Kildare supports Citizens Science projects
Kildare County Council says it recognises the importance of Citizen Science projects in connecting people with science.
According to KCC there’s a wealth of ongoing initiatives that support active participation in areas such as water, air, waste and biodiversity.
Cllr Vanessa Liston
Citizen science is research carried out by the public who volunteer to collect scientific date. This research often focuses on monitoring biodiversity, invasive species and climate.
KCC was responding to a call by independent councillor Vanessa Liston for a policy supporting and enabling CS.
She said this would enhance public engagement as well as collecting data relating to “climate, environment, transport, planning and other policy development.”
In a report to a KCC meeting official Marian Higgins said it is important that Kildare engage with existing CS initiatives “ensuring their success through active contribution, learning, sharing and using the information that is gathered (and this utilises the existing and stablished infrastructure, expertise and funding without the need for duplication.”
Ms Higgins also said Kildare could emulate the CS model to work in place or alongside models to engage stakeholders in the development of policy.
“This could be particularly beneficial where deficiencies in data or information are found that cannot be addressed by other sources.”
She said KCC is open to including CS as an additional mechanism and methodology to gather local level information and encourage participation and engagement in policy