Research Ideas and Outcomes (Nov 2018)

Increasing understanding of alien species through citizen science (Alien-CSI)

  • Helen Roy,
  • Quentin Groom,
  • Tim Adriaens,
  • Gaia Agnello,
  • Marina Antic,
  • Anne-Sophie Archambeau,
  • Sven Bacher,
  • Aletta Bonn,
  • Peter Brown,
  • Giuseppe Brundu,
  • Bernat López,
  • Michelle Cleary,
  • Dan Cogălniceanu,
  • Maarten de Groot,
  • Tiago De Sousa,
  • Alan Deidun,
  • Franz Essl,
  • Živa Fišer Pečnikar,
  • Anna Gazda,
  • Eugenio Gervasini,
  • Milka Glavendekic,
  • Guillaume Gigot,
  • Sven Jelaska,
  • Jonathan Jeschke,
  • Dariusz Kaminski,
  • Paraskevi Karachle,
  • Tamas Komives,
  • Katharina Lapin,
  • Frances Lucy,
  • Elizabete Marchante,
  • Dragana Marisavljevic,
  • Riho Marja,
  • Laura Martín Torrijos,
  • Angeliki Martinou,
  • Dinka Matosevic,
  • Clare Mifsud,
  • Jurga Motiejūnaitė,
  • Henn Ojaveer,
  • Nataša Pasalic,
  • Ladislav Pekárik,
  • Esra Per,
  • Jan Pergl,
  • Vladimir Pesic,
  • Michael Pocock,
  • Luís Reino,
  • Christian Ries,
  • Laurentiu Rozylowicz,
  • Sven Schade,
  • Snorri Sigurdsson,
  • Ofer Steinitz,
  • Nir Stern,
  • Aco Teofilovski,
  • Johann Thorsson,
  • Rumen Tomov,
  • Elena Tricarico,
  • Teodora Trichkova,
  • Konstantinos Tsiamis,
  • Johan van Valkenburg,
  • Noel Vella,
  • Laura Verbrugge,
  • Gábor Vétek,
  • Cristina Villaverde,
  • Johanna Witzell,
  • Argyro Zenetos,
  • Ana Cristina Cardoso

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3897/rio.4.e31412
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4
pp. 1 – 43

Abstract

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There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, additionally the rate of spread for some species has also been shown to be increasing. However, the challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized. Recent developments in citizen science (CS) provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS while ensuring effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Advances in technology, particularly on-line recording and smartphone apps, along with the development of social media, have revolutionized CS and increased connectivity while new and innovative analysis techniques are emerging to ensure appropriate management, visualization, interpretation and use and sharing of the data. In early July 2018 we launched a European CO-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address multidisciplinary research questions in relation to developing and implementing CS, advancing scientific understanding of AS dynamics while informing decision-making specifically implementation of technical requirements of relevant legislation such as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS. It will also support the EU biodiversity goals and embedding science within society. The Action will explore and document approaches to establishing a European-wide CS AS network. It will embrace relevant innovations for data gathering and reporting to support the implementation of monitoring and surveillance measures, while ensuring benefits for society and citizens, through an AS CS European network. The Action will, therefore, increase levels of participation and quality of engagement with current CS initiatives, ensuring and evaluating educational value, and improve the value outcomes for potential users including citizens, scientists, alien species managers, policy-makers, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders.

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