The threefold potential of environmental citizen science - Generating knowledge, creating learning opportunities and enabling civic participation

摘要: Abstract Citizen science offers significant innovation potential in science, society and policy. To foster environmental conservation goals, citizen can (i) generate new knowledge, (ii) enhance awareness raising facilitate in-depth learning as well (iii) enable civic participation. Here, we investigate how these aims are realised projects assess needs challenges for advancing stimulating future initiatives. this end, conducted a quantitative, web-based survey with 143 experts from the educational sector Germany, Austria Switzerland. Our findings show that project managers pursue goals related to all three areas of impact. Interestingly, enabling participation was considered slightly less important relation generating knowledge creating opportunities. Different necessary action emerge our analysis. fully realize priority should be given capacities more effectively share research results scientific community through publication, also journals. Systematic evaluation is needed gain better understanding outcomes, which criteria need developed. Fostering formats allow participants get involved whole process – posing study question implementing could transformative aspect at societal level. Important structural aspects addressed include adjustments funding schemes, facilitation communication between citizens academia-based scientists, training, guidance networking.