What is citizen science, and what role can it play in strengthening knowledge in the field of the environment, as well as in fostering dialogue and cooperation between civil society and the scientific community? During the event titled “The road ahead: preparing for biodiversity mega-projects”, international experience was presented by Jaume Piera, “Environmental and Sustainability Participatory Information Systems” Research Group Leader at the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Physical and Technological Oceanography Department.
Citizen science refers to the participation of citizens in data collection, analysis, and monitoring. They observe changes occurring in nature and record pollution. With broad public engagement, it becomes possible to gather enormous volumes of data and provide them to scientists.
Jaume Piera emphasized the value of data obtained through citizen science, which, although not identical to academic research data, can significantly support scientists in their work. “Citizen science data are increasing and becoming a source for university-level science. These data must become knowledge,” he noted.
Piera presented the MINKA online platform, a so-called citizen-science observatory designed for collecting ecological data. MINKA gathers data from different countries around the world, and a large community is already involved in the platform. In addition to data, users also upload photographs.
He highlighted the importance of integrating citizen science results into scientific research processes and stressed the value of collaboration between citizens and scientists enabled by such platforms. He also underscored the importance of organizing citizen-science events, such as bioblitzes and city-wide biodiversity hackathons. “The world is facing new ecological challenges, and preserving biodiversity is crucial,” said Jaume Piera.
The event was organized by the Acopian Center for the Environment at the American University of Armenia.
November 26, 2025 at 16:58