Merging citizen science and experiential learning to document threatened ecosystems
This project seeks to systematically catalog the species and ecosystems of Madagascar, one of the world’s most unique and threatened biodiversity hotspots. Over the past decade, the research team has conducted deep genomic profiling of plants, animals, and microbes in Ranomafana National Park. The researchers propose a novel approach to ecosystem monitoring by equipping high school students with the tools and training to catalog biodiversity data across the island. By merging citizen science with curriculum-based experiential learning, the project seeks to create a scalable, cost-effective model for comprehensive ecosystem monitoring – one that generates valuable scientific data while empowering students and communities to understand and protect their natural heritage.