Enhancing citizen contributions to biodiversity science and public policy

Type Article
Date 2008-03
Language English
Author(s) Couvet D.1, Jiguet F.1, Julliard R.1, Levrel Harold2, Teyssedre A.3
Affiliation(s) 1 : UPMC, CNRS, MNHN, UMR 5173, F-75005 Paris, France.
2 : IFREMER, Ctr Brest, Marine Econ Dept, UMR AMURE, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
3 : MNHN, DEGB, F-75005 Paris, France.
Source Interdisciplinary Science Reviews (0308-0188) (Maney Publishing), 2008-03 , Vol. 33 , N. 1 , P. 95-103
DOI 10.1179/030801808X260031
WOS© Times Cited 96
Abstract Citizen science, defined as participation of the general public in scientific research, could significantly help scientists to address biodiversity issues, through (i) monitoring the state of biodiversity, (ii) framing indicators which synthesise and communicate information on the state of biodiversity, (iii) building scenarios to evaluate the plausible consequences of different policies. A key asset of citizen science is that participating citizens disseminate the information they gain, thereby increasing the profile of issues being researched. We review further benefits associated with biodiversity monitoring, indicators and policy scenarios, envisioned as collaborative tools between scientists and citizens. Such collaboration promotes both the scientific adequacy and social legitimacy of these tools, so that they can meaningfully inform debates and decisions on public policy.
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