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Contribution to Sustainable Education: Co-Creation Citizen Science Project About Monitoring Species Distribution and Abundance on Rocky Shores

Author

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  • Ana Teresa Neves

    (Escola Superior de Educação João de Deus, Centro de Investigação e Estudos João de Deus, 1269-094 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Diana Boaventura

    (Escola Superior de Educação João de Deus, Centro de Investigação e Estudos João de Deus, 1269-094 Lisbon, Portugal
    MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Center, ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Cecília Galvão

    (Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisbon, Portugal
    ISAMB—Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

Citizen science is not only a participatory means of contributing to scientific knowledge but also an effective approach to addressing a wide range of societal challenges. Integrating citizen science with sustainability entails leveraging public engagement in scientific research to promote sustainable practices and advance the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The degree of public participation can influence the learning outcomes achieved. This study investigated the benefits and limitations of a co-creation citizen science approach implemented in a school context for monitoring species distribution on rocky shores, aligned with SDGs 4, 13, and 14. A mixed-methods design was applied, combining questionnaires administered to students ( n = 100); participant observations of students, teachers, and researchers; and the analysis of observations submitted by one class (C2) to the iNaturalist platform. Students recorded 21 valid observations representing 13 different taxa, and developed skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and interpersonal communication. They also recognised the potential of co-creation as a means of addressing scientific questions. However, teachers reported constraints in implementing the project, notably the breadth of the school curriculum and the lack of local support. This study reinforces the potential of co-creation citizen science projects to foster sustainable education.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Teresa Neves & Diana Boaventura & Cecília Galvão, 2025. "Contribution to Sustainable Education: Co-Creation Citizen Science Project About Monitoring Species Distribution and Abundance on Rocky Shores," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9198-:d:1773256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Dörler & Steffen Fritz & Silke Voigt-Heucke & Florian Heigl, 2021. "Citizen Science and the Role in Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-5, May.
    2. Cristian Alarcon Ferrari & Mari Jönsson & Solomon Gebreyohannis Gebrehiwot & Linley Chiwona-Karltun & Cecilia Mark-Herbert & Daniela Manuschevich & Neil Powell & Thao Do & Kevin Bishop & Tuija Hilding, 2021. "Citizen Science as Democratic Innovation That Renews Environmental Monitoring and Assessment for the Sustainable Development Goals in Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-9, March.
    3. Loreta Tauginienė & Eglė Butkevičienė & Katrin Vohland & Barbara Heinisch & Maria Daskolia & Monika Suškevičs & Manuel Portela & Bálint Balázs & Baiba Prūse, 2020. "Citizen science in the social sciences and humanities: the power of interdisciplinarity," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Josephine Berndt & Sandra Nitz, 2023. "Learning in Citizen Science: The Effects of Different Participation Opportunities on Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-16, August.
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