126 | EDUCATION ASIA | THRIVE | Educational Trips
Photographing local wildlife is a simple first step into citizen science.
These observations can then be verified by scientists and classified as “research grade”, making them suitable for scientific use. I first discovered iNaturalist in May 2019, when I recorded my first observation, a black-headed cardinal beetle, Pyrochroa coccinea, in Kent, UK. Since then, I have used the app almost daily and am now approaching 3,000 observations. BioBlitz Events Support Wellbeing and Environmental Awareness Modern society is also facing growing concerns around excessive screen time, social media dependence, gaming addiction, isolation and declining mental health among young people.
Many children and teenagers are increasingly disconnected from the natural world and struggle to identify common plants, animals and food sources around them. BioBlitz events such as those facilitated by Nature Wave offer an important solution. These activities encourage communities to record observations of wildlife over a fixed period while spending time outdoors. The events promote wellbeing, strengthen social connections and encourage curiosity about local ecosystems. Families, friends and school communities engage together in discovering and discussing the natural world around them.
Wildlife watching brings people closer to nature and to one another.
Powered by FlippingBook