Citizen science for the conservation of marine-coastal environments: the case of the northernmost Adriatic Sea in a global perspective

Abstract

The marine-coastal environment has great importance for human activities and wellbeing, but it is greatly threatened by human impacts and the global climate crisis. The thesis aims to explore the topic of citizen science projects in marine-coastal contexts, with a focus on the northernmost Adriatic Sea, but also in other parts of Italy or the world in a comparative perspective. In doing so it will be first analysed the definition of citizen science, the evolution of this practice and its current characteristics, focusing then on this practice applied to marine coastal conservation, outlining the social impacts in terms of social engagement and environmental awareness, but also the methods and technologies used. We will proceed to see how these projects are positioned according to the proposed categorisations, using in particular the 10 principles of citizen science suggested by the European Citizen Science Association. In a local context that is nonetheless varied, from projects that are limited to data collection to examples of initiatives co-created with local associations, other possibilities for participation from the non-Western world will also be considered, including examples of co-created and extreme citizen science, initiatives that involve local communities at all stages of research in a co-management perspective. Fishing activities and the participation of fishermen in such projects will receive special attention. In conclusion, it will be identified the general trends, challenges and opportunities that these methods offer to the conservation of marine and coastal areas, suggesting improvements to the critical issues encountered and future directions of research.