Search Results (179)

Citizen science data are easily accessible, which has led to their wide use for scientific data collection such as mapping invasive plant species. However, the crowd-sourced nature of citizen science data has led to criticism over the quality of the data owing to the fragmented spatial distribution of the data collection points. Despite inherent limitations, an increasing collection of research indicates that, when appropriately corrected for data quality issues, the data collected by volunteers can serve as a reliable source for identifying and analysing biodiversity patterns. Prior to utilising citizen science data, it is essential to identify its inherent flaws and limitations to develop appropriate strategies for its effective application. One viable approach to validating such data is to compare it with datasets collected by experts, particularly in urban areas where volunteer participation is high. In our comparative analyses, we evaluated the usability of citizen science data (Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)) for mapping the occurrence density of five invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Solidago spp.) in urban cores and fringes in Hungary by comparison to maps obtained from spatially homogeneous data (EUROSTAT Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS)) collected by experts. The results showed that the volunteers collected valuable data on Ailanthus altissima, which is specific to urban areas, but they underestimated Robinia pseudoacacia, which is often planted for economic benefits. In addition, the volunteers collected much more data closer to urban cores. These results suggest that citizen science data may be suitable for mapping urbanophilic species in urban environments. Our research contributes to the assessment and scientific applicability of volunteer-collected data for mapping the distribution of invasive plant species. Full article

Cantabrian mixed forests, located in areas of Spain, Portugal, and France, serve as an essential biogeographic transition region, noted for its extraordinary plant diversity and ecological intricacy. To aid conservation and research initiatives, a uniform checklist of vascular plants was created, incorporating information from citizen science platforms, scientific databases, herbarium records, and local floras. The outcome is a carefully selected collection of more than 8000 taxa, with over 76% recognized as native, highlighting the area’s importance as a reservoir of biodiversity and a climate refuge. Taxonomic discrepancies were resolved via expert verification and adherence to international naming standards, establishing a dependable basis for ecological research. The checklist demonstrates notable variations in organisms, ecological approaches, and evolutionary lineages, influenced by geographical diversity, climate variations, and past land use patterns. Importantly, the study emphasizes the drawbacks of unchecked biodiversity data and shows the benefits of expert-driven synthesis for addressing gaps and biases in species documentation. The floristic information presented here can act as a basis for transboundary conservation planning, ongoing biodiversity tracking, and the development of adaptive management approaches in response to climate change and ecological decline. This initiative represents an important move towards safeguarding the distinct natural heritage of this distinctive biogeographic region. Full article

Scientific culture in pedagogical work involves the integration of scientific principles, values, and practices into education to promote critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and curiosity. It fosters an environment where students develop as independent learners, problem-solvers, and informed citizens. Teachers play a key role in cultivating this culture, acting as facilitators and guides who equip students with the tools to think critically and engage with the world scientifically. While often associated with STEM disciplines, scientific literacy extends beyond these areas, emphasizing the integration of scientifically grounded knowledge into all subject areas. To achieve this, teachers must continually enhance their own understanding and skills in scientific thinking. Staying updated with the latest scientific discoveries, critically evaluating information, and applying innovative pedagogical methods are essential. Professional development can provide a vital avenue for teachers to acquire these competencies. Approaches such as reading scientific literature, collaborating with colleagues, and attending specialized training programs can improve teaching strategies and promote scientific thinking in the classroom. This study investigated professional development programs provided for in-service teachers to understand how they contribute to fostering a scientific culture. The researchers collected data from municipalities in Latvia and online resources to summarize the information on the professional development programs provided to in-service teachers. This study examined how elements of scientific culture are reflected in teacher professional development programs in Latvia, using Merton’s CUDOS norms as an analytical framework. The acronym CUDOS refers to four foundational principles of scientific ethos: communalism, universalism, disinterestedness, and organized skepticism. These norms guided the evaluation of whether and how scientific inquiry values are embedded in the design and delivery of training programs for in-service teachers. Using quantitative and qualitative methods for data analysis, it was found that in-service teacher training in Latvia is highly eclectic and often lacks alignment with scientifically grounded principles. There are a lot of programs provided to develop transversal competencies, but very few subject-specific programs are available. The findings highlight the need for more structured and cohesive professional development programs to support in-service teachers in developing competence in cultivating scientific inquiry, nurturing curiosity, and empowering students to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven society. These insights offer practical implications for education policymakers and program designers aiming to enhance the scientific orientation of teacher training. By identifying specific gaps in content and alignment with scientific culture, this study provides an original contribution to the discourse on evidence-informed teacher development and supports a more conceptually grounded and equitable approach to lifelong professional learning in Latvia. Full article

Citizen science (CS) is increasingly recognized as a complementary approach for addressing soil health challenges—including erosion, pollution, nutrient imbalances, and biodiversity loss—by harnessing public participation to broaden spatial and temporal data collection. This review synthesizes findings from the following: (i) a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature and grey sources, (ii) a database of 96 CS initiatives compiled by the European PREPSOIL project, and (iii) questionnaire surveys and workshops conducted in five Living Labs across Europe. Our analysis indicates that volunteer-driven monitoring can enhance the volume and granularity of soil data, providing critical insights into parameters such as organic carbon content, nutrient levels, and pollutant concentrations. However, persistent challenges remain, including inconsistencies in data validation, volunteer attrition, and concerns regarding digital literacy and data privacy. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts to standardize protocols, integrate remote sensing and sensor-based validation methods, and employ feedback mechanisms improve data reliability and participant engagement. We conclude that sustained capacity-building, transparent data governance, and stakeholder collaboration, from local communities to governmental bodies, are essential for fully realizing the potential of citizen science in soil conservation. This work is framed within the context of the European Soil Mission, and CS is demonstrated to meaningfully support sustainable land management and evidence-based policymaking by aligning public-generated observations with established scientific frameworks. Full article

Draining wetland landscapes accelerates climate change, and multilateral support is therefore needed to speed up the transition to new land uses. This paper examines perceptions of ecosystem services (ES) in wetland areas in scientific and civic assessments. The case study area is Denmark’s largest drained wetland system, which is notable for its carbon sequestration potential. The area’s transformation efforts involving public participation offer a unique chance to examine differences between scientific and civic perceptions of ES. This exceptional case is ideal for revealing contextual differences, trade-offs, and controversies between scientific and civic perceptions of ES. Millennium ES Assessment and CICES are used as a conceptual framework for understanding and mapping human–nature interactions in a nature park. However, these systems are, in practice, not sufficiently developed to identify how citizens understand and value ES in real life. Therefore, we analyse perceptions using interviews, collaborative mapping, and media analysis. We compare these to scientific ES mappings based on local data, literature reviews, and fieldwork. The paper concludes that (1) scientific ES asymmetries are important; (2) environmental blind spots in scientific ES are due to its approach to knowledge collection; (3) citizens’ blind spots are due to their everyday life focus and tabooing the issue of local climate mitigation; and (4) science-based ES assessments and accounts are disconnected from local ES controversies. We argue that identifying ES controversies through various scientific methods may improve climate mitigation and restoration efforts if community planning becomes involved. Full article

The circular economy is recognized as a critical strategy for advancing sustainable development and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This research addresses the limited application of CE assessments at the municipal level and identifies challenges and opportunities for an improved methodology. In 2024, the first scientifically led survey was conducted across all Latvian municipalities to evaluate the level of circularity or readiness for transitioning from a linear to a circular economy. Through self-assessment, all municipalities provided their perspectives on key dimensions of the new economic paradigm. These insights were integrated with feedback from citizens, collected via a separate nationwide survey, to derive a composite index value. This article aims to review other methods and assessments of circular economy conducted at the municipal level worldwide and to assess their applicability to municipalities. While most of the frameworks, either developed institutionally or by research groups, utilize statistical metrics to assess CE at the municipal level, the objectivity of such an approach is overshadowed by the data availability and complexity of the CE concept. Further research is required to develop state-of-the-art methodologies that combine the aspects of quantity and quality in a good balance. In-depth assessments of specific areas might provide more value than a broad measure for a meaningful transition to a CE. Full article

Tokyo Bay is one of the busiest ocean areas for human activity worldwide, characterized by a high density of maritime traffic and industrial development. This area is also recognized as the habitat of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise, an endangered toothed whale. Although the existence of this species has been recognized, its scientific data, such as population size and geographic distribution, are limited in the region. Therefore, using social media, we initiated a research project to collect sighting information on this species in Tokyo Bay. As a result, 27 valid pieces of information on the finless porpoises were collected from July 2024 to the end of February 2025. The sightings were reported mainly in the waters north of Futtsu Cape, indicating that this species is localized in the northern part of Tokyo Bay. Also, most of the reported sightings were of groups of wo or more animals. Notably, a school of at least 30 animals was recorded, marking the most prominent school ever observed in the region and the third largest in Japan. This study highlights the importance of the northern region of Tokyo Bay as a habitat for this species. The effective integration of citizen science with scientific and quantitative research will enhance our understanding of the life history of this endangered species, thereby supporting conservation efforts. Full article

Citizen observatories (COs) have emerged as essential research infrastructures for participatory science, supporting data collection and community engagement. They enable communities to monitor their environments, actively track indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contribute valuable data to scientific research and evidence-based, informed policy-making. Despite their growing importance, COs remain conceptually fluid, with varying interpretations across disciplines and contexts. This paper examines the evolution of COs from their origins in the early 2010s to their current multifaceted roles, revealing three key dimensions: descriptively as socio-technical systems, instrumentally as research infrastructures, and normatively as advanced participatory science initiatives. We specifically highlight the critical role of COs as research infrastructures and propose a set of essential functions and characteristics. These functions range from providing technical capabilities for data collection and quality assurance to social dimensions, including community building and governance frameworks. Additionally, our analysis identifies two operational models: tailored COs designed for specific projects and open COs supporting multiple initiatives. Reframing COs as research infrastructures rather than isolated initiatives emphasizes the need for long-term institutional support, shared services, and coordinated policies to ensure their sustainability and maximize their contribution to both scientific knowledge and public participation, ultimately strengthening the foundations of participatory science. Full article

Citizen science is rising and expanding as an approach to data collection, enabling the acquisition of data through the voluntary involvement of citizens in scientific activities. This study explores the effectiveness of citizen science in collecting biodiversity data in urban green infrastructure, focusing on a case study at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, which includes both green roofs and traditional garden areas. Data collected via the iNaturalist platform through structured and unstructured citizen science activities were analyzed to compare patterns of biodiversity observation. Results show that unstructured activities attract more participants but produce fewer observations per person, mainly focusing on more familiar taxa, such as birds. In contrast, structured events concede a higher number of observations per observer, including less commonly recorded taxa like insects, and provide greater coverage of green roofs, since routes are predefined. Seasonal and temporal trends were also noted, with a higher concentration of observations in spring and summer and a significant increase on weekends, indicating the influence of participants’ availability. Spatial observations show that combining gardens and green roofs provides continuous and rich ecosystems that are crucial for city urban planners. Full article

Addressing Health Education (HE) in Early Childhood Education is essential for shaping future responsible citizens who are aware about the importance of caring for their health. The aim of the present article was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature on Health Education in the Early Childhood Education stage. Through an exhaustive analysis of 21 articles published in the internationally-renowned database Web of Science in a period of 10 years (2014–2024), the text is structured around three dimensions: article data and main areas and topics covered, pertinence and relevance of Health Education in Early Childhood Education, and lastly, the impact of Health Education in child development. The results show an increase in scientific production, although limitations persist, such as the predominance of quantitative approaches, gaps in mixed designs, a fragmented focus on educational actors, and the lack of interdisciplinary integration. It is concluded that HE in Early Childhood Education is fundamental for promoting healthy habits, for the comprehensive development of students, and community well-being, underlining the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, teachers’ training, and health literacy to guarantee its efficacy and sustainability. Full article

Community-based citizen science plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation by engaging the public in scientific research while fostering environmental awareness. This study evaluates a citizen science project conducted in the Taoyuan Algal Reef (TAR) region of Taiwan, focusing on participants’ motivations, learning outcomes, and their relationship with behavioral intentions toward biodiversity conservation. Despite a small sample size, our findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of such initiatives. Learning and self-achievement emerged as the primary motivators for participation, with social interaction playing a secondary role. Using the structural equation model (SEM), we confirmed that attitude serves as a critical mediator between knowledge, sense of place, and behavioral intention. This supports the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior (KAB) model, emphasizing that knowledge acquisition fosters attitudinal shifts that ultimately drive conservation behavior. Moreover, place-based learning was identified as a key component in strengthening participants’ sense of place and ecological awareness. Our findings suggest that aligning citizen science initiatives with participants’ motivations enhances engagement and long-term conservation efforts. Additionally, ongoing community monitoring not only contributes to scientific data collection but also empowers local communities in environmental decision-making. This study highlights the broader educational, social, and ecological benefits of community-based citizen science and underscores the need for systematic evaluations to optimize its impact. Full article

Urban biodiversity is essential for enhancing liveability for both humans and wildlife by providing a range of ecosystem services. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among citizens, particularly schoolchildren, about the significance of biodiversity in urban environments. To this end, an Open-Air Laboratory was established in an urban park of an Italian Mediterranean city (Livorno), where natural vegetation flourishes. This initiative engaged schoolchildren in experimental campaigns to collect ecophysiological data on local wild woody species. Specifically, the students were tasked with identifying various wild woody species and, under the guidance of researchers, recording specific leaf ecophysiological traits, such as leaf mass per area, leaf pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence. The results, which highlighted seasonal variations in leaf ecophysiological traits and interspecific differences, were analysed in relation to the environmental conditions documented by the schoolchildren. This analysis revealed distinct plant strategies for coping with winter and summer stressful periods. The methodology employed in this project, which involved schoolchildren in research activities, not only fostered environmental awareness among young participants but also serves as a pilot model for public engagement in scientific research. Full article

Waste is a complex challenge that requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders to achieve a circular economy. In this context, there is a growing demand for digital solutions that integrate physical and digital infrastructure to create digital waste governance systems. Analog management, without accurate data, is becoming increasingly unfeasible in light of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Tools such as online geographic information systems (WebGIS) allow the collection and integration of large volumes of physical and human data and the establishment of a digital governance structure that brings together different technologies, tools and methods in the same environment. This article aims to present the State of the Art on the topics of zero-waste cities, WebGIS, and disruptive innovation. The article starts from the hypothesis that only a process of disruptive and systemic innovation in the value chain and urban solid waste management (MSWMS), supported by the principle of zero-waste cities, circular economy and webGIS, can effectively help to solve this problem. The research uses an exploratory literature review on the concepts of zero-waste cities, systemic innovation and webGIS applied to waste management, linking them to the theoretical framework of sustainability as a science and to Brazilian public policies, such as the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010), the National Circular Economy Policy (Law 1.874/2022) and the National Digital Government Strategy of Brazil 2024–2027 (ENGD). As a result, scientific publications on zero-waste cities increased from 2018 to 2023 and several countries have adopted zero-waste guidelines in waste management policies. WebGIS, remote sensing, geoprocessing and different technologies are increasingly being incorporated into waste management, generating significant impacts on the diversion of resources from landfills, mitigating climate change, and generating and/or adding value to the useful life of waste and garbage resources, in addition to the optimization and efficiency of collection operators and citizen engagement in public policies. Disruptive innovation has proven to be a concrete process to enable the transition from obsolete sociotechnical systems (such as the linear economy), where sustainable finance and environmental entities play a fundamental role in orchestrating and coordinating the convergence of private, public and civil society actors towards this new sustainable development paradigm. The case study proved to be fruitful in proposing and encouraging the adoption of such methods and principles in municipal waste management, allowing us to outline a first conception of a digital government structure and digitalization of public services for zero-waste cities, as well as pointing out the difficulties of implementing and transforming these systems. This digital governance structure demonstrates the possibility of being replicable and scalable to other cities around the world, which can materialize an important tool for the implementation, articulation and development of a long-term sustainable development paradigm, based on the vision of the circular economy and zero-waste cities. Full article

Waterbirds serve as indicator species for the quality and health of wetland ecosystems, and their conservation is of critical significance for global biodiversity. Citizen science has gradually emerged in recent years, playing an increasingly positive role in scientific research, particularly in ornithological studies. However, a systematic description of the application of citizen science data in waterbird conservation remains lacking. Bibliometrics is an effective method for analyzing the development of scientific disciplines, exploring trends, and examining thematic evolution. This paper utilizes bibliometric analysis of citation data from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1970 to September 2024. The analysis reveals that this research field has undergone three distinct developmental phases, with a significant increase in annual publication volume during the third phase. Research focus has shifted from specific species and types of waterbirds to key hotspots and ecological phenomena. Future research hotspots are expected to include migratory birds, China, citizen science, and biodiversity. Influential papers within the field emphasize that the primary focus of waterbird conservation is habitat protection and the construction of habitat networks. As the discipline has developed, there is growing recognition that increasing public awareness of waterbird conservation, starting with student education, plays a crucial role in the accumulation of citizen science data and the advancement of waterbird conservation efforts. Full article

Low-cost technology devices, such as smartphones (SPs) and smart watches (SWs), are widely used today to monitor various health effects and environmental risk factors associated with them. However, the efficacy of using these devices as monitoring tools is largely unknown. The present study attempts to narrow this knowledge gap by reviewing recent studies in which low-cost technological tools were used to monitor sleep and associated environmental risk factors. The study focuses on peer-refereed articles that appear in three major scientific databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, and were published between 2002 and 2022. Of the 15,000+ records retrieved from these databases by the systematic literature review (PRISMA) search, 15 studies were identified as the most relevant and consequently analyzed. The analysis shows that nighttime light pollution and noise are environmental factors that are most commonly monitored by low-cost technology tools (eight studies), followed by temperature monitoring (seven studies), humidity monitoring (seven studies), and CO₂ monitoring (four studies). In eight studies, tandems of SPs and SWs were used to monitor sleep, while in six studies, data obtained from SPs and SWs were compared with records obtained from conventional monitoring devices. In general, SP and SW measurements were found to be fairly accurate for monitoring sleep and light pollution and less accurate for monitoring noise. At the same time, no studies conducted to date and analyzed in this review demonstrated the effectiveness of SPs and SWs in monitoring ambient temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Our general conclusion is that although SPs and SWs often lack the precision of professional instruments, they can nevertheless be used for large-scale field research and citizen science initiatives, while their feasibility and effectiveness for monitoring several environmental attributes have yet to be determined. Full article