Short Abstract

This workshop explores how and to what extent citizen science applied to forest governance can decolonize forest management, e.g. through approaches grounded in Indigenous and grassroots knowledge. Participants are invited to share lessons on empowering citizens and improving forest governance.

Description

Climate change policy and forest management laws and regulations are typically shaped by experts trained in specific ways of producing knowledge. These are commonly rooted in Western science and introduced with colonialism. However, many alternative approaches, particularly those grounded in Indigenous and grassroots knowledge, are often overlooked. Citizen Science approaches are increasingly introduced to many communities where they produce environmental knowledge, often through the use of digital technologies such as smartphone enabled apps. These technologies are frequently presented as providing a platform for local empowerment and knowledge production, but is that actually the case? This workshop explores how and to what extent digital citizen science technologies applied to forest ecosystem governance can decolonize forest management, improve forest governance, empower citizens, and achieve better forest conservation outcomes.

The workshop will draw on initiatives by the workshop participants as well as on four initiatives by the workshop convenors:

1. “Transformative Knowledge for People, Forests and Climate” in Tanzania (MAARIFA),

2. “Transformative Impact of Citizen Science on Environmental Governance” in Estonia (CS4Change),

3. ”Community-Based Environmental Monitoring in Karen State” in Myanmar, and

4. ”It is Our Forest, Too” in Cambodia.

At the workshop, we will discuss how citizen science can extend beyond data collection to advance governance systems and policies, highlighting citizen engagement's potential to drive systemic change. We will explore common challenges, successful strategies, and opportunities for collaboration. The workshop will use a world café approach. We propose to have one105-minute session in a room with space for c. 30 participants.