Citizen Science Activities

Citizen Science Toolkit Boracay

Citizen Science Tool Kit Boracay is the first of a series of site-based toolkits developed by the BlueCARES project that details the concept, framework, methodology, and application of Citizen Science. The toolkit contains a citizen science workbook and sample projects and methodologies that can be used as a guide by Citizen Scientists in their activities in Boracay. For more information about the initiatives and activities in the Boracay Toolkit, click the link here.

The Citizen Science Workbook

The Citizen Science Workbook is within the Citizen Science Toolkit which contains assessment worksheets that guide the stakeholders and participants in planning and carrying out Citizen Science activities and projects. The worksheet also provides tips and tools to assess the progress and depth of understanding of the participants.

Boracay Citizen Science Projects

The BlueCARES pre-selected Citizen Science projects and detailed the methods and main steps to accomplish the task. The methods range from the simple way of measuring important parameters, such as water transparency, to the more highly technical ones such as remote sensing using satellites and using the accompanying algorithms and formulae. The results of these projects are relevant in addressing prevailing issues in Boracay Island.

Other Citizen Science Activites

The residents identify the features and key details of their locality

Community Mapping in Busuanga, Palawan

Community mapping activities were done in Calawit Island and Brgy. Concepcion in Busuanga, Palawan. The activities were in coordination with the local residents and were done to identify the general features, habitats, resources, and issues and problems in the area. The information gathered by the community were used in the BlueCARES and IAMBlueCECAM projects.

BCnet-Philippines Citizen Science Activities

Virtual workshops were held to discuss the different Citizen Science initiatives and activities for seagrass monitoring and Mangrove Mapping using the Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) in Google Earth Engine. The workshops were attended by various stakeholders such as partner National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, State Colleges and Universities, and Non-Government Organizations from all over the country.

Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch

Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch is an initiative developed by UP MSI to assess the extent and severity of coral bleaching nationwide. Ordinary citizen divers or snorkelers can upload photos and videos of the reefs which are used by coral scientists in tracking and studying the effects of climate change on coral reefs. To become a citizen scientist for Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch, you may click the link here.

SeagrassSpotter

Seagrass Spotter is a global tool for people to help locate seagrasses. It allows users to take photos of seagrass and identify the species of seagrass found. The information gathered contributes to building a sustainable monitoring network and creating a comprehensive picture of the seagrass meadows. To become a citizen scientist for SeagrassSpotter, you may click the link here.