part of Citizen Science
Volunteer biological recording is an effective way to gather environmental data and offers benefits to participants as well as the researchers who use the information collected. However, there are demographic biases among participants which can hinder the equitable distribution of arising environmental and social benefits. In this paper, authors from eight UK organizations reflect on activities aimed at tackling these imbalances.
Increasing inclusivity in data recording will enhance benefits for participants and organizations, enhance data for science and decision-making and lead to greater action for nature.
In June 2024, representatives from eight UK organizations responsible for coordinating and supporting volunteer biological recording took part in a workshop, during which they shared insights from initiatives and actions these organizations had taken to make their volunteer recording more inclusive.
Embedding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at an institutional level was seen as foundational for increasing inclusivity in biological recording, as was building understanding of the diversity and experiences of their current participants.
A range of actions to increase inclusivity was described, from increasing the accessibility of webpages, introducing entry-level recording opportunities, and creating opportunities that appeal to a wide range of skills and interests. Working in depth with communities at a local level was seen as an effective way of engaging new audiences.
The workshop attendees then turned to discussing future priorities. Together, they identified that voices of currently underrepresented groups must be increased within the design, implementation and running of schemes and that investment in relationship-building through facilitator organizations will be vital for effective engagement of these groups. Crucial will be the co-creation of appealing opportunities with mutual benefits for both participants and data generation. Consideration should also be given to the opportunities for new ways of volunteering that will arise from technological advances in biological recording.
Increasing inclusivity will increase benefits for participants and organizations, enhance data for science and decision-making and lead to greater action for nature, concluded the authors.
Access the paper for a full case study of each group's inclusivity work.
SEI Affiliated Researcher
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