On May 8 at 7:00 PM Kyiv time, the Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) will host a roundtable discussion via Zoom on the topic of citizen science during the war.
The full-scale invasion has impacted many aspects of life in Ukraine, including nature observation. Movement restrictions, the occupation of territories, and constant stress have forced many Ukrainians to become internally displaced, join the Armed Forces, or become army volunteers. At the same time, spending time in nature has become an important part of psychological rehabilitation for many.
Researchers from several countries who are specifically studying this issue will discuss how citizen science has changed during the war, using the popular app iNaturalist as a key example.
Key speakers include:
- Eric Fischer Rempe — Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Brazil).
- Bradley C. Allf — Colorado State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (USA).
- Serhii M. Panchenko — Khlodnyi Yar National Nature Park, Doctor of Biological Sciences.
- Ivan I. Moisiienko — Kherson State University, Head of the Department of Botany, Doctor of Biological Sciences.
The roundtable will address the following questions:
- How have the opportunities for nature research in Ukraine changed during the war?
- How has the use of the iNaturalist app changed for both observers and identifiers?
- Have Ukrainians continued to observe nature after becoming internally displaced or joining the Armed Forces?
- How can citizen science help observers themselves, and how can they help advance citizen science during the war?
Join the Zoom conference and participate in the discussion!
The event is part of a series of webinars in preparation for the First All-Ukrainian Bioblitz. This initiative is part of the project “Saving Natural Heritage for LIFE in Ukraine” (LIFE23-PRE-CZ-ConNaturLIFE Ukraine), which is co-financed by the European Union and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic.
