Contributors Transform into Crucial Elements in the Extensive Knowledge Network Through Citizen Science

In a world grappling with the impacts of climate change, the efforts of amateur naturalists are proving invaluable in the pursuit of environmental preservation. These enthusiasts, armed with digital applications and a passion for nature, are helping to rediscover the taste of working together for a common cause.

The importance of their work cannot be overstated. According to anthropologist Vanessa Manceron, a sixth mass extinction is underway, a fact that would have remained unknown without the data provided by these citizen scientists. This activity allows many citizens to reconnect with nature, becoming aware of its significance and the need for its preservation.

Digital applications, once used primarily for casual purposes, are now being employed by amateur naturalists for tasks beyond the ordinary. These tools are contributing significantly to the progress of environmental science, bridging the gap left by decreasing public budgets for research.

The need for environmental science is particularly pressing in the United States under the current administration, but it is also a concern in Europe and France. Amateur naturalists are stepping up to fill this void, providing data that is crucial in understanding and addressing environmental issues.

This activity serves as a platform for citizens to reconnect with politics and engage in collective debate about environmental matters. It offers a sense of involvement in the life of society and the progress of knowledge.

In France, the data collected by amateur naturalists is playing a significant role in understanding and addressing retreats, indicative of a significant environmental impact. Worldwide, these volunteers are voluntarily collecting and recording data useful to researchers, particularly in the field of the environment and the climate crisis.

The main actors active in documenting important environmental data in amateur natural research are citizen scientists, environmental NGOs, universities, and platforms like iNaturalist and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

As we navigate the challenges of the twenty-first century, the rediscovery of the collective, debate, working together, and politics becomes vital. The activity of amateur naturalists provides a way to rediscover these values, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for our planet's future.

Contributors Transform into Crucial Elements in the Extensive Knowledge Network Through Citizen Science