MINKA is a citizen science platform that empowers individuals and communities to collect and share georeferenced environmental and biodiversity data, contributing to the monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It facilitates participatory environmental monitoring, enabling users to document observations, engage in collaborative validation, and support research and policy-making efforts.Problem Addressed:Many communities, especially in underrepresented regions, lack…

openSenseMap.org is an open-source, global citizen science platform where participants use DIY environmental sensors to collect and share real-time data such as air quality, temperature, and humidity. While used worldwide, most data currently originates from Germany. The platform promotes climate awareness, STEM education, and open data, allowing communities and researchers to access and contribute environmental insights.Problem Addressed:Environmental monitoring often relies on sparse official …

City Layers engages citizens in mapping fine-scale temperature gradients across urban areas using low-cost sensors and a dedicated mobile app. The resulting “heat maps” reveal microclimate hotspots, information that cities can’t easily gather through sparse official weather stations. Problem Addressed: Urban heat islands exacerbate heat-related health risks, strain energy systems (e.g., A/C demand), and worsen air pollution. Data gaps at the neighbourhood level hinder targeted adaptation measure…

BiciZen is a free, open‐source mobile and web platform that empowers everyday cyclists to crowdsource detailed observations of their rides, ranging from hazardous intersections and lane-blocking parked cars to positive infrastructure features. BiciZen aims to help municipalities and advocacy groups pinpoint where bike infrastructure upgrades are most needed. Problem Addressed: Many cities lack up‐to‐date, hyper-local information on cycling safety and comfort. Traditional data sources (e.g., cras…

Marine LitterWatch is a citizen science project developed by the European Environment Agency (EEA) to tackle the issue of marine litter through community-based data collection and monitoring.Problem Addressed:Marine litter threatens marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and coastal economies. Data gaps on litter distribution hinder effective policy implementation under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Marine LitterWatch democratizes data collection by engaging citizens to provide accura…