Potentials and Pitfalls of Mapping Nature-Based Solutions with the Online Citizen Science Platform ClimateScan

Abstract

Online knowledge-sharing platforms could potentially contribute to an accelerated climate adaptation by promoting more green and blue spaces in urban areas. The implementation of small-scale nature-based solutions (NBS) such as bio(swales), green roofs, and green walls requires the involvement and enthusiasm of multiple stakeholders. This paper discusses how online citizen science platforms can stimulate stakeholder engagement and promote NBS, which is illustrated with the case of ClimateScan. Three main concerns related to online platforms are addressed: the period of relevance of the platform, the lack of knowledge about the inclusiveness and characteristics of the contributors, and the ability of sustaining a well-functioning community with limited resources. ClimateScan has adopted a “bottom–up” approach in which users have much freedom to create and update content. Within six years, this has resulted in an illustrated map with over 5000 NBS projects around the globe and an average of more than 100 visitors a day. However, points of concern are identified regarding the data quality and the aspect of community-building. Although the numbers of users are rising, only a few users have remained involved. Learning from these remaining top users and their motivations, we draw general lessons and make suggestions for stimulating long-term engagement on online knowledge-sharing platforms.

WaterCoG: Evidence on How the Use of Tools, Knowledge, and Process Design Can Improve Water Co-Governance

“…The online knowledge-sharing platform ClimateScan.org contributes to an accelerated climate adaptation by promoting more green and blue spaces in urban areas. See also [8,9].…”

“…This includes citizen science as one way of active involvement. While the main aim of stakeholder involvement is to generate support (or resources) for decisions, citizen science involves citizens in order to raise awareness and/or to use their resources for generating data (e.g., collecting water quality samples) [4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

In-Situ Water Quality Observations under a Large-Scale Floating Solar Farm Using Sensors and Underwater Drones

“…Most international large-scale implementations of this type of floating solar project are located in countries such as Singapore, China, Taiwan, France, South Korea and the USA. Some of these international examples are mapped on ClimateScan [12].…”

Urban Ecosystem Services: New Findings for Landscape Architects, Urban Planners, and Policymakers

“…This research leads to an understanding of the dynamics of infiltration systems, including how a rain garden interacts with the hydrological and hydrogeological aspects of the local urban water cycle [35]. Finally, the contribution from Restemeyer and Boogaard [36] explored how online citizen science platforms, demonstrated by the case of ClimateScan, can stimulate stakeholder participation and encourage nature-based solutions. This has culminated in an illustrated map of over 5000 nature-based solutions initiatives around the world and an average of more than 100 visitors a day within 6 years [36].…”

“…Finally, the contribution from Restemeyer and Boogaard [36] explored how online citizen science platforms, demonstrated by the case of ClimateScan, can stimulate stakeholder participation and encourage nature-based solutions. This has culminated in an illustrated map of over 5000 nature-based solutions initiatives around the world and an average of more than 100 visitors a day within 6 years [36].…”