The DAISY project contributed to an inspiring session at the Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences on 28 May 2026, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders from around the world to explore how participatory science can support biodiversity conservation, social inclusion, and community-led environmental action.
The session, “Seeds of Change: Participatory Science for Biodiversity and Equity”, was co-convened by DAISY partners alongside representatives from Earthwatch Europe and Coventry University.
During the session, the DAISY team presented insights into how urban citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist can support biodiversity monitoring while also promoting more equitable participation in environmental research. The presentation highlighted both the opportunities and challenges associated with engaging diverse communities in biodiversity observation and data collection.
The session also featured a range of international perspectives. Earthwatch Europe showcased the impact of initiatives such as Tiny Forest and NATALIE, while researchers from San Diego State University explored the role of academic libraries in supporting community-driven biodiversity research. The Asia Nature Challenge team shared lessons from coordinating biodiversity monitoring across multiple countries, and representatives from City of Surrey demonstrated how community science is informing local biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.
Across the presentations, several common themes emerged. Participants reflected on the increasing importance of citizen science platforms, alongside ongoing challenges related to inclusion and participation. Discussions highlighted the persistent “equity gap” across many projects, raising important questions about who participates, who benefits, and how participatory science initiatives can become more inclusive and accessible.
Another key topic was the challenge of demonstrating impact. While participatory science is widely recognised for generating positive outcomes, measuring long-term changes in participants, communities, and decision-making processes remains difficult. Contributors emphasised the need for more effective approaches to capturing both individual and system-level impacts, including influences on local authorities, land managers, and community stewardship.
The session demonstrated the growing international momentum behind participatory science as a powerful tool for biodiversity action, community engagement, and more equitable environmental decision-making. For the DAISY project, it provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, learn from international partners, and contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of inclusive biodiversity monitoring.
