Unlocking Africa s potential for citizen science

Transcription

1 Unlocking Africa s potential for citizen science For greater impact on biodiversit research and conservation Smposium Report 29 th 30 th June 2016 National Museums of Kena, Nairobi

2 The smposium at a glance East Africa s first ever smposium to explore the potential of citizen science for conservation was a dnamic forum for people to share expertise and stimulate new ideas in citizen science in the region. Held in Nairobi on 29 June 2016 it was organised b the Tropical Biolog Association in partnership with the Centre for Ecolog and Hdrolog. Fort-nine delegates citizen science experts, conservation scientists and practitioners attended. Drawn from the TBA s network of conservation scientists, the represented government and nongovernment organisations, and research organisations in East Africa. The came to share their experiences and successes in biodiversitfocused citizen science, to learn, and to explore options for increasing the impact of citizen science in conservation. The smposium was followed b a discussion meeting to identif priorities, opportunities, and challenges that will help inform future work in the region. A ke output of the meeting was to draw up a list of priorities for future work and to identif the challenges hampering the growth of citizen science in the region. The results will be written up for peer-reviewed publication. Wh was it important? An inspiring da discussing and agreeing priorities for citizen science in East Africa. Citizen science is the involvement of people who are not professional scientists in gathering data or contributing to research. Not onl does citizen science provide an opportunit for a cost effective wa to generate scientific evidence, it also encourages greater public engagement and raises awareness. There is a huge potential for citizen science in Africa to have an impact on biodiversit conservation and at the same time to connect people more closel to nature. The smposium brought together experts from the UK and Africa to share experiences in using citizen science approaches and tools for research and conservation. Speakers highlighted some of East Africa s successful projects in citizen science, while at the same time showing the gaps that still exist and the challenges in ensuring qualit data are collected. Delegates at the smposium also revealed that there is a need for more capacit among scientists to develop citizen science programmes and to scale up this work. The smposium was also inspirational in showcasing the citizen science concept among East African conservationists man of whom were hearing about it for the first time, while others left with new ideas the could appl in their projects back home. 2

3 What was covered? I now have a better idea of how I can improve m citizen science work. The smposium s interactive approach integrated talks, case studies and panel discussions on the successes and challenges of the citizen science approach. Delegates made new contacts and explored new ideas during the break-out sessions. Themes covered were: Appling citizen science in East Africa A series of talks showcased the variet of approaches and subjects that citizen science currentl covers in East Africa. The figure to the left shows the topics that delegates were working on, with birds, mammals, and biodiversit topping the list. The range of public engagement was extremel varied, ranging from school children, graduate students, communities, to politicians. The smposium showed there is a need to expand the topics covered b citizen science as well as to scale up current approaches. Lessons on tools and technologies for citizen science Although there is a growing variet of citizen science tools, the are still not well-known and a lack of expertise limits the extent to which the are used in Africa.. The talk on new frontiers in citizen science showcased a Kenan tool called kmacho that is transforming how people are collecting and managing data in a cost effective wa. The session concluded that there is a need for more tools that are eas to use and affordable for the Africa region. Increasing impact of citizen science Several talks highlighted the importance of using citizen science data to influence decisions. For this to be effective, there needs to be a greater awareness and understanding of citizen science among decision makers. The talk on public engagement in citizen science described the opportunities and challenges of engaging with the media and gave useful advice on how to run a successful media campaign. 3

4 Experiences from the United Kingdom Delegates learned from the UK experts about the mriad was in which citizen science is being used in Europe, and how the same approach can be applied in Africa. Talks about UK projects highlighted the value of gathering large-scale and long-term data, and the kinds of ecological questions that citizen scientists can be engaged in answering. The term citizen science is new in Tanzania and until now, I never knew that much of what I was doing actuall fitted in the first growing research area of citizen science. The delegates The delegates, nearl half of whom were women came from 32 institutions including universities, research and conservation institutes, government agencies, NGOs, environmental clubs as well as projects and programmes. The majorit of the delegates are currentl using citizen science for collecting data for research and conservation action, or developing tools for citizen science. Delegates 49 Where the delegates came from Non-Government Organisation 37% Project/Programme 19% Universit 6% Institutions 32 Countries 5 Research & Conservation 13% Government 13% Environmental Club 12% This smposium has filled a gap we have been struggling to fill for 3 ears, and this one da has changed the whole landscape. What I have gained has the potential to have a huge impact not just where I work but elsewhere. 4

5 # Responses # Responses Feedback Citizen science is not prominent in Africa and this smposium has encouraged me to do more and help raise its profile. A feedback session allowed all the delegates to give their input into where the thought citizen science could be strengthened. One of the issues identified was there is a lack of awareness of the benefits of citizen science. Some delegates commented that people do not value data collected b non-scientists, so there is a need to explain its importance to polic makers, for example. There are also not enough platforms to share data. Changes that could be made to strengthen citizen science in Africa Increase awareness of the benefits of citizen science Build capacit Create platforms to share data and tools Improve technolog and make it relevant and accessible Allocate more funding to citizen science What is needed to increase the profile of citizen science in East Africa? Raising awareness (e.g. through education) and using the media were seen as two important was to increase the profile of citizen science What one thing would improve our citizen science project? Providing platforms for sharing citizen science information, and networking forums were considered the two most important needs for improving citizen science in East Africa. These were followed b effective technolog and sufficient funds Platform for sharing CS information networking forums for CS support Effective technolog Sufficient funds 5

6 Snapshots of talks About citizen science, experiences from the UK The diversit of citizen science Dr Michael Pocock, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog The diversit and growth of citizen science projects was illustrated with examples of the citizen science approach in biological recording, sstematic monitoring, hpothesis-led citizen science, mass participation and online citizen science. The value of citizen science Prof. Helen Ro, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog The value of citizen science includes the collection of large-scale and long-term data, expanding the science communit, building partnerships, informing polic and conservation, and building understanding of ecosstem of functions. Case studies from Tanzania Citizen science for wildlife counts in Burunge Communit Wildlife Management Area, Tanzania Dr Benard Kissui At the Burunge Wildlife Management Area, scouts were given basic training and have been gathering wildlife data. These data have helped establish a baseline biological assessment which provides a basis for long-term wildlife population monitoring, tourism planning and marketing. Primar school pupils participation in citizen science Mr Elisha Pallango, Tanzania Forest Conservation Group An environmental education programme is involving primar school children in studing the forest and biodiversit in the Eastern Arc Mountains. The pupils generate data used to complement natural resource assessments. Case stud from Uganda The value of low-ke monitoring in communit conservation: a case stud of Echua CFR,Uganda Mr Michael Opige, Nature Uganda A low-ke monitoring sstem allows local communities in monitoring the Echua Central Forest Reserve in Uganda. The sstem collects standardised data at regular intervals using defined routes/transects. 6

7 Case studies from Kena Citizen Science in cheetah research: Mara-Meru Cheetah Project Dr E.V. Chelsheva Scientists are engaging citizens in monitoring cheetah populations through reporting of cheetah sightings and photograph. The project also features training in basic ecolog and cheetah identification. Kena Bird Map successes, challenges and wa forward Mr Washington Wachira, Kena Bird Map project & Mr Anthon Kuria, Tropical Biolog Association An innovative project uses the BirdLasser Kena app to update the distribution of Kena birds. The app allows scientific analsis of changes in bird distribution, and ensures that results are comparable across ears/habitats. The project seeks to inform polic using birds as indicators of environmental change. Public engagement in citizen science - managing media and messages in modern wildlife conservation - lessons from Laikipia Ms Joan Wandegi, Laikipia Wildlife Forum Lessons from a citizen science project dubbed The great grev s rall highlighted the importance of branding to attract citizens, maintaining consistenc, engaging the media, and forming an effective team to manage it all. Potential of citizen science to influence polic and action: successes toda and in future Dr Paula Kahumbu, Wildlife Direct This was a call to action to intensif efforts in order to produce actual results for conservation. The importance of engaging with schools as well as politicians was highlighted. Participants were challenged to go beond publication of data in journals to actual conservation on the ground. Speed talks Contribution of citizen science to bird conservation in Kena: experience at the ornitholog section Dr Peter Njoroge, National Museums of Kena This illustrated the use of citizen science data in informing species and site prioritisation, monitoring, developing field guide books, meeting legal obligations and advising on proposed development projects. 7

8 Linking mangrove conservation to local livelihoods Ms Ann Wanjiru, Kena Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Citizen science is being used to collect data on mangrove forests in coastal Kena. Volunteers collect crucial data that are used b government agencies including Kena Forest Service and KMFRI in managing biodiversit and blue carbon accounting. Use of citizen science data in polic making in Kena Mr Fred Barasa, Nature Kena Data gathered through citizen science is generating annual Important Bird Area Status and Trends Reports that are used to advocate for favourable policies for biodiversit conservation. A hobb and a science: the contribution of undergraduate students in bird monitoring Dr George Eshiamwata, Egerton Universit Undergraduate students are nurturing their interests in nature through citizen science projects. An example is students involvement in highl successful annual waterfowl counts organised b conservation organisations. Using citizen science to scale up lion conservation Mr Tobias Otieno, Ewaso Lions This project trains tour guides to gather data on lions b recording sightings and taking photographs during the course of their work. The guides also teach tourists and guide them in uploading data and photos to the database. Regional case stud Click a raptor: the African Raptor Data Bank Program Dr Darc Ogada, The Peregrine Fund This talk showcased the results of 5 ears of data gathering on abundance and diversit of raptors in Africa. This atlas is used to monitor movements and threats to raptors especiall the migrants. It has mapped out transboundar habitat strongholds and helped build a communit of raptor experts in Africa. 8

9 Tools and technologies Emerging technologies for citizen science Dr Tom August, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog This talk gave an overview and examples of technologies used in CS projects. It outlined the use of technolog in data capture; management and qualit checks; and data use. New frontiers in citizen science, a launch pad for unexploited potential Dr Thuita Thena, Universit of Nairobi kmacho is a smart application used in citizen science to collect required data and save it into an online database. The speaker highlighted how data is submitted in real-time into an accessible web based centralised database and how it is then used for decision making and management. From pixels to science to conservation: engaging citizens to make a difference Prof. Daniel I. Rubenstein, Princeton Universit During the wildlife festival in 2015, citizen scientists used a technolog called Hotspotter to identif individual animals in the wild as part of the great zebra and giraffe count. With the help of the technolog, citizen scientists were able to capture data on population and distribution of wildlife species. 9

10 Follow-up workshop Twent-five citizen science experts from the smposium took part in a follow-up meeting to identif and prioritise topics, barriers and benefits of citizen science. The meeting followed a collaborative prioritisation approach based on responses to a pre-smposium questionnaire that all delegates completed. The results will be presented in a peerreviewed paper, further raising the visibilit and potential for citizen science in East Africa. What topics do ou consider a priorit for citizen science programmes in East Africa? Monitoring habitats (and assessing change over time) Monitoring wildlife/plants Fresh water health (and suppl) Impact of infrastructure development on wildlife and natural resources Distribution mapping of wildlife/plants Assessing habitat qualit (e.g. using indicators of health ) Mapping natural resources What are the main benefits of citizen science? Increased awareness Enhanced data collection Creating next-generation conservation leaders Conservation action Wellbeing and livelihood Leverage funds Capacit and empowerment What are the top barriers to citizen science in East Africa? Limited awareness of opportunities Limited organisational capacit Lack of interest Lack of appreciation from decision makers Limited access to the right technolog Lack of skilled participants Limited networking 10

11 The wa forward There is a growing interest in citizen science in East Africa. This approach has the potential to have a greater impact in conservation through scaling up existing successful approaches and diversifing into new areas. One wa to achieve this is to build the capacit of citizen science leaders and create more partnerships to exchange expertise and develop new tools The citizen science practitioners at the smposium also indicated a great deal of enthusiasm for another citizen science smposium, focused on specific themes and skills sets with an Africa-wide reach. Topics would be: How to engage citizen scientists in an African context and how to maintain their involvement over time Raising more awareness of citizen science in Africa and the role it can pla in conservation Building partnerships and strengthening networking among organisations engaged in citizen science work across the continent 11

12 Smposium programme Wednesda 29 June 2016 morning session 07:30 Registration Pick name tags and programme. First opportunit for networking and interacting with other delegates. Smposium opening session Chair: Mr. Anthon Kuria, Tropical Biolog Association 08:30 09:00 About the smposium Dr. Rosie Trevelan, Tropical Biolog Association Word of welcome Dr. Malombe Itambo, National Museums of Kena 09:20 09:35 The diversit of citizen science Dr. Michael Pocock, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog Kena Bird Map successes, challenges and wa forward Mr. Washington Wachira, Kena Bird Map project & Mr. Anthon Kuria, Tropical Biolog Association 09:55 Working session: Open groups discussion and contribution Session leader: Dr. Rosie Trevelan, Tropical Biolog Association [Working session] 10:30 Coffee/tea break Mapping and Managing data Chair: Dr. Rosie Trevelan, Tropical Biolog Association 11:00 11:15 11:30 Status and trend of large mammal population in Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Tanzania Dr. Bernard Kissui, School for Field Studies, Tanzania The value of low-ke monitoring in communit conservation: A case stud of Echua CFR, Uganda Mr. Michael Opige, Nature Uganda Click a raptor: The African Raptor Data Bank Program Dr. Darc Ogada, The Peregrine Fund 11:45 Plenar discussion around the theme (Dr. Kissui, Mr. Opige, Dr. Darc, Dr. Njoroge) Tools and technologies Chair: Prof. Helen Ro, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog 12:00 12:15 12:30 New frontiers in citizen science, a launch pad for unexploited potential Dr. Thuita Thena, Universit of Nairobi From Pixels to Science to Conservation: Engaging Citizens to Make a Difference Dr. Daniel I. Rubenstein, Princeton Universit Emerging Technologies for Citizen Science Dr. Tom August, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog 12:45 Plenar discussion around the theme (Dr. Thena, Prof. Dan, Dr. Tom) 13:00 Lunch break-cum-interaction session 12

13 Wednesda 29 June 2016 afternoon session Value of citizen science and looking ahead Chair: Dr. Caroline Ngweno, Ol Pejeta Conservanc 14:00 14:15 14:20 14:25 14:30 14:35 14:40 The value of citizen science Prof. Helen Ro, Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog Contribution of citizen science to bird conservation in Kena: experience at the ornitholog section Dr. Peter Njoroge, National Museums of Kena A hobb and a science: The contribution of undergraduate students in bird monitoring Dr. George Eshiamwata, Egerton Universit Using citizen science to scale up lions conservation Mr. Tobias Otieno, Ewaso Lions Linking mangrove conservation to local livelihoods Ms. Ann Wanjiru, Kena Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Primar school pupils participation in citizen science Mr. Elisha Pallango, Tanzania Forest Conservation Group Use of citizen science data in polic making in Kena Mr. Fred Barasa, Nature Kena 15:00 Group Photo/Coffee/tea break Value of citizen science and looking ahead, cont d Chair: Dr. Bernard Kissui, School for Field Studies, Tanzania 15:40 15:55 Public engagement in Citizen Science - Managing Media and Messages in Modern Wildlife Conservation - Lessons from Laikipia Ms. Joan Wandegi, Laikipia Wildlife Forum Potential of citizen science to influence polic and action: successes toda and in future Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Wildlife Direct 16:10 Plenar discussion around the theme (Dr. Paula, Ms. Joan, Dr. Kairo) 16:25 Summar of the da and opportunities for CS in E Africa Dr. Rosie Trevelan, Tropical Biolog Association 13

14 List of delegates Delegate Organisation At follow up meeting Ms. Sarah Omusula Action for Cheetahs in Kena Dr. Darc Ogada Africa Raptor Databank Ms. Esther J. Kiogon Mr. William Kimosop Baringo Count Government, Tourism Sector Dr. Helen Ro Dr. Michael Pocock Centre for Ecolog & Hdrolog Dr. Tom August Ms. Lagat Dailash Chebet Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club Dr. Wanja Kinuthia Eastern African Network of BioNET-International Ms. Ireene Madindou Ecological Societ of Eastern Africa Mr. George Eshiamwata Egerton Universit Ms. Faith Muniale ERMIS Africa Mr. Tobias Otieno Ewaso Lion's Project Mr. Vincent Otieno Friends of Cit Park Ms. Eva Kimani Friends of Nairobi Arboretum Mr. Kamau Mbogo Imarisha Naivasha Mr. James Twala Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partners Ms. Glads Kungu Mr. Washington Wachira Kena Bird Map Project Ms. Anne Wanjiru Kena Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Dr. James G. Kairo Ms. Ann Njeri Karuga Kenatta Universit Birding Club Mr. Julius Kimani Kijabe Environment Volunteers Dr. Daniel Rubenstein Ms. Joan Wandegi Laikipia Wildlife Forum Dr. Elena Chelsheva Mara Meru Cheetah Project Ms. Brenda Naboke Mr. Ebrahim Mwangi National Museums of Kena Mr. Edwin Njuguna Dr. Peter Njoroge Mr. Fred Barasa Nature Kena Mr. Michael Opige Nature Uganda Ms. Mirembe Judith Ms. Caroline Ngweno Ol Pejeta Conservanc, Research Dr. Bernard Kissui School for Field Studies, Tanzania Mr. Elisha Pallango Tanzania Forest Conservation Group Mr. Herman Njoroge Ms. Noreen M. Mutoro TBA Alumni Association of Kena Mr. Anthon Kuria Ms. Joce Akhaele Tropical Biolog Association, Nairobi Mr. Paul Mugo Dr. Rosie Trevelan Mr. Dominic Kimani Universit of Eldoret Birding Team Dr. Thuita Thena Universit of Nairobi Ms. Jane Njoroge Water Resource Management Authorit Ms. Jo Omulupi Dr. Paula Kahumbu Ms. Trisha Sewe Mr. Vincent Ontita Dr. Mwangi Githiru Wildlife Direct Wildlife Works Mr. John Bett World Wide Fund for Nature Mr. Mike Izava Olendo 14

15 The organisers The smposium was organised b: in collaboration with: Funding The smposium was funded through a grant from: Contact For comments and further information, please contact: European office Tba@tropical-biolog.org African office Tba-africa@tropical-biolog.org Tropical Biolog Association Tropical Biolog Association The David Attenborough Building Nature Kena Offices Pembroke Street National Museums of Kena Cambridge Museums Hill Road CB2 3QZ Nairobi UK Kena Tel: +44 (0) Tel: +254 (0)