Biodiversity is “the variety of life on Earth” [1]. Why is biodiversity so important? Diversity among plant and animal species, as well as diversity of their genes and the ecosystems that they belong to, are necessary for the well-being of life on Earth [2].
There is much talk today about “loss of biodiversity” [3-4]. This specifically refers to a lessening of the diversity of life on earth [1] as species go extinct and ecosystems are destroyed, which is occurring mainly as a result of human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and overharvesting [5].
We all have a vested interest to protect biodiversity because it is a global concern and all of our lives depend on it. One way we can help accomplish this is through the power of scientific research and citizen science [6-8]. Citizen science is the involvement of “volunteers from the general public in scientific investigations as data collectors or analysts” [9]. By increasing the world’s collective knowledge about air and water quality, as well as the diversity, distribution, and populations of species, it allows conservation organizations, scientists, governments, and communities to make informed decisions on how to protect biodiversity.
As you explore the various project lists, you’ll see that citizen science projects differ in focus, activity, and size and the participants can come from a local community or worldwide networks [9-11]. Thus, everywhere in the world, people are able to participate in citizen science…including you!
Citizen scientists learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research that can help monitor and protect biodiversity. Most citizen science projects use adult participants, but there are also many projects open to children or created especially for teachers and students. For many projects, getting involved simply begins by downloading a smartphone app or registering through a website. Informal or formal training is also provided by most projects so that participants know how to conduct their observations and record their data properly.
Check out the project lists to discover the wide world of citizen science that is waiting for you. Take the quiz for help in determining the type of citizen science project that is best for you. Also, read the blog for insight into what it is like to participate in citizen science. Hopefully you’ll begin volunteering with a project soon and experience for yourself how citizen science is educational, important, interesting…and fun!
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Citizen Science for Everyone 