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Citizen Science
Citizen science, also known as citizen research, allows people to participate in research projects in everyday life or while travelling. Find out more.
Citizen Science: How you can help protect nature through research
At a time when our environment faces unprecedented challenges, more and more people feel the urge to take action. Citizen science – also known as community science – makes it possible to contribute to research projects, both in everyday life and while travelling. It offers exciting opportunities for those looking for meaningful nature-based holidays or a more conscious way to travel.
And it's not just about collecting data – it’s about forming a deeper connection with nature that goes far beyond tourism. For mindful travellers and anyone passionate about conservation and purpose-driven initiatives, citizen science is a powerful way to make a real impact, whether at home or abroad.
What exactly is Citizen Science?
Citizen science refers to the participation of interested members of the public in scientific research projects. Unlike in the past, when research was almost exclusively carried out by experts, today anyone with curiosity and motivation can get involved. From recording species and monitoring environmental conditions to analysing digital data, there are many ways to contribute, often without needing specialist knowledge.
What makes citizen science unique is the close collaboration between professional researchers and dedicated volunteers. This cooperation leads to projects that are both scientifically robust and widely accessible. The data collected by citizen scientists is often large-scale, long-term and diverse – exactly what researchers need for reliable analysis.
Why Citizen Science is essential for conservation
Our planet is undergoing dramatic change: climate change is affecting ecosystems around the globe, biodiversity is declining, and many natural habitats are under threat. To understand these complex challenges and find solutions, researchers need extensive data – ideally gathered from as many locations and over as long as possible.
Professional research teams often face limitations: time, staff, and funding are in short supply. Citizen science greatly expands the reach of scientific research, as thousands of volunteers can collect data in parallel. The result: large, reliable datasets that would otherwise be impossible to obtain.
Another crucial benefit is increased environmental awareness. When people actively take part in research, they experience nature first-hand, gain a deeper understanding of ecological connections, and develop a stronger appreciation for protecting our planet. This personal involvement is key to fostering long-term environmental behaviour – a core goal of conscious travel and conservation volunteering.
The different types of citizen science: from observing nature to analysing data
Citizen science is incredibly diverse and comes in many forms. Depending on your interests and skills, there are various ways to get involved.
1. Nature observation and field research
Many citizen science projects rely on data collection in natural settings. Whether it’s bird counts, insect tracking, plant mapping or water quality monitoring – these activities offer an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while contributing valuable scientific data.
Modern apps such as iNaturalist or NABU’s Insect Monitor make recording and uploading observations easy. This means even non-experts can get involved and send their data directly to research institutions.
2. Digital analysis and online projects
In addition to fieldwork, digital citizen science is becoming increasingly popular. Platforms like Zooniverse invite volunteers to analyse photos, satellite images and datasets online. Sorting wildlife camera images or classifying microscope slides are tasks where human eyes are still better than AI.
This form of citizen science is ideal for anyone who’s tech-savvy and wants to contribute from home or on the go.
3. Community-based research
In some regions, scientists work closely with local communities to investigate specific environmental challenges and co-develop practical solutions. This participatory approach blends scientific methods with local knowledge and fosters sustainable change on the ground.
Such projects are often closely linked to conservation initiatives and offer volunteers the chance to play an active, hands-on role.
4. Volunteering and hands-on conservation work
If you’re keen to dive even deeper into conservation work, there are many volunteering projects that incorporate citizen science. From habitat restoration and endangered species protection to environmental education – this kind of engagement often goes hand in hand with scientific data collection.
It’s a significant option for travellers who want to make the most of their time and contribute in a tangible way. Be inspired, for example, by our whale shark project in the Maldives, the marine conservation project in Panama or our species conservation project in South Africa.
Citizen Science on the road: How to combine travel with research
Planning a trip and want to do something meaningful along the way? Citizen science might be just the thing for you:
- Support with data collection: Observe, record and support real research using citizen science apps. Your adventures will become valuable contributions to science and conservation.
- Join a volunteering programme: Many responsible travel providers incorporate citizen science into their experiences. You can support conservation work on-site while gathering scientific data.
- Get involved in online projects: Even if you’re not travelling, you can take part in research by helping scientists analyse data online – flexibly and conveniently from anywhere.
- Find out about local initiatives: Many places offer exciting local projects or workshops where you can deepen your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals.
Citizen Science – A chance to experience nature research first-hand
Citizen science brings people, science, and nature together in unique ways. For conscious travellers and anyone interested in making an impact on our environment, it offers an inspiring way to take responsibility and engage with nature. By actively participating, you’ll gain a better understanding of ecological processes and experience nature in a much more meaningful way—not just as a backdrop to your journey.
If you want your next trip to be more than just a holiday – if you want to make a genuine contribution to nature conservation – citizen science is the perfect path. Every walk, every bird sighting, every volunteer day becomes part of a global movement to protect our planet.
