Citizen Science actively involves the public in scientific research, generating new knowledge and understanding. It gives the opportunity to all members of society to actively engage in research, innovation and the development of evidence-based policy, at local, national and EU levels; but just as importantly, it promotes citizen education, empowerment, health and wellbeing.
Citizen science can encourage people of all ages to get out into nature and can contribute to an increased sense of community. Citizens can volunteer to collect scientific data on a variety of environmental topics, covering areas as diverse as water quality, air quality and protected species. You can find out more below about citizen science initiatives supported by the Environment & Resources Authority.
Ongoing ERA Citizen Science Initiatives
Marine & Beach Litter Sightings
Sharing information on marine and beach littering
Digital survey sheet to record information on litter collected during a clean-up event
The Species Observation Survey will get you involved in the capturing of species related information, assisting ERA in the protection of local biodiversity.
Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme
Join us in monitoring the buzz and become a Citizen Scientist by participating in the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS)! Click the title for more information and/or register your interest.
EASIN Citizen Science Program
Report sightings of Invasive Alien Species
Download the ‘Invasive Alien Species Europe’ App (Android, iOS)!
For more information, refer to the users’ manual of the Invasive Alien Species Europe app.
Completed ERA Citizen Science Initiatives
Fair with Air – Citizen Science Project
ERA has conducted the ‘Fair with Air’ Citizen Science Project, through a collaboration agreement between the Authority and the Fondazzjoni Kreattività .
The focus of this project ‘CleanAir@School’ was to promote citizen science as a tool for monitoring of NO2 around schools and to raise awareness on the importance of air quality and sustainable mobility options for students. Twenty-five schools across Malta and Gozo participated in the project. This project was identified as best practice by the European Environment Agency.
