Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3389/fenvs.2024.1375675
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Enhancing citizen science impact in environmental monitoring: Targeted engagement strategies with stakeholder groups
Author Koedel, U.; Dietrich, P. ORCID logo ; Herrmann, T.; Liang, C. ORCID logo ; Ritter, O.; Roettenbacher, J.; Schuetze, F.M.; Schuetze, S.V.; Thoboell, J.C.; Schuetze, C.
Source Titel Frontiers in Environmental Science
Year 2024
Department MET; BioP
Volume 12
Page From art. 1375675
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
T8 Georesources
Keywords citizen science (CS); environmental monitoring; urban climate; stakeholder analysis; value proposition canvas (VPC); key performance indicators (KPIs), business marketing strategies
Abstract Understanding the motivations and benefits of citizen science (CS) participants is critical to the success of environmental science projects that rely on data collection from engaged citizens. Tailored communication with citizen scientists is essential, leading to the need to target specific societal groups for extensive and high-quality data sets. The purpose of the study was to apply marketing concepts such as stakeholder analysis, value proposition canvas (VPC), and key performance indicators (KPIs) to CS projects. The study examined the extent to which these strategies can be applied to CS projects and add value, resulting in improved recruitment and retention of participants, as well as improved project management. The dynamic landscape of CS projects requires adapted business-oriented approaches supporting ongoing participation with high motivation, acknowledging community needs, and recognizing institutional scientists, akin to targeting potential customers. The case study focuses on the CityCLIM initiative, an EU-funded project collecting urban climate data, especially air temperature, using mobile weather stations. The CityCLIM VPC, analyzing stakeholder groups, facilitated tailored communication strategies by analyzing stakeholder groups and highlighting the effectiveness of the CS cycling initiative within the “Stadtradeln” program. Impact KPIs served as a roadmap for strategic refinement, while data quality KPIs identified deficiencies, guiding adjustments to the campaign. Applied marketing tools improved project planning, engagement, and evaluation, demonstrating the potential of this concept. Adapting marketing tools to recruitment and communication strategies benefits CS projects by targeting specific groups. The holistic integration of stakeholder analysis, VPC, and KPIs streamlines project management and creates a framework for sustainable success. This adaptation forms a robust toolkit for CS project coordinators, contributing to effective communication, engagement, and impact assessment. Applying marketing tools significantly increases CS projects’ reach and impact, ensuring long-term success and meaningful scientific contributions.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=29133
Koedel, U., Dietrich, P., Herrmann, T., Liang, C., Ritter, O., Roettenbacher, J., Schuetze, F.M., Schuetze, S.V., Thoboell, J.C., Schuetze, C. (2024):
Enhancing citizen science impact in environmental monitoring: Targeted engagement strategies with stakeholder groups
Front. Environ. Sci. 12 , art. 1375675 10.3389/fenvs.2024.1375675