There is growing recognition that effective science communication should not merely focus on addressing scientific literacy but must also open dialogue between scientists and the public, build trust, and increase public interest in environmental research. Citizen science BioBlitzes offer a useful approach for science communicators to address many of these key aims. We explore the BioBlitz concept, learnings and outcomes based on a case study of a BioBlitz held in Sydney, Australia. We found that participants valued learning about biodiversity on the day and importantly, all participants (scientists and citizen scientists) rated interacting and learning from the experience as one of the main benefits.
Date of publication
Apr 20, 2016
Category:
Article
BioBlitzes help science communicators engage local communities in environmental research
Volume 15Issue 032016Special Issue: Citizen Science, Part II, 2016 (PCST Stories / 2)
Also a part of:
Collection: Volume 15Issue 012016Special Issue: Citizen Science, Part I, 2016 (PCST Stories / 1)