% of their observations were made by citizen scientists.
What might the future look like: The future of citizen science could be revolutionised by integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven data analysis, allowing for real-time processing and visualisation of collected data. Drones and satellite technology could expand geographic coverage, enabling data collection from remote areas. In species discovery and tracking, tools like field-based genetic analysis and miniaturised GPS tags could provide real-time insights. Enhanced mobile apps could offer instant feedback to citizen scientists, creating a more engaged and informed community. Together, these innovations would significantly boost the impact of citizen science on conservation efforts.
Cost-Effective Monitoring & Crowdsourced Problem-Solving
Citizen science offers a cost-effective way to enhance environmental monitoring by leveraging volunteer efforts, reducing the financial burden on organisations and allowing for more extensive research. The data collected by citizen scientists can not only complement and validate the work of professionals, it can actively make datasets more robust and reliable, while also harnessing the power of crowdsourcing for innovative problem-solving. While there can be significant costs associated with supporting citizen science projects, such as training and resource investment, these are often much lower than the expenses of professional research teams. The diverse skills and perspectives of volunteers contribute to identifying patterns, testing hypotheses, and developing new approaches to conservation challenges, ultimately leading to more impactful and comprehensive outcomes for projects.
Galaxy Zoo: This crowdsourced astronomy project enlists volunteers to classify galaxies based on their shapes using images from telescopes. Citizen scientists were tasked with sorting and classifying galaxies into categories like elliptical, spiral, or irregular. The classifications provided by the volunteers were then compared against the classifications done by professional astronomers. When averaged out, the classifications by the large number of volunteers closely matched the expert classifications, effectively validating the reliability of the citizen-collected data. In some cases, the collective power of thousands of citizen scientists even helped to identify unusual or rare types of galaxies that professionals might have missed due to the sheer volume of data.
What the future might look like: Citizen science could become an integral part of daily life, with people equipped with environmental wearables seamlessly collecting data on temperature, air quality, and mobility patterns as they go about their routines. This continuous stream of real-time data would provide unprecedented insights into environmental changes, enabling more responsive conservation strategies. The validation of this data could be enhanced using blockchain technology, ensuring integrity and allowing citizen scientists to receive instant feedback from professionals. This would foster a dynamic, collaborative research environment, where contributions are recognised through joint publications and reward programs. Global online platforms could further elevate crowdsourced problem-solving, hosting conservation challenges and incentivising participation through gamification elements like leaderboards and rewards. Schools worldwide could equip students to become citizen scientists from an early age, integrating data collection and environmental monitoring into their curriculum. By participating in local and global projects, students would contribute valuable data and develop a lifelong commitment to conservation and science as a whole, driving future efforts to protect the natural world.
Real-Time Data & Long-Term Monitoring
Citizen scientists play a crucial role in both providing timely data for immediate conservation actions and sustaining long-term monitoring projects. Their real-time data collection is vital for identifying emerging threats, such as the spread of invasive species or sudden shifts in wildlife populations, enabling rapid response and mitigation efforts. Additionally, by consistently contributing to long-term datasets, citizen scientists help track trends and changes in ecosystems over time. This ongoing involvement offers valuable insights that are essential for shaping informed conservation strategies and policies, ensuring both immediate and sustained impacts on environmental management.
eBird Platform: Managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this platform allows bird watchers and enthusiasts to report their bird sightings from anywhere in the world via a mobile app or website. The data is collected in real-time and contributes to a global database that tracks bird populations, distribution, and migration patterns. It’s data has been used in numerous scientific studies, conservation efforts, and policy decisions. For example, during migration seasons, the real-time data can help identify critical stopover habitats that need protection. This platform demonstrates how citizen scientists can actively contribute to real-time data collection that has immediate and long-term implications for wildlife conservation and scientific research.
What the future might look like: The future of citizen science could be transformed by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices and advanced digital archives into monitoring efforts. Environmental sensors placed in various ecosystems could transmit real-time data to central databases for immediate analysis, with citizen scientists receiving mobile alerts about significant changes, allowing for rapid, on-the-ground responses. Simultaneously, long-term monitoring datasets stored in cloud-based systems could extend beyond human lifetimes, preserving detailed historical data to combat shifting baseline syndrome. These extensive archives would ensure that data remains accessible for generations, enabling the detection of subtle environmental changes and trends. Future platforms might also allow volunteers to pass their roles to the next generation, fostering a legacy of continuous environmental stewardship and ensuring uninterrupted data collection over time.
Public Engagement and Awareness
Citizen science projects engage people with environmental issues, fostering stewardship and responsibility while building a community of informed and passionate individuals. Participants are often motivated by a desire to help the environment and learn about conservation topics. Involving local communities ensures that conservation initiatives are more sustainable and culturally appropriate, as local participants bring valuable insights and knowledge about their environments. This community involvement not only enhances data collection and strengthens local support for conservation projects, making them more effective and resilient while also fostering a community of like-minded people passionate about local conservation.
Great Pollinator Project: Research has found that participants in the Great Pollinator Project were driven by a genuine passion for learning about bees and making a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts. Their enthusiasm for the project was fuelled more by the desire to gain knowledge and support local pollinator health than by the appeal of outdoor activities or social interaction. This enthusiasm showcases the remarkable ability of citizen science to unite and inspire a community of conservation champions.
What might the future look like: We could see global networks where volunteers collaborate on international projects, sharing data and best practices through social media and online platforms. Virtual reality could further connect participants with distant ecosystems, deepening their environmental engagement. Additionally, local empowerment could be enhanced through community-led conservation hubs equipped with advanced technology and resources. These hubs would serve as centres for education, training, and data collection, fostering ownership and responsibility. Partnerships with local governments and organisations would ensure the sustainability and impact of these conservation efforts.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its benefits, citizen science also faces challenges such as ensuring data quality, managing volunteers, and addressing ethical considerations. Standardised protocols, training, and verification processes are necessary to maintain data accuracy. Effective volunteer management, including recruitment, training, and retention, is crucial for the success of these projects. Ethical considerations, such as privacy and consent, must be addressed to ensure inclusive and accessible participation for diverse populations.
What Might the Future Look Like: In the future, citizen science could evolve to solve these challenges itself through a combination of community-driven innovations and advanced technologies. For ensuring data quality, citizen scientists could develop and share open-source validation tools and standardised protocols, creating a global repository of best practices. Peer-review systems similar to those in academic research could be established, where experienced volunteers help verify and improve the quality of data submitted by newer participants.
To manage volunteers effectively, citizen science platforms could implement decentralised, community-based management structures. Local leaders or experienced volunteers could take on mentorship roles, providing guidance and training to newcomers. Online forums and collaborative platforms could facilitate continuous learning and support, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
For ethical considerations, citizen science initiatives could adopt transparent, community-driven governance models. Volunteers could participate in the creation of privacy policies and consent protocols, ensuring that these frameworks reflect the values and concerns of the community. Blockchain technology could be used to securely manage and track consent and data usage, providing transparency and accountability.
By leveraging the collective intelligence and creativity of its participants, citizen science could build a self-sustaining ecosystem that addresses its own challenges, continuously improving and adapting to new needs and opportunities. This future vision would see citizen scientists not only as data collectors but also as key stakeholders and innovators in the conservation process.
As we look to the future of citizen science, we’re privileged to be part of a fascinating intersection of technology, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. The potential for public participation in scientific research to reshape our understanding and conservation of the natural world is immense.
Yet, this potential can only be truly realised through the integration of advanced technological tools, the fostering of diverse and skilled volunteer networks, and the establishment of robust ethical frameworks.
Imagine a world where citizen scientists are equipped with cutting-edge wearables, drones, and AI-powered apps, seamlessly collecting data as part of their daily lives. Visualise schools worldwide embedding citizen science into their curricula, producing generations of environmentally literate and proactive students – as opposed to the current conveyor belt of workers trained only for the industries that no longer exist. Envision dedicated platforms where citizens and policymakers collaboratively shape environmental strategies, leveraging transparent data-sharing mechanisms like blockchain.
As we confront the dual crises of climate collapse and biodiversity loss, the democratisation of science through citizen science and engagement may very well be one of our most powerful tools. The question isn’t if we can harness this collective power, but how swiftly and effectively we can mobilise it to safeguard our planet for future generations!
Written by Rich Stockdale, Founder & CEO, in collaboration with Abbey Dudas, Engagement Specialist.