MATERIALS

Project: City-Wide Biodiversity Survey

Objective:

To conduct a comprehensive survey of the biodiversity in a metropolitan area, focusing on both flora and fauna.

 Steps Involving Community Collaboration:

1.        Project Setup and Data Collection:

• A team of researchers sets up the project on OpenBioDiv, defining its goals, methodologies, and data requirements.
• They invite citizen scientists and local educational institutions to participate in data collection.

2.        Training and Workshops:

• Before the data collection begins, the researchers organize workshops for citizen scientists and educators. These workshops cover basic biodiversity survey techniques, data recording methods, and how to use the OpenBioDiv platform for data entry and access.
• Online training materials and resources are also made available on OpenBioDiv.

3.    Data Collection by Citizen Scientists:

• Citizen scientists, equipped with guidelines and mobile apps connected to OpenBioDiv, visit designated areas within the city to observe and record various species.
• They upload their findings, including photographs, location data, and other observations, directly to OpenBioDiv.

4.    Data Verification and Curation:

• Researchers and expert volunteers regularly review the data submitted by citizen scientists for accuracy and completeness.
• Verified data is then curated and integrated into the broader OpenBioDiv database.

5.    Collaborative Data Analysis:

• Researchers, students, and interested citizen scientists can access the collected data to conduct various analyses, such as species distribution mapping, habitat analysis, or temporal changes in biodiversity.
• OpenBioDiv's tools enable collaborative analysis, where users can share insights, discuss findings, and work together on research papers or reports.

6.    Educational Outreach:

• Educators use the data and findings from the project in their curriculum, providing students with real-world examples of biodiversity and conservation.
• OpenBioDiv hosts educational content and project findings, making it accessible to schools and the public.

7.    Public Engagement and Feedback:

• The platform allows for public engagement through forums and discussion boards where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback.
• Regular updates on the project's progress and findings are shared with the community through OpenBioDiv.

8.    Long-term Monitoring and Updates:

• The project evolves into a long-term monitoring initiative, with ongoing contributions from the community.
• OpenBioDiv serves as the central repository for all data and updates, ensuring continuity and accessibility.

 Outcome:

This project not only gathers valuable data on urban biodiversity but also fosters a sense of community among participants. It demonstrates how platforms like OpenBioDiv can facilitate collaboration across different groups, leveraging the collective effort for significant contributions to biodiversity research and education.