During two highly lucrative days, some sixty participants from various backgrounds met in November 2022. Together, they defined a vision of what citizen science should be in Québec.
After discussing the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of citizen science, these two days of discussions and exchanges ended with the development of an action plan that will be implemented in the coming years.
Vision
“A participatory science network for water health, recognized for the sustainable engagement of communities, the diversity of actors, and for the sharing of scientific and traditional knowledge. »
A first analysis of participatory water science in Québec!
This first meeting made it possible to paint a portrait of citizen science in Québec and to highlight the key elements to take into account in the development of the action plan.
CHALLENGES
CHALLENGE 1 – Sustainability
CHALLENGE 2 - Inclusive vision
How to perpetuate this participatory science group of actors both from a financial and human resources standpoint in terms of the commitment of citizens, young people, municipalities and organizations.
The importance of all players agreeing on a direction, a common goal to achieve before taking specific actions to resolve other issues.
CHALLENGE 3 - Engagement
How to perpetuate this participatory science group of actors both from a financial and human resources standpoint in terms of the commitment of citizens, young people, municipalities and organizations.
The importance of all players agreeing on a direction, a common goal to achieve before taking specific actions to resolve other issues.
CHALLENGE 4 - Validation and credibility
Ensuring the commitment of citizens, young people, municipalities and organizations that are sometimes at their wit’s end.
How to perpetuate this grouping of actors of participatory science if the practice is not recognized, and if decision-makers do not accept the data?
CHALLENGE 5 - Knowledge sharing and inventory
Finding solutions for data inventory and knowledge sharing, so that all this monitoring and data collection work can be used for decision-making and, ultimately, for the protection and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
TOWARDS AN ACTION PLAN
SUSTAINABILITY
- Develop and implement a funding mechanism to ensure the sustainability of citizen science projects and initiatives
- Valorize citizen science and its results
- Invest in scientific culture among young people and the general public
INCLUSIVE VISION
- Structure the organization
- Ensure two-way communication between everyone
- Ensure adequate learning and training for all members
ENGAGEMENT
- Identify and know the actors
- Develop strategies and means of engagement
- Support continuous efforts and their recognition
VALIDATION AND CREDIBILITY OF DATA
- Establish citizen science within the context of rigorous science
- Have an equal relationship with partners (governments, experts, community, academics)
- Ensure the credibility of citizen science data
- Highlight insights resulting from citizen science data
- Contribute to data access requests
KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND KNOWLEDGE INVENTORY
- Have an inventory of all the knowledge acquired by the actors
- Make accessible and facilitate the transfer and understanding of knowledge within communities
USEFUL LINKS
- Report of the 1st Forum on participatory science in Québec
- Summary sheet of the participatory science forum
- Action plan for the implementation and promotion of participatory water science in Québec (2023-2028)
On Sept. 21, 2023, the Community-Based Water Monitoring Collaborative hosted “CollabEAUration: A Canada-Wide Water Dialogue” to build cross-cultural understanding between francophone and anglophone community-based water monitoring (CBWM) and participatory water science leaders across the country. View the summary of each organization’s contribution to the webinar as well as the recording of the webinar by clicking on the link below.
