Science for,by/with the people – A regional science center as focal point for citizen science initiatives

One of the main goals of regional science center CEAZA is to advance the scientific-technological development in the Region of Coquimbo. In its quest to understand the effects of climatic-oceanographic oscillations on the... [ view full abstract ]

One of the main goals of regional science center CEAZA is to advance the scientific-technological development in the Region of Coquimbo. In its quest to understand the effects of climatic-oceanographic oscillations on the hydrological cycle and biological productivity (natural and cultivated) in arid and marine areas of northern-central Chile, the scientists of the center have always been closely collaborating with stakeholders and decision-makers. The center also maintains a very active outreach section, which provides basic scientific information to the general public, reaching from schoolkids to their grandparents. By efficiently transferring the latest scientific results to all sectors of society, CEAZA fosters environmental protection and education and thereby contributes to the progress and living quality of inhabitants of the Coquimbo Region. These close links with society and the diverse range of scientific questions being investigated by CEAZA scientists provide an ideal scenario for implementing a citizen science program with a strong regional character. Currently, CEAZA scientists already collaborate with school kids in surveying marine litter, with fishermen in monitoring fisheries species, with farmers in checking potential pest species and monitoring water resources. Herein we discuss the ideas and plans for consolidating and expanding these collaborations between professional and citizen scientists, always considering the local identity of the Coquimbo region, which is characterized by limited freshwater resources and highly variable climatic and oceanographic conditions.