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Short Abstract

This talk showcases the results of the Osijek-Baranja Citizen Science Hub in Croatia, which invites citizen scientists from diverse backgrounds to contribute to tri-lateral research, including water quality testing, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable food production and soil health practices.

Abstract

The Osijek-Baranja Citizen Science Hub was set up in 2025 with the goal of involving citizens in ecosystem research in two protected areas within the Croatian Osijek-Baranja County, Kopački rit Nature Park and Mura-Drava Regional Park. To this end, citizen scientists are invited to participate in three interconnected activities within the region as “Pannonian Rangers”, contributing to: 1) water quality testing of the Drava and Danube; 2) biodiversity monitoring of local flora and fauna; and 3) sustainable food production and soil health practices such as permaculture and conservation agriculture. Beyond local citizens and students from schools and universities, farmers and landowners as well as conservation organisations are involved in co-creation efforts within the Citizen Science Hub.

Building on the results of this project funded by IMPETUS and supported by DANUBE4all (both Horizon Europe), our presentation will showcase achievements, best practice examples, and learning opportunities from the implementation of this initiative. To this end, we will outline the methodological innovation of this tri-lateral approach to environmental stewardship in protected areas while exploring both the environmental effects of the citizen science interventions and their impact on participants and their communities.

By addressing the actual ecological challenges that matter to the community, and building on existing networks of local, national, and international organisations and initiatives, including the Ospera Association, DANUBEPARKS, and ROOTS – Center for Sustainable Family Life, we show how an integrated and co-creative approach to environmental stewardship is not only possible, but essential for long-term ecosystem restoration.