Short project description

Wetlands are among the most valuable yet threatened ecosystems, providing essential services such as biodiversity support, water filtration, and climate regulation. However, widespread degradation due to human activity and climate change has intensified the need for effective restoration strategies. In this context, citizen science—public participation in scientific research—has emerged as a promising approach to enhance ecological monitoring and conservation efforts.

This thesis, conducted within the EU-funded WET HORIZONS project, examines the role of citizen science in wetland restoration, focusing on its contributions to ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessment, and community engagement. It evaluates the effectiveness of public participation in generating reliable ecological data and supporting sustainable conservation efforts.

The study aims to (1) assess the accuracy and impact of citizen-collected data in wetland restoration, (2) analyze strategies for public engagement, and (3) evaluate the influence of citizen science on policy and management decisions. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, integrating field data collection, surveys, remote sensing data, and validation. Additionally, interviews and surveys will explore participant motivation and project effectiveness.

The research anticipates that citizen science enhances data collection efficiency, raises public awareness, and contributes positively to wetland restoration outcomes. The findings will offer recommendations for optimizing citizen participation in ecological restoration efforts.