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[HTT17-06] Factors Contributing to the Continuation of Community Science Programs: Case Studies of the Cyberforest and the Audio Census
Keywords:community science, continuation factor, bird census, Cyberforest
Launched in 1997, the UTokyo Cyberforest project aims to monitor the remote forests in Japan using information and communication technology. To fulfill its objective, the project encompasses regular capturing of sound and images from these forests, using automated cameras and microphones over an extended period. This long-term data is then made available online for further research and practice. Although the project has not fully realized its goal of providing scientific and aesthetic information from remote environments, maintaining the equipment for long-term operation remains central to the Cyberforest initiative.
The objectives of the Cyberforest project extend beyond the scope of community science. It encompasses an extensive framework to nurture a novel relationship between human society and the natural environment. This comprehensive outlook has positively affected various disciplines, such as education, arts, and healthcare, creating numerous applications through collaborative research. Further, to enhance the impact of the project initiatives, Cyberforest has been organizing an annual symposium since 2012, which has played a pivotal role in fostering sustained relationships among different stakeholders.
Our study discusses the audio census, a bird monitoring initiative conducted by the nonprofit organization ‘Bird Research.’ This initiative utilizes audio streaming provided by the Cyberforest project. During the first three years of the audio census, which commenced in 2011, comparisons with traditional field methods were conducted. The comparisons indicated that the audio censuses in remote locations could effectively replace a substantial portion of the fieldwork. This positive outcome has allowed the audio census to continue uninterrupted for over 13 years.
Multiple factors have contributed to the success of the audio census. A key factor is that the goals of the Cyberforest project are not solely confined to community science. This broader focus paradoxically strengthens its longevity as a community science program. Therefore, one potential strategy for ensuring the continuity of such programs could be to create a platform that engages a diverse range of stakeholders, including those outside the realm of community science.
The objectives of the Cyberforest project extend beyond the scope of community science. It encompasses an extensive framework to nurture a novel relationship between human society and the natural environment. This comprehensive outlook has positively affected various disciplines, such as education, arts, and healthcare, creating numerous applications through collaborative research. Further, to enhance the impact of the project initiatives, Cyberforest has been organizing an annual symposium since 2012, which has played a pivotal role in fostering sustained relationships among different stakeholders.
Our study discusses the audio census, a bird monitoring initiative conducted by the nonprofit organization ‘Bird Research.’ This initiative utilizes audio streaming provided by the Cyberforest project. During the first three years of the audio census, which commenced in 2011, comparisons with traditional field methods were conducted. The comparisons indicated that the audio censuses in remote locations could effectively replace a substantial portion of the fieldwork. This positive outcome has allowed the audio census to continue uninterrupted for over 13 years.
Multiple factors have contributed to the success of the audio census. A key factor is that the goals of the Cyberforest project are not solely confined to community science. This broader focus paradoxically strengthens its longevity as a community science program. Therefore, one potential strategy for ensuring the continuity of such programs could be to create a platform that engages a diverse range of stakeholders, including those outside the realm of community science.