In 2014, the Miistakis Institute hosted a Citizen Science Conference, exploring this diverse field with sessions on program design, evaluation, policy implications, technology and applications in parks and protected areas. This links to the website that chronicled that event.
Tyler Carlson
Speaker Bio: Tyler Carlson is a researcher in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, where he studies the evolving role of citizen science in water governance in Canada. His research is affiliated with SFU Adaptation to Climate Change Team, Living Lakes Canada, and Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable.
Poster abstract: Linking Community-Based Monitoring to Water Governance: perceptions of citizen scientists
This research assesses the structures and functions of community- based monitoring programs across Canada. Drawing on a nationwide survey of over one hundred organizations, we explore the reasons why communities undertake CBM, the monitoring protocols they follow, and the outcomes of CBM as perceived by citizen scientists.
Our results indicate that CBM is driven by a diverse range of motivations; most CBM programs utilize standardized monitoring protocols; and linkages between data and water management are particularly strong at local and regional scales. More broadly, we posit that designing CBM programs based on local motivations, employing robust methods, and establishing collaborative partnerships remain key elements in CBM, and will ensure communities can continue playing a formative role in the monitoring of freshwater resources.