Evaluating a Community-Based Citizen Science Project: Attitude as a Key Mediator of Behavior Intention Toward Biodiversity Conservation

• Published in: Conservation Vol. 5; no. 2; p. 17
• Main Authors: Hsu, Chia-Hsuan, Kang, Jiefeng, Yeh, Liang-Yu, Chai, Lei, Kao, Wei-Cheng, Chen, Chang-Po, Hsieh, Hwey-Lian, Lin, Hsing-Juh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ciudad Real MDPI AG 15.04.2025
• Subjects: Algae; algal reef; Attitudes; Behavior; Biodiversity; citizen science evaluation; Collaboration; Community; conservation behavior intention; Educational objectives; Influence; Knowledge; learning outcome; Motivation; Qualitative research; Questionnaires; Referendums; Science programs; structural equation model; Sustainable development; Taiwan
• ISSN: 2673-7159; 2673-7159
• DOI: 10.3390/conservation5020017

Community-based citizen science plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation by engaging the public in scientific research while fostering environmental awareness. This study evaluates a citizen science project conducted in the Taoyuan Algal Reef (TAR) region of Taiwan, focusing on participants’ motivations, learning outcomes, and their relationship with behavioral intentions toward biodiversity conservation. Despite a small sample size, our findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of such initiatives. Learning and self-achievement emerged as the primary motivators for participation, with social interaction playing a secondary role. Using the structural equation model (SEM), we confirmed that attitude serves as a critical mediator between knowledge, sense of place, and behavioral intention. This supports the Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior (KAB) model, emphasizing that knowledge acquisition fosters attitudinal shifts that ultimately drive conservation behavior. Moreover, place-based learning was identified as a key component in strengthening participants’ sense of place and ecological awareness. Our findings suggest that aligning citizen science initiatives with participants’ motivations enhances engagement and long-term conservation efforts. Additionally, ongoing community monitoring not only contributes to scientific data collection but also empowers local communities in environmental decision-making. This study highlights the broader educational, social, and ecological benefits of community-based citizen science and underscores the need for systematic evaluations to optimize its impact.