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Poster Short Abstract

Natural history museums can mobilize citizens for biodiversity monitoring through citizen science. Based on a visitor survey in Berlin, we identify distinct audience groups and discuss strategies to foster inclusive engagement, strengthen participation, and reduce barriers.

Poster Abstract

Natural history museums operate at the interface of science, society, policy, and conservation, providing a unique platform to engage broad audiences in biodiversity issues. They hold particular potential to mobilize citizens for participation in biodiversity monitoring through citizen science. While citizen science has gained recognition in research and policy, and its value for nature conservation is increasingly acknowledged, public awareness and active participation remain uneven, with many demographic groups not yet reached.

To better understand engagement opportunities and barriers, we conducted a comprehensive visitor survey at the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin with over 200 participants. The study explored the extent to which citizen science in nature conservation is known and actively practiced, and which factors influence involvement. We examined demographic characteristics alongside key dimensions such as interest in nature, connectedness to nature, conservation knowledge, and previous experience with citizen science. In addition, we assessed perceptions of motivation, self-efficacy, and barriers to participation.

Our findings point to distinct audience groups that can be characterized by these dimensions. Building on this, we further analyze demographic backgrounds and the specific needs, potentials, and challenges of these groups. Based on these results, we offer strategies and recommendations for natural history museums to foster inclusive engagement, strengthen participation, and reduce barriers.