Citizen Science: Empowering Communities through Data Sharing
Citizen science is a participatory approach that involves public volunteers in scientific research and monitoring activities. The approach enables individuals to contribute valuable data, which is then analyzed and used to inform environmental policies and conservation strategies. This approach not only enhances public awareness but also alleviates the burdensome nature of data collection and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental protection.
The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) and the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust (MBMPT) have partnered on an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing environmental monitoring and enforcement within the Montego Bay Marine Park (MBMP), one of Jamaica’s most treasured coastal regions. This project will see the installation of two CoastSnap points at strategic locations along the Montego Bay coastline in February 2025, leveraging the power of citizen science to foster community involvement and support data-informed environmental management decisions in the second city.
MGI’s Approach to Science and Data-Informed Decision-Making
MGI is committed to evidence-based environmental management through data collection and advanced geospatial analysis. By integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with community-driven data inputs, MGI empowers policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions that promote sustainable development and environmental conservation. The integration of citizen science initiatives is evidence of MGI’s forward-thinking philosophy, encouraging community participation while enhancing environmental stewardship.
MGI’s Commitment to Citizen Science
In January 2023, MGI participated in SargSnap!, a citizen science workshop held in Ghana. SargSnap! is an innovative initiative that uses photography to monitor sargassum blooms, empowering communities to capture and share images that support environmental research and management efforts. MGI’s involvement in this international workshop highlights its dedication to leveraging citizen science for effective coastal monitoring and management. MGI’s Project Manager and Sargassum Project lead, Mr. Romario Anderson outlined that “CoastSnap has proven to be an invaluable tool, easing the burden on monitoring agencies whilst also igniting a passion across all ages to learn about and protect the coastal environment.”
CoastSnap: Capturing Coastal Change through Community Participation
CoastSnap is a global citizen science project designed to document changing coastlines through community-contributed photographs. The initiative uses fixed photo points, where community members can easily capture and share images of the shoreline. These images are then analyzed to track coastal changes over time, offering critical insights into beach dynamics, pollution and coastal ecology.
By establishing CoastSnap points in Montego Bay, MGI aims to enhance community engagement while gathering crucial data on coastal changes. This participatory approach empowers local communities, particularly youth, to actively contribute to environmental management efforts, fostering a deeper appreciation for Jamaica’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
This project between MGI and MBMPT in Montego Bay is funded by the UK’s Blue Social Challenge Fund and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and building resilient coastal communities.
Looking Forward: Expanding Citizen Science Across Jamaica
With adequate funding, MGI envisions expanding the CoastSnap initiative across Jamaica, promoting citizen science as a powerful tool for environmental monitoring and decision-making. By focusing on community participation and advanced geospatial technologies, MGI is paving the way for sustainable coastal management and environmental conservation. There is currently only 1 CoastSnap point at the Port Royal Marine Lab in Kingston, Jamaica.
Executive Director at MGI, Mr. Luke Buchanan, outlined that “MGI remains committed to fostering a culture of data-driven decision making while always fostering a participatory approach.”
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