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Project Code [2019-W-PhD-15]

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Project title

Citizen Science Investigations � river environmental stewardship

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Mary Immaculate College

Lead Applicant

Catherine Dalton

Project Abstract

This project, will partner individual citizens, a Rivers Trust (RT), and a Community Water Officer with a postgraduate researcher to support, motivate, jointly implement and measure environmental stewardship. The project is based on the fundamental concept that that our relationship to nature is ultimately shaped locally but has been underdeveloped in an Irish context. The PhD will examine 1. The socio-cultural context for citizen science (CS) and environmental monitoring, 2. Analyse a range of biodiversity and in-stream CS projects on a local scale and 3. Develop a template to mainstream CS in water quality monitoring. The project will use a mixture of natural and social sciences to bring together the knowledge and skills of lay-citizens and academics in practical field-based activities within an RT framework. Measurement of the effectiveness of CS initiatives, focused on tackling key riparian and in-stream catchment issues, will be undertaken in an �at risk� catchment. The outcomes of this project will be informative and transformative for future local practices in river stewardship and public engagement within planning and catchment protection frameworks. The project addresses the need to ensure the involvement, cooperation and co-ownership of water (and biodiversity) management by local people and communities.

Grant Approved

�48,399.30

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Understanding, managing and conserving our water resources

Start Date

02/01/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/01/2024