Citizen science can play a major role in data collection and processing. LifeWatch Belgium also pleads for more collaboration between scientists and citizens. It helps research and creates support among the wider public. The LifeWatch VLIZ initiatives
SeaWatch-B and the annual
Big Seashell Survey are good examples of this invaluable cross-fertilisation between citizens and scientists.
In order to give people the opportunity to get a taste of similar citizen science initiatives, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) organized – together with many other partners – the first citizen science festival at the Belgian coast:
ZEEKERWETEN (to translate as “knowing for
sure/shore”).
Together with experts, citizens learned tricks and tools to make the invisible life visible at sea, on the beach, in the dunes and elsewhere on the coast. By doing that, they get the chance to become a real citizen scientist.
Several LifeWatch Flanders colleagues (
INBO and
VLIZ) hosted interesting stands with fun hands-on activities, such as: plankton and artificial intelligence techniques, differentiating alien shell species from native specimens, tracking seagulls, setting up a camera trap, recognizing and reporting the Asian hornet.
It turned out to be a surprising and fascinating open-air event for young and old, moving scientific knowledge to a higher level! With more than 90 experts and volunteers, about 1,200 citizens were brought closer to science. And participants could discover what a fantastic treasure of biodiversity the coast holds.
ZEEKERWETEN is part of the LifeWatch Belgium project.
Have a look at the 30 different activities on
the website (Dutch only).