Contribution of nature conservation related citizen science projects to learning, attitude and behavioral change of participants

Abstract

Nature Conservation related Citizen Science (NCCS) is an emerging area of research and practice where volunteers take part in a scientific process, usually focusing on data gathering or monitoring for conservation purposes. We present a review of studies where questionnaire surveys were used to measure the impacts of NCCS projects on the learning, attitude and behavioral change of volunteers before or after their participation in the projects. Our results show that many NCCS projects have enhanced the learning of participants in different areas (e.g. increasing knowledge about species and recognition of species skills). Participation also affected the attitude of participants toward nature conservation, while attitude toward science was less often reported. When participants showed sympathy and appreciation for nature or species, in some cases it led to conservation action. Common characteristics of the NCCS projects that resulted inhigher impacts on learning/knowledge, attitude and behavior, included the development of well-designed learning plans, interactions during and after participation, building trust and establishing partnerships and collaboration. These can be used as recommendations for further development of NCCS project.