How could citizen science support the Sustainable Development Goals?

The document explores the role of citizen science in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), categorizing projects into contributory, collaborative, and co-created models. It argues that citizen science can fill critical data gaps, particularly for marginalized groups, and foster public engagement and behavioral change. While acknowledging challenges regarding data quality and statistical bias, the brief asserts that well-designed projects produce data comparable to professional science. It provides a detailed matrix of potential applications across various SDG targets, including energy affordability, water sanitation, and biodiversity monitoring.

• Citizen science is categorized into three types based on the level of public involvement: contributory projects where volunteers provide data requested by scientists; collaborative projects where citizens may assist in design, analysis, or dissemination; and co-created projects where scientists and citizens jointly set research questions and design methods.
• Citizen science can provide high-quality data comparable to professional scientific collection if the study is well-designed and implemented, using clear instructions, piloting materials, and providing training.
• A primary challenge in citizen science is the risk of statistical bias due to self-selecting participants, especially when participants have a stake in the outcomes, such as seeking budget support for their community.
• Citizen science is particularly valuable for reaching marginalized groups that are often under-represented in national data sets, which is essential for achieving universal SDG targets.
• Citizen science supports the SDGs through three main processes: defining targets and metrics (e.g., determining what constitutes 'affordable' energy), monitoring progress by filling data gaps, and implementing action by educating participants and inspiring behavioral change.
• Beyond data collection, citizen science can empower individuals by providing the knowledge and confidence to mobilize action, build networks, and campaign on specific issues.

APA

West, S., & Pateman, R. (2017). How could citizen science support the Sustainable Development Goals? Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2017-PB-citizen-science-sdgs.pdf

Chicago

West, Sarah, and Rachel Pateman. How could citizen science support the Sustainable Development Goals? Stockholm Environment Institute, 2017. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2017-PB-citizen-science-sdgs.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=West |first1=Sarah |last2=Pateman |first2=Rachel |title=How could citizen science support the Sustainable Development Goals? |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=2017 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2017-PB-citizen-science-sdgs.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{west2017how, author = {West, Sarah and Pateman, Rachel}, title = {{How could citizen science support the Sustainable Development Goals?}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2017}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2017-PB-citizen-science-sdgs.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }