Abstract:
In this paper, we lean on experiences from South Africa as a point of departure for discussing
the unrealized potentials and complications of applying collaborative, transformative
citizen science (CS). We first show the value of exploring community-based ecological
restoration and artistic approaches in ecological and development research. Building on
these empirical insights, we outline ideas for integrating CS into such research, not only
to collect additional data, but as a way to increase incentives and capacities among both
CS participants and researchers, and to change mindsets across time and institutional
scales. Multiple interlinked Sustainable Development Goals are within reach, exemplified
by the monitoring and advancement of Clean Water, Life on Land, and Sustainable Cities
and Communities—critical goals to address current and prospective demographic and
climatic changes in the context of fast-expanding urban environments and beyond.
