Citizen Science for Freshwater Monitoring: Linking the Water Framework Directive, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Local Environmental Regulations

Citizen science plays an important role in supporting the objectives of the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of its main strengths lies in addressing data gaps in the monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems, particularly small rivers that often national and sub-national monitoring programs cannot monitor for resources’ limitations. In a recent work, we examined the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating citizen science data with datasets produced by Environmental Agencies. By analysing publications focused on freshwater citizen science, we particularly highlighted those found to actively employ data generated by citizens. Our study revealed that even though citizen-generated data can achieve high accuracy levels when compared with laboratory measurements, issues of trust in citizen science data and methodologies persist, leading to limited engagement by policymakers and regulatory bodies. This presentation highlights key challenges, opportunities and best practices for collaboration with environmental agencies, with examples of initiatives aimed at supporting the WFD and enhancing the overall impact of freshwater citizen science across Europe and beyond.