Citizen science as an urgently needed means of bridging the gap between science and decision-making

Background/Question/Methods

Canada’s Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) has been engaged in the development of models and approaches for better linking research, monitoring and assessment programs to the needs of decision-makers for a number of years. This disconnection continues to be a principal constraint on the effectiveness with which the ecological community informs society's policies, choices and actions. A large part of the problem is that the nature of information which best informs society's decisions is often different than that which our science routinely provides. Enhancements will be required if some of society's pressing goals such as the sustained provision of ecosystem services, policy decisions adequately reflecting interacting economic, social and environmental factors and an engaged public making increasingly informed choices are to be achieved. 
Results/Conclusions

The engagement of citizens and communities in the monitoring of ecological indicators is one mechanism that can help bridge this gap by providing spatially extensive and timely observations tailored to the needs of decision-makers for sentinel information and feedback in support of adaptive management and sustainability processes. Coordination and the use of standardized protocols allow this function to occur at multiple scales. However, effective application of single regime models and experience to the management of ecological services at watershed, landscape and seascape scales demands a far greater emphasis on the careful encouragement, engagement and support of multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral decision-making mechanisms and forums. The resulting increased focus on public outcomes and accountability raises interesting questions regarding measures of scientific performance and relevance.