Biodiversity citizen science: Outcomes for the participating citizens

• DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10193
• Publication Date: 2021-03-03T12:53:05Z
• Authors: Maria Peter; Tim Diekötter; Tim Höffler; Kerstin Kremer
• Keywords: Citizen Science; Pessimism

Abstract Citizen science (CS) is regarded as a promising format in environmental and sustainability education well education. CS projects often assume that participation the project influences, for example, participants' knowledge or behaviour. We investigated whether to what extent biodiversity citizen (BDCS) projects, from self‐reported perspective, achieve following six participant outcomes: (a) content, process nature of knowledge, (b) skills inquiry, (c) self‐efficacy environment, (d) interest (e) motivation environment (f) behaviour towards environment. For this purpose, we conducted an online survey 1,160 participants across 63 BDCS Europe, Australia New Zealand. Our was aimed at adults participating voluntarily. Survey respondents reported positive changes all categories. The most notable result increases self‐efficacy, were found be more pronounced when regarding rather than science. Perceived gains data collection higher not directly connected collection. Reported primarily concerned communication activities, lesser degree also gardening finally general In addition these outcomes, mentioned variety other negative health well‐being, enjoyment, sense satisfaction, increased connection people but pessimistic view future conclude could have high potential Further research should investigate individual outcomes depth focus on factors influence outcomes. Moreover, exploring perspectives both coordinators would valuable. way, it possible improve development design projects. As result, effectively participants, biodiversity. A free Plain Language Summary can within Supporting Information article.