Globally, amateur naturalists have generated some of the longest and / or extensive records of biodiversity change, particularly for popular and attractive things such as wildflowers, butterflies and birds.

Such datasets are becoming increasingly important as we attempt to assess the shifts that may be occurring in relation to climate change or environmental contamination.  Unfortunately the value of community generated data is often not fully realised due to failings in elementary scientific rigor in sampling or project design or information management.

It is clear that government agencies will never have adequate resources to manage or monitor biodiversity. Citizen science is one way to assist in bridging some of the enormous gaps in our knowledge and surveillance capacity, especially if this can be guided by the application of relatively simple sampling / experimental design principles.

This forum will be addressed by Dr James Harrison.  Dr Harrison has had extensive experience in setting the South African Environmental Observatory Network (SAEON) program which has established a network of observatories, field stations and sites linked in an information management network to monitor the responses of biodiversity to climate change. 

We will also be seeking presentations from key Western Australian natural history associations.

Western Australian citizens engaged in any of aspect of natural history study or education are invited to attend the forum.