The community-based natural resource monitoring project PISUNA in Greenland is one case found in the new publication: The impact of citizen science: 12 stories from across Europe. The book is an outcome of the ongoing European Citizen Science (ECS) project financed by the EU.
The PISUNA program in Greenland was initiated by the Greenland Ministry of Fisheries and Hunting with the assistance of Nordeco and other partners. PISUNA is an attempt to address increasing frustrations about the disconnect between the scientific advice on sustainable hunting quotas, the quotas set by the decision-makers, and the actual practices of hunters. At the time, there were limited efforts to listen to the observations, knowledge and perspectives of the hunters and fishers, and scientists’ recommendations were often disregarded. To bridge this gap, PISUNA was designed to incorporate the firsthand observations and knowledge of hunter and fisher communities into the decision-making process and enhance the opportunity to come to agreements that are supported by all involved. The goal of the PISUNA (Piniakkanik Sumiiffinni Nalunaarsuineq) Program is to optimise the monitoring of living resources to inform decision-making through enhanced cooperation between fishers and hunters, government managers, and providing Greenland’s hunters and fishers a voice through citizen scientists, as well as through increased involvement of local community members in the monitoring.
Together with 11 other impact stories, the new book exemplifies how citizen science is contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future in Europe. Each story highlights the diverse ways in which citizens engage with science, from local environmental monitoring projects and ad-hoc activities in public libraries to strategic endeavours to establish citizen science at national scale and beyond. These stories showcase the power of collective action, where everyday people come together with scientists to create meaningful change. These stories are a testament to the incredible potential that lies in the hands of everyday citizens when they are given the tools and opportunities to engage with science.
The book can be downloaded from the following link:
