Towards a Shared National Strategy: Guidelines for the Development of Citizen Science in Italy

Citizen science is the active engagement of citizens in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data for scientifi c purposes. Due to its multisectorial nature, it can play a role at a social, scientifi c, educational and political level, contributing to raising awareness and leading to the adoption of more sustainable behaviours. As is happening in many countries across Europe, it is becoming increasingly important to transpose the principles of citizen science into local and national policies. It is also important to provide tools and guidelines that support citizens’ participation to the fullest possible extent. This document summarises the main actions needed to promote the development of citizen science in Italy. It is written for Ministries, public authorities and administrations, and aims to provide guidelines and recommendations for a structural recognition of citizen science, both through its adoption in existing legislative and planning instruments, and through specifi c strategies. It is the output of a participatory process developed under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, within the framework of the Horizon 2020 programme ‘Doing It Together Science’ (DITOs) and coordinated by the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) and the Maremma Natural History Museum. The process involved over 50 experts from universities, research centres, scientifi c museums, associations and Italian public bodies with various levels of experience in the fi eld of citizen science. It aims to consolidate the national network of citizen science in Italy and to promote collaboration with the public administrations. Because of its process and the results achieved, this experience could be a useful reference for similar actions in other countries