IUCN Task Force on Citizen Science

While the scientific field has long relied on non-professionals to help with data collection, the rise of the Internet and GPS technology in the early 2000s created a surge in public interest. Today, citizen science (CS) offers everyday people the opportunity to participate in scientific research. CS programs have demonstrated their ability to produce high-quality data that helps monitor and manage biodiversity. Several research-based policy decisions, like the Kyoto Protocol, would not have been possible without public involvement in data collection. CS projects are often seen as a win-win solution – not only do they contribute to science, but they benefit the local community by connecting citizens to scientists and improving scientific literacy. Research shows that participation in CS projects on biodiversity can also inspire pro-environmental behavior and greater engagement with nature conservation.
 

The CSTF builds on existing CS networks and the work of the IUCN Commissions. It strives to:

• Consolidate and summarize CS initiatives on biodiversity within IUCN;
• Evaluate the impact of such initiatives;
• Identify “best” CS practices through case study review;
• Analyze CS trends and developments identified through surveys;
• Offer CS advice and recommendations to IUCN community;
• Recommend how to integrate CS into IUCN operations as called for in Motion 126

The CSTF is comprised of 4 Working Groups:

1. The Motions and Resolutions Working Group supported the development of Motion 126 Advancing Citizen Science to Support and Democratize Conservation, which was adopted by IUCN Members at the IUCN 2025 World Conservation Congress. The Group will now support the implementation of the Motion across the Union
2. The Definitions and Resources Working Group will develop an IUCN Explainer Brief on citizen science including definitions, case studies, implementation guidelines, and additional resources
3. The Survey and Case Studies Working Group will summarize data from the Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) survey on citizen science and record citizen science case studies
4. The Knowledge Products Working Group will share citizen science knowledge products and support the development of an IUCN Explainer brief 

Co-Chairs

Dr. Alex Zavarzin is currently director of the AI in Agrobiotechnology Center of ITMO University and advisor to the State Selectional Achievements Commission of Russia. He was previously Vice-Provost for Biology, Geography, Geoecology and Soils at St. Petersburg State University. Dr. Zavarzin also worked for the All-Russia Center for Talented Children “Sirius” and as a deputy director at the Vavilov Center of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). For many years Dr. Zavarzin combined academic research and work for the environmental NGO Baltic Fund for Nature. Dr. Zavarin is now a Member of IUCN’s All-Russian Society of Nature Protection - Leningrad Regional Office, where he serves as the academic leader for biodiversity projects.

Dr. Zavazrin has been an active member in a number of professional societies. He participated in and led several international environmental projects in Russia and Northwestern Europe sponsored by WWF, Programmes of the European Union, and UNDP. Many were implemented under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance. He has wide experience in promoting biodiversity field studies, implementing environmental legislation, coordinating transboundary collaboration, enhancing youth involvement in decision-making, and introducing environmental education. Dr. Zavarzin is a Regional Vice-Chair of the IUCN CEC and Vice Co-Chair for IUCN ICENCA, as well as a member of the IUCN Russian National Committee.

Dr. Alison Ormsby is the Associate Director of Design/Forest Specialist with Adventure Scientists.  She has a PhD in Environmental Studies and was a professor of Environmental Studies for 20 years. Dr. Ormsby has taught human ecology and policy courses and published about topics that relate to the interaction of people and nature, including sustainable communities, wildlife policy, citizen science, sustainable tourism, and ethnobotany. She is Co-Chair of the IUCN Citizen Science Task Force, and a Member of the Specialist Group for Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas, and the SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group. She has conducted research on sacred forests and protected areas in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Madagascar, Thailand, and India.

Anukriti Sharma is an environmental scientist and geographer whose work centers on citizen science, nature education, and climate action. She directs the Asia Nature Challenge, Asia’s first large-scale citizen science initiative on biodiversity, and led the inaugural nationwide Wild Wisdom Bioblitz with WWF-India in 2025. Through the Asian Environmental Youth Network, she supports a mentorship program linking young people in more than 30 countries. Her work combines project leadership with education and communication. She has developed resources, workshops, and campaigns that make biodiversity and climate issues accessible to communities and schools. She is also active in global collaborations as Co-Chair of the IUCN Citizen Science Task Force and the Citizen Science Global Partnership’s Climate Change Mitigation Working Group. Anukriti’s expertise lies in designing and leading projects, guiding research, and creating spaces where communities take an active role in conservation. She believes that lasting environmental change depends on building knowledge and ownership at the community level.