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Short Abstract

Does Observatree really provide local empowerment and improve forest governance, or can more be done? In this workshop, we explore challenges and successes to answer this question and gain insight from participants' experiences.

Abstract

Observatree is a tree health- based citizen science partnership project that started in 2012, acting as an early warning system for tree pests and diseases entering Great Britain.

Citizens survey trees in their local area, from street trees to woodlands, monitoring for any signs of ill health that could point towards a pest or disease. They record findings using an online platform, Tree Alert, where reports are sent straight to government scientists for verification and analysis. Report outcomes are shared instantly with officials to provide rapid information exchange and allow authorities to act in the event of an outbreak.

Our citizens are at the forefront of protection for our woods and trees. We present a project that uses digital technology to empower volunteers across three countries to act and proactively contribute to tree health research and policy.

Does Observatree really provide local empowerment and improve forest governance, or can more be done? We propose exploring two challenges and two successes with participants to harvest their thoughts and feedback on their own experiences.

1. Challenge: Increasing engagement from citizens in isolated roles and areas

2. Challenge: Working within a partnership model

3. Success: Producing digital resources to improve citizen knowledge and support training

4. Success: Citizen representation on the project board

In keeping with the proposed world café theme, we’d require paper tablecloths and felt-tip pens to collect ideas from each table.