Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems and citizen science
The main aim of this working group is to strengthen and consolidate the citizen science practitioner community in aquatic citizen science by promoting networking, creation of common standards, and leveraging citizen science data to support policy level initiatives such as the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. With this, the group envisions to empower citizen science as a tool for freshwater and marine ecosystem monitoring, research, education and conservation efforts across Europe.
Main objectives
- research and survey existing citizen science initiatives in water ecosystems and their methods used and assess their effectiveness,
- construct a repository of past and ongoing citizen science initiatives, validate existing citizen science tools developed across Europe’s aquatic environments,
- create a network of citizen science practitioners and initiatives related to aquatic ecosystems,
- work towards common standards for freshwater and marine monitoring methodologies in citizen science projects to increase interoperability, usability and sustainability of data,
- consolidate training programs on aquatic citizen science,
- advocate for the introduction of citizen science in school curricula with the aim to foster water “literacy” and stronger water stewardship initiatives in local communities.
Chairs
Bruna Gumiero
University of Bologna
Steven Loiselle
University of Siena/Earthwatch Europe
Garabet Kazanjian
American University of Armenia
Working group
members
- Alexandra Richardson
- Antonina Dos Santos
- Baiba Prūse
- Camille Janssen
- Casper Gundelund
- Cathal Flood
- Christian Skov
- Christian Zerfass
- Claire Fregiadaki
- Dave Wall
- David Whyte
- Dionitis Latinopoulos
- Dori Edelist
- Elena Matta
- Elisa Mora
- Eoghan Derbyshire
- Francesco Di Grazia
- Franziska Stressmann
- Glynn Skerratt
- Gustavo Etchverry Jaramillo
- Ifigenia Kagalou
- Ines Saavedra
- Jan Seys
- Joana Silva
- Justin Whittle
- Kamel Labibes
- Kaylin Bean
- Kieran Hyder
- Leo Mensel
- Leonardo Veronesi
- Line Barkved
- Line Debaveye
- Liron Goren
- Melita Mokos
- Naomi Timmer
- Nikoletta Digka
- Priscila Doran
- Rachel Pateman
- Raquel Souza
- Romane Blassel
- Sirine Slim
- Tereza Fonseca
- Ulrike Gayh
- Zafrir Kuplik
- Zohar Yanai
Activity plan
We are holding monthly online meetings. Water experts are welcome to join these meetings to bring ideas, raise questions, and provide solutions. Kindly join our working group to receive timely meeting invitations.
How to get involved
To join this working group, please contact the co-chairs by email, outlining your experience and which activities you are interested in.
Bruna Gumiero (bruna.gumiero[at]unibo.it)
Steven Loiselle (steven.loiselle[at]unisi.it)
Garabet Kazanjian (gkazanjian[at]aua.am)
