Beyond Science: Exploring the Value of Co-created Citizen Science for Diverse Community Groups

Abstract

Addressing global environmental challenges and making progress towards the United Nations sustainable development goals (SGDs) requires transformative change in various aspects of coupled human-environment systems. Public participation and collective action at local levels through improved ocean literacy is an important part of achieving global targets. However, inequalities in who has access to opportunities to engage with science and connect with ocean environments persist. Here we explore the value of co-created citizen science with four diverse community groups using the value-creation framework. We utilize participatory evaluation processes with focused group discussions (n = 17) and surveys (n = 58) embedded throughout the research process. We evidence how co-created citizen science can facilitate transformative experiences leading to pro-environmental behaviors, community empowerment, shifts in perceptions, and community building. Our findings highlight the value of such approaches to elicit change and their potential to influence policy through behavioral change.