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Poster Short Abstract

This research seeks to understand current and potential citizen science initiatives in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With an initial focus on biodiversity, the approach has the potential to advance a variety of urban and social issues, from forests and beaches to the outskirts of cities.

Poster Abstract

This research sought to explore citizen science experiences in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to systematize an overview of this knowledge. Currently, biodiversity monitoring can be considered the main focus of citizen science in the region, particularly with bioblitzes and birdwatching. Other notable fronts are projects related to the coast, such as monitoring beaches, turtles, and whales. These are activities that attract the most enthusiasts, and are usually conceived by groups from universities, museums, parks, and environmental institutions. A voluntary interest in research on these topics can lead citizens to participate in NGOs, crowdfunding projects, anti-pollution campaigns, and even propose changes to public policy. Furthermore, the participatory methodology can be applied to social sciences, addressing the most pressing problems in peripheral areas. New shared spaces with a maker approach offer interesting potential in the region. These spaces can develop innovative and tropicalized practices, in tune with the digital culture of the internet and apps, sensors, and drones, and adapted to the realities of cities. It's worth highlighting the intersection with other approaches, such as Open Knowledge, Hackathons, FabLabs, and Citizen Innovation Laboratories, such as those organized by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). These programs have a more direct impact on communities, such as those promoting thematic maps, collaborative networks, and social observatories in neighborhoods or favelas, coordinated by NGOs, residents' associations, or public university extensions. Finally, this research seeks to further disseminate this citizen science approach, which is incipient and diverse in the region.