It took place last 22 May the Legambiente workshop entitled APPlitiamoci “Technology at the service of nature”. Technology and Citizen Science were the two key words of this meeting which aimed to understand how technology and the numerous Citizen Science activities can be useful for biodiversity.
The Ornitho project: la citizen science legata al birdwatching
The first project presented during this Workshop was that of Dr.Roberto Lardelli: Ornithologist- President Asst. Ficedula / BirdLife Switzerland.A project that aims to carry forward 'Citizen Science' to raise awareness among all citizens about biodiversity and environmental conservation.
With the projectOrnitho, that is, a common information platform for Italian ornithologists and birdwatchers and many national and regional ornithological associations, the possibility of the study was given, bird conservation, birdwatching and their promotion throughout Italy and Europe.
An interesting project, a 'citizen science' which has seen the participation of numerous observers over the last few years, who with their data give the possibility not only of mapping a specific territory, but also to increase the database – this collects data from 1902 to date – which can be put at the service of all those who want to conduct studies.
iNaturalist, the app to observe and monitor biodiversity
Similar to the Ornitho experience, there is the project ofburned presented byRosario Balestrieri Ornithologist and President of the Ass. burned. Also for theCampania, particularly onSarno River, for example, there is the observation of numerous species of birds that live in the area and which unfortunately increasingly encounter total pollution. Thanks to the participation of this Citizen Science and the help of technology that makes everything easier, all enthusiasts and not only of ornithology, they can make their contribution using the iNaturalist app.
Through this app every observation can contribute to the science of biodiversity. Through a simple photo, Indeed, it will be possible to understand not only what you are observing - from animals to fauna - but to enrich a large scientific database such as that ofGlobal Biodiversity Information Facility. The goal is to help scientists find and use this data. All this thanks to participation and data sharing with a simple smartphone.
Legambiente's Citizen Science activities
Citizen Science experiences linked to the help of technology are numerous and he knows it wellLegambiente. Among the various Citizen Science activities proposed by Legambiente, as explained byCarmela De Vivo, Doctor in Environmental Sciences there is also that ofSchooner of the Campania Rivers. A project whose objective is to monitor the state of the major rivers in the region, including the Sarno River. Through simple steps, also carried out by the numerous participants in the activity, Dr. De Vivo showed how the sampling and analysis of the Sarno river took place in 2019, which have led to numerous truly interesting data for the protection of the territory.
However, this is not the only Citizen Science activity carried out by Legambiente. Indeed, as told byEva Barca, voluntaryLegambientethere were other projects carried out in Campania, which brought many people together, especially young people in activities for the protection of the territory. Instruments, knowledge, participation, discoveries and fun: This is how many of the Citizen Science Legambiente activities can be summarized, which have led numerous citizens to learn about something new and interesting.
Animals and more: monitoring activities of alien species
Animals and more. Various monitoring activities and understanding of biodiversity changes due to alien forms have been explained byLuciano VenturaOf National Legambiente. From insects, passing through the plants, up to some species of animals, Luciano Ventura explained how making known the new types of species present and how they very often negatively affect the territory can be important for protecting our environment.
Gaia Observer: active citizenship within reach of a smartphone
At the end, the Legambiente app called Gaia Observer was also presented. Born from the 'Volunteer by nature' project which had the objective of active citizenship, Thanks to this easy and simple environmental monitoring application, it will be possible to defend nature, reporting with photos, text and location of any illegal landfills, fire, poaching activities and much more, to the bodies responsible for environmental protection. An example of active citizenship also within reach of a smartphone.
