1. Director & Learning Catalyst Somaiya Centre for Experiential Learning
Citizen Science
Prashant Mahajan
Director & Learning Catalyst
Somaiya Centre for Experiential Learning

2. What is Citizen Science?
Definition: Scientific research carried out by citizens and led by professionals, that involves large-scale data collection while simultaneously engaging and educating those that participate
(Miller, 2009).

3. The sustainability challenges we face today
Biodiversity loss: 2008 red list: 50% of mammal species in decline, up to a third of all mammals threatened with extinction
Natural habitats: estimated that over 50% of the world’s original forests have been destroyed
Worldwide, per capita water availability is half what it was 50 years ago
Background of rapid climate change. Accelerating the melting of the polar ice caps

4. What is the relevance of Citizen Science?
Helps increase the scale of ecological field studies
Helps understand processes occurring at broad geographic scale
Helps track the ecological and social impacts of large-scale environmental change through the internet

5. = 10.8 million hours of research (5,100 years)
A Global Perspective
Each Year: 60 research projects in 25 countries engaging 4,000 people per year
Since 1971: 1,300 research projects in 120 countries engaging 81,000 people
= 10.8 million hours of research (5,100 years)

6. Freshwater Watch Measuring water quality
The Global Freshwater Watch Parametres
General Ecosystem Conditions:
Land use
Sources of pollution
Estimated flow & depth
Water Quality
Colour
Presence of algal
Nitrate – Rapid test
Phosphate – Rapid test
Turbidity – Secchi tube

8. Citizen Science
Season Watch :

9. Mapping RainTrees

10. Rain Tree ( Samanea Saman)

11. Reasons for dying Rain Trees

12. Citizen Science
Common Bird Monitoring