Citizen Science

Citizen science programs for professionals

In order to collect the data they need, the scientists are looking for help. Citizens like you, as well as professionals, passionate amateurs or even local populations, in other latitudes. But who are these contributors to whom biodiversity owes a debt of gratitude?

The information collected via citizen science programs helps to advance knowledge. When relayed to decision-makers, it also informs public policies.

Mobilising professionals

The Agricultural Biodiversity Observatory gives farmers the option to implement 4 standardised protocols. The objective is to observe wildlife on their plots. These systems make it possible to monitor the state of biodiversity in their environment and to raise awareness among these professionals of favourable practices.

Meanwhile, the Florilèges program addresses managers of green spaces. The aim is to study the flora of urban meadows in relation to the methods of intervention adopted. Once again, this provides an opportunity to highlight the effect of practices applied on the ecological quality of these ecosystems.

Competition for amateur enthusiasts

Bird banding

Bird banding

© MNHN - S. Forero

The Centre for Research on the Biology of Bird Populations is calling on ornithologists. They can be trained in ringing methods in order to take part in the 13 national participatory programmes for monitoring birds by capture and marking.

For many years, informed amateurs have also been cooperating in the identification of new species of molluscs collected by scientists during marine expeditions.

Others have been getting involved by listening to and recording the ultrasounds emitted by bats, in order to evaluate the variable abundance of these chiropteran populations at different times and locations.

Finally, contributors are involved in updating the reference database of species present in France (TAXREF). They also help to identify and document key biodiversity areas in France (ZNIEFF programme).

Bird banding is a scientific research tool used in the study of bird migrations and populations (2020).

© MNHN

Local partnerships

Elsewhere, the Popei-Coll project involves the local populations of Timor-Leste in the development of their practices and know-how. This involvement makes it possible to renew heritage conservation policies in conjunction with the people concerned.

In the same vein, the Fondjomekwet Heritage programme in western Cameroon aims to establish a participatory inventory with representatives of the population of Fondjomekwet: among the topics explored are the history of chieftaincy and power structures in Bamileke areas, agriculture and livestock breeding, handicrafts and trade. The environment and habitat, traditional and modern architecture as well as that of the royal palace are also explored.

A whole community is helping to advance science. Come and join us by choosing the programme for the general public that you like!