Citizen Science Research Articles

Indoor heat in Amsterdam: Comparing observed indoor air temperatures from a professional network and from a citizen science approach

Ongoing climate change is increasing summertime temperatures, and frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Europe, which can threaten human health. Relatively little is known about how quickly outdoor heat penetrates into residences during heatwaves. Long-term and systematic networks recording indoor temperatures are challenging to install and maintain, and therefore scarce. We first report on crowdsourced indoor air temperature data in residences in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) during a heatwave event in September 2023. These data complement professional long-term indoor air temperature observations in 92 houses in Amsterdam. Second, we document the lessons learnt in the design and execution of this citizen science activity. 571 indoor temperature records were collected through the citizen science crowdsourcing approach, with a median value of 28.0 °C on the warmest day in the study period, while outdoor mean minimum and maximum temperatures reached 20.6 °C and 31.1 °C respectively. The results indicate that the crowdsourcing approach reports temperatures that are significantly higher than the professional approach, which supports the need for professional indoor networks. Finally, local media attention was critical in reaching a wide audience.

Engaging citizens to monitor pollinators through a nationwide BioBlitz: Lessons learned and challenges remaining after four years

Pollination is a key mutualistic interaction between animals and flowering plants, generating biodiversity and providing valuable ecosystem services. However, a pollination crisis occurs because anthropogenic disturbance affects pollinators and their habitats, risking biodiversity and food security. Also, the lack of evidence-based knowledge may worsen disturbance effects by delaying decision-making and conservation actions. Citizen science plays an important role in data gathering by engaging volunteers in obtaining such information. Here, we present the results of four years of pollinator occurrence data from a series of targeted BioBlitz events conducted each November from 2020 to 2023 in Chile. We obtained a total of 6327 records (identified to the species or genus level), corresponding to 569 species from 44 families, collected along the Chilean territory, a 10-fold increase compared to the pre-BioBlitz period (2016–2019). The most frequent species were the butterfly Vanessa carye, the invasive bees Bombus terrestris and Apis mellifera, and the native bumblebee Bombus dahlbomii. Despite inter-annual abundance fluctuations, species composition was similar over time. The most recorded families were Apidae, Syrphidade, Nymphalidae, and Buprestidae. This nationwide multi-year citizen science survey allowed us to collect an impressive dataset that would have been unattainable by scientists alone. Furthermore, we obtained valuable information for monitoring threatened (e.g., B. dahlbomii) or invasive species (e.g., B. terrestris) over space and time, aiding decision-making and conservation efforts. Engaging people in pollinator monitoring strengthens human-nature connections and fosters conservation attitudes.

Development of a Scale to Measure Planned Behavior in Inclusive Science Communication: Validity Evidence in Undergraduate STEM Students.

Science communication has historically been inequitable, with certain voices and perspectives holding the power and dominant ways of knowing being promoted over others. Recently, there has been a push toward inclusive science communication, which values diverse perspectives and ways of knowing in collaborative conversations to solve complex socioscientific issues. However, there is a lack of both trainings in inclusive science communication for undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students as well as established ways to evaluate the efficacy of these trainings. To address this need, we designed a new multifactorial survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess students' attitudes/norms, self-efficacy, behavioral intents, and behaviors in inclusive science communication, which we termed the Planned Behaviors in Inclusive Science Communication (PB-ISC) Scale. We utilized expert review, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, cognitive interviews, and quantitative measures to gather evidence of validity supporting the proposed use of the final 4-factor, 26-item survey. This survey can be used as a tool by science communication educators and researchers to assess students' planned behavior in inclusive science communication in response to trainings or experiences in science communication or related topics like socioscientific issues, civic engagement, and citizen science.

Plastic Litter: A Hidden Reservoir for Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Coastal Ecosystems

Plastic litter carrying pathogenic bacteria pose serious threats to the health of human and aquatic life. We enumerated the abundance of Escherichia coli and Vibrio species in different types of plastic litter (biomedical, food packages, sanitary, fishing material and miscellaneous) collected from the beaches of Agatti and Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep islands of India using quantitative real-time PCR. Further the antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli and Vibrio species isolated from these samples were also tested. A very high number (more than three thousand gene copies per gram of plastic litter) of Escherichia coli, and Vibrio spp. were detected in the plastic litter. Vibrio spp. in the plastic litter were identified as V. harveyi, V. neocaledonicus, V. japonicus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. campbelli. More than sixty percentage of E. coli and Vibrio spp. isolated from all samples except the E. coli isolated from fishing gear of Kavaratti had multiple antibiotic resistance index of more than 0.25. Most of the bacteria were resistant towards ampicillin, erythromycin, and moxifloxacin, while least resistance was observed against gatifloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, norfloxacin and trimethoprim. These results indicate that plastic litter may act as a conduit for the attachment and transport of multiple antibiotic resistant pathogens, causing severe setbacks to the global efforts on attaining sustainable development goals 3 (health), 6 (clean water) and 14 (life under water). Therefore, strict implementation of plastic waste management rules, awareness campaigns for cleaning beaches and citizen science initiatives to monitor and remove plastics are proposed for protecting the beaches from the deleterious effects of mismanaged plastics.

From hard coal mining to a learning space for digitally supported participatory management of biodiversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of the former coal mining site in Kamp-Lintfort into a public park and learning space for biodiversity. In 2020, an urban green space was established, featuring various aquatic and terrestrial habitats and a high level of biological diversity in the city centre with broad community support. Design/methodology/approach This study presents secondary data of a literature review on participatory management of biodiversity in urban green spaces, with a focus on the sustainability context, participation approaches, theoretical frameworks and the role of education. The example of Zechenpark Kamp-Lintfort (Germany) shows how urban green space development can meet the challenging demands of inner city development while fostering knowledge generation via citizen science and participatory biodiversity management. The study collected primary data on plant biodiversity using a citizen science approach to raise awareness and create opportunities for human–nature interaction. Findings Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 is the most important development goal in the context of participatory biodiversity management of urban green spaces. Most of the studies have a place-based focus and integration of local knowledge is the main reason for a participatory approach. The findings show how a green learning space can offer opportunities for digital learning as well as participatory biodiversity management in urban areas. The project lead to an increase in local citizens’ awareness of biodiversity. Based on a literature review, this report identifies challenges and opportunities for establishing a green learning space for biodiversity education. The example illustrates that an urban green space can provide numerous possibilities for citizens and students to get involved and that it can foster the sustainable development of a new urban neighbourhood. Research limitations/implications A place-based approach limits generalisability. To overcome this limitation, a literature review was conducted, and the location was compared to two parks with similar site conversion history. Practical implications The example of developing an urban green space can inspire universities to take an active role in biodiversity management in urban green spaces, integrating biodiversity into university activities and creating a positive impact in the urban environment. Social implications Analysis of studies in the field shows that education deserves a more prominent role in theoretical frameworks. Originality/value The study represents an example of transition and citizen-led participatory management of biodiversity from a medium-sized city, transformation processes covering these aspects are underrepresented in literature.

Through the Lens of Age: Using Dog Photographs to Uncover Welfare and Stress

This study evaluated the potential of using dogs’ apparent age, judged from photographs, as a non-invasive tool for assessing their welfare. Traditional welfare assessment methods often rely on behavioral and physiological indicators, which can be resource-intensive and invasive. This research explored whether apparent age, a measure used in humans to predict health and longevity, can also serve as an indicator of welfare in dogs by investigating its association with relative telomere length (RTL), a biomarker of biological aging. Photographs of 60 domestic dogs were evaluated by canine specialists and general volunteers via the citizen science platform Zooniverse. Participants estimated the age of 20 dogs from three different age categories: young (0–2 years), adult (2–5 years), and senior (6+ years). The accuracy of these predictions was compared to the dogs’ chronological ages and RTLs. Generalized linear models were used to assess factors influencing prediction accuracy, including the dogs’ age, sex, and origin. Results indicated that both specialists and volunteers reliably estimated the age of senior dogs, with no significant differences in accuracy between groups. Dogs with accurate apparent age estimates had RTLs matching their chronological age, while those with premature aging signs had shorter RTLs. This suggests apparent age could be a practical, non-invasive welfare assessment tool, offering a potentially accessible method for new welfare assessment protocols.

Reflecting on the practice of citizen science projects for cities – the case of ‘Colouring Dresden’ in Germany

ABSTRACT Citizen Science Projects (CSP) are emerging as innovative approaches to urban research and practice. This paper reports on the data-driven CSP ‘Colouring Dresden’ in Germany through the lens of Critical Data Studies (CDS). CDS-scholars urge CSP-partners to be aware of the ‘political nature’ of their projects. However, this claim requires some conceptual specification. In case of ‘Colouring Dresden’, the paper adopts a micro-oriented approach that emphasizes two key areas of reflection: 1) situating the CSP in institutionalized politics in Dresden and 2) paying more attention to the selectivity of the project agenda (‘framing selectively’). The paper ends with a suggestion for future research and practice.

Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli Associated with Farm Animal Feces with Participation of Citizen Scientists

This paper presents the findings of a large-scale study on antibiotic resistance in bacteria found in farm animal feces across Russia. The study included 6578 samples of farm animal manure from 13 regions in Russia, with the help of citizen scientists. Molecular and microbiological methods were used to analyze 1111 samples of E. coli. The microbiological analysis focused on culturing the microorganisms present in the fecal samples on selective media for E. coli and evaluating the sensitivity of the bacteria to different antibiotics, including ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin. The molecular analysis involved isolating the genomic DNA of the bacteria and conducting PCR assays to detect the vanA, vanB, and mcr-1 antibiotic resistance genes. The results demonstrated significant differences in antibiotic sensitivity of the samples that are morphologically identical to E. coli from different regions. For example, 98.0% and 82.5% of E. coli and other fecal bacterial isolates from the Omsk and Vologda regions lacked antibiotic resistance genes, while 97.7% of samples from the Voronezh region possessed three resistance genes simultaneously. The phenotypic antibiotic sensitivity test also revealed regional differences. For instance, 98.1% of fecal bacterial samples from cattle in the Udmurt Republic were sensitive to all five antibiotics tested, whereas 92.8% of samples from the Voronezh region showed resistance to all five antibiotics. The high level of antibiotic resistance observed may be attributed to their use in farming practices. The distinctive feature of our research is that comprehensive geographical coverage was achieved by using a citizen science platform. Citizen scientists, specifically students from colleges and universities, were responsible for the collection and initial analysis of samples. The project attracted 3096 student participants, enabling the collection and analysis of a significant number of samples from various locations in Russia.

Comparison of macrolitter and meso- and microplastic pollution on French riverbanks and coastal beaches using citizen science with schoolchildren.

Rivers are the major source of anthropogenic litter entering the ocean, especially plastic debris that accumulates in all ecosystems around the world and poses a risk to the biota. Reliable data on distribution, abundance, and types of stranded plastics are needed, especially on riverbanks that have received less attention than coastal beaches. Here, we present the citizen science initiative Plastique à la loupe (Plastic under the magnifier), which compares for the first time the distribution of different litter sizes (macrolitter and meso- and microplastics) over 81 riverbanks and 66 coastal beaches sampled in France between 2019 and 2021. A total of 147 school classes (3113 schoolchildren) from middle to high school collected, sorted, and enumerated 55,986 pieces of plastic to provide a baseline of the current pollution by stranded debris at the national level. Single-use plastics (mainly food-related items) were very abundant on riverbanks (43%), whereas fragmented debris dominated the macrolitter on coastal beaches (28%). Microplastics were always higher in number compared to mesoplastics and macrolitter, with polystyrene and polyethylene found in equivalent proportions on riverbanks while polyethylene dominated microplastics on coastal beaches. Tracing the source of plastic items was possible only for a small proportion of the numerous collected items, mainly for identifiable macrolitter and microplastic pellets. This study lays out the foundations for further works using the Plastique à la loupe citizen science initiative in France and additional comparisons to other studied habitats worldwide, which can be used by scientists and policy-makers for future litter monitoring, prevention and clean-up strategies.

The use of Slovakia Hungarian dialects in social media

AbstractThis paper analyzes dialect-stylizing internet content on current events that depict Slovakia Hungarian dialects speakers. The regular display of dialect phenomena on social media platforms allows rapid spread, constant presence, and the possibility of comments. The figure of the dialect speaker, previously geographically bounded, can become a symbol of authenticity, accessible from anywhere in the world. The paper examines the importance of the views of lay language users and content creators in simple language management and citizen science in the contexts of the recognition of dialects, of their oral and written representation, and of the evaluation of languages and varieties.

The third record of Smicromyrmilla ariasi (André, 1896) (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Mutillid wasps (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) are among the least known species in the biodiverse Iberian Peninsula, in particular those in the primitive subfamily Ticoplinae. Smicromyrmilla ariasi (André, 1896) is hitherto known only from females, and within Iberia by only two specimens, including the holotype. One female mutillid wasp photographed in the foothills of southwestern Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was later identified in a citizen science internet platform as S. ariasi, constituting the third record for the Iberian Peninsula.

Human and predator presence shape diel activity of urban red squirrels

In urban areas, wildlife has to adapt to human presence and novel predators such as pet species, including the altered conditions of the environment. In such novel settings, the timing of activity is crucial to minimize the risk of mortality. To do so, species may reduce total activity time by increasing activity peaks at specific moments or shifting activity times. We analyzed camera trap data from a citizen science project over four project phases, including spring and autumn before and during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown, to understand the effects of human, pet (cat, dog), and predator (marten) presence on the activity patterns of urban red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris; hereafter ‘squirrel’). We examined squirrel activity at seasonal and hourly resolutions in relation to human, garden, urban, and predator factors. We considered human presence as both a direct effect of lockdown and an indirect disturbance measured through urban variables. Results show that direct human presence during lockdown increased squirrel activity intensity in both seasonal and hourly patterns without reducing total activity time. Predator presence affected timing of activity, decreasing total daily activity. Pets, like cats, decreased activity at both resolutions, while martens had a limited effect detected only at the hourly resolution. During lockdown, squirrels may have increased their activity in gardens due to more anthropogenic resources (food or nesting material), but constant threats from pets force them to avoid certain areas despite the benefits. This highlights the delicate balance squirrels must maintain in adapting to human-altered environments while managing predation risks.

Bridging Knowledge and Data Gaps in Odonata Rarity: A South Korean Case Study Using Multispecies Occupancy Models and the Rabinowitz Framework

Accurate assessment of species rarity and conservation status requires an approach that integrates data-driven models with established ecological knowledge. In this study, we applied multispecies occupancy (MSO) and latent factor multispecies occupancy (LFMSO) models to estimate the occurrence of 133 Odonata species in South Korea. Using the model outputs, we implemented the Rabinowitz rarity framework to conduct data-based rarity assessments, which were then compared with known ecological information, including geographic ranges, habitat preferences, regional Red List statuses, and citizen science observations. Our findings reveal both alignments and discrepancies between these data-driven rarity assessments and traditional ecological knowledge. For example, species classified as near threatened (NT) or vulnerable (VU) on the regional Red List generally corresponded with high-rarity classifications based on the Rabinowitz framework. However, significant inconsistencies were identified, particularly for certain lentic Odonata species traditionally considered common. These results suggest that spatial biases in field surveys, combined with limited access to data on legally protected species, can impede accurate rarity assessments. These findings underscore the need for standardized survey protocols and improved data-sharing policies for sensitive species to reduce biases and enhance the reliability of rarity assessments. This is essential for effective conservation planning and biodiversity management in freshwater ecosystems.

Slow and diverse: Upslope expansion of tree species since 1854 in the Bavarian Alps (Germany) detected by citizen science

ABSTRACT We motivated mountain hikers to survey high-altitude occurrences of selected tree and shrub species in the Bavarian Alps in a citizen science portal and compared the observations with historical data collected by the botanist Otto Sendtner at the end of the Little Ice Age. For nine of ten species with sufficient numbers of historical and citizen science observations, currently uppermost outpost occurrences were verified after data curation and subsampling. Tree species of montane (Sorbus aucuparia: 342 m, Abies alba: 324 m, Acer pseudoplatanus: 273 m, Fagus sylvatica: 141 m) and of lower subalpine distribution (Betula pubescens: 278 m, Picea abies: 55 m) climbed significantly, whereas species found at the high subalpine tree line ecotone ascended less (Pinus mugo: 21 m, Larix decidua: 13 m, Alnus alnobetula: 6 m) or even appeared to lose elevation (Pinus cembra: −57 m). We explain the gap between realized and potential upslope shift of ca. 500 m suggested by the thermal elevation gradient by the lack of mature soils at high altitudes and low summit heights in the Bavarian Alps.

Discovering spider fly (Diptera: Acroceridae) hosts and their biology using citizen science.

Acroceridae are active parasitoids of mygalomorph spiders. However, little is known of their interaction numbers and biology in the Neotropics. In this study, we present 15 new records of acrocerid-mygalomorph interactions, adding new biological information about spider fly development. Mygalomorph spiders were captured in the field and maintained in captivity, and the development time of acrocerids was followed from the 4th instar to adulthood. Only seven acrocerid flies were able to complete their development. The acrocerids obtained were Arrhynchus stuardoi, Arrhynchus maculatus, and Archipialea sp. The total recorded development time (from the point where the larva leaves its host to the eclosion of the adult fly) of the spider flies was between 20 and 29 days. The collaboration of citizen scientists could be a useful alternative in the future to fill gaps in the biological and ecological information about these parasitoid flies.

Pullenvalenes E-H: Triterpenyl-Aminoglycosides from an Australian Soil-Derived Fungus, Clonostachys sp.

Chemical profiling of soil-derived microbes collected under the auspices of the Australian citizen science initiative Soils for Science detected two fungi, Clonostachys sp. S4S-07771A07 and Coccidiodes sp. S4S-14879B01, capable of producing pullenvalenes, a rare class of triterpene glycoside. Cultivation profiling followed by scaled up cultivation and fractionation of the former yielded the known pullenvalenes A-D (1-4) and the new analogues E-H (5-8), with structures secured by detailed spectroscopic analysis and biogenetic considerations. This study reveals that the pullenvalenes 1-8 are produced by several genera of fungi (Clonostachys, Coccidiodes and Talaromyces) recovered from different geographic locations and substrates. We also draw attention to structural and biosynthetic similarities with the known Red Sea sponge metabolites neviotines A-D (9-12) and abudinols A-B (13-14), prompting speculation that the latter may be products of sponge-associated fungi.

Instagram data for validating Nothofagus pumilio distribution mapping in the Southern Andes: A novel ground truthing approach

The availability of valid, non-biased species occurrence data has always been a major challenge for biodiversity research and modelling studies. Data from open-source databases or remote sensing are promising approaches to increase the availability of species occurrence data. However, these data may contain spatial, temporal, and taxonomic biases or require ground truthing. In recent years, social media has received attention for its contribution to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing approaches. The wide reach of social media platforms allows for rapid and large-scale analyses. Here we introduce a novel Instagram ground truthing approach to validate the occurrence mapping of Nothofagus pumilio across its entire distribution range. The treeline species of the southern Andes has been extensively studied in small-scale studies, but large-scale modelling approaches are largely missing due to limited accessibility to treeline sites resulting in a lack of occurrence data. The content posted on the social media platform Instagram consists of images and videos in which the species N. pumilio and its location can be identified. By searching for suitable posts using hashtags and location tags, we created 1238 Instagram ground truthing points. We compared the performance of our dataset with open-source data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through visual, quantitative, and bias analyses, acknowledging that both social media-based and Citizen Science data are subject to sampling and spatial biases due to collection in human-accessible areas. The Instagram ground truthing points were subsequently used to validate remote sensing occurrence data, generated using Sentinel-2 level 2A data and Supervised Classification. The combined approach – Instagram ground truthing and remote sensing – allows for the collection of occurrence data over the entire latitudinal range of N. pumilio, covering approximately 2000 km. The use of social media content provides potentially important contributions to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing In our study we introduce a novel ground truthing approach for species occurrence data sampling based on Instagram data Instagram ground truthing points, combined with Supervised Classification generate species occurrence data of Nothofagus pumilio over its entire distribution range in the southern Andes The performance of the Instagram ground truthing points is evaluated by comparison with existing data from the GBIF database. Our Instagram ground truthing approach demonstrates a new way of sampling species occurrence data and can be applied to other suitable species and study areas.

Youth Engagement in Water Quality Monitoring: Uncovering Ecosystem Benefits and Challenges

A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway located in Cincinnati, Ohio, by collecting geospatial data points on surface water quality and ecological assets. Utilizing the ArcGIS Field Maps application, a digital survey-based tool was developed to identify key areas related to ecological assets and urban water management challenges. The purpose of this citizen science approach was to allow researchers to capture and understand community perspectives and insights while engaging in scientific research that focuses on identifying geographic vulnerability areas and ecological assets. The primary objective was to empower local community groups and residents in an environmental justice neighborhood to understand the current opportunities and constraints of the adjacent waterbody, enabling informed decision-making for future planning initiatives that benefit both conservation and remediation efforts aligned with local values and needs. A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway in Cincinnati, Ohio, through the collection of geospatial data on surface water quality and ecological assets. The findings, based on hotspot analysis, revealed significant spatial clustering of heavy debris near the barrier dam and the lower portion of Mill Creek, where it converges with the Ohio River. This accumulation is attributed to the structural features of the barrier dam’s inner flood catchment area, which traps debris during rainfall events. Although no areas showed spatial significance for perceived ecological services, students identified specific areas with esthetic and biodiversity value, particularly at Mill Creek’s confluence with the Ohio River and along the northern stretch of the stream corridor. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding future conservation and remediation efforts that reflect both community values and environmental priorities.

Teacher experiences and understanding of citizen science in Australian classrooms.

Citizen science represents an important opportunity for school students to make real-world connections with science through context-based learning with the potential to increase their engagement, enjoyment and understanding of science. However, to date, citizen science has not experienced wide uptake in school settings and there is a paucity of information about its implementation in the classroom. Here we present a mixed-method approach investigating teachers' knowledge and use of citizen science in Australian classrooms. We explored teachers' experience and perceptions of citizen science, and opportunities and barriers to incorporate citizen science as an educational approach through an online questionnaire. Among the teachers surveyed, 45% (n = 295) had personally participated in citizen science outside of school and 41% (n = 283) had incorporated citizen science projects in classroom lessons. Teachers (45%, n = 295) reported participating in citizen science initiatives multiple times. Also, most projects that teachers were involved in (77%, n = 292) were related to ecological studies, such as species monitoring. Citizen science was reported to be a relatively new approach; used by teachers for less than a year on average. The main challenges included a lack of knowledge, time, confidence, and clarity regarding citizen science project alignment with the Australian curriculum. Additionally, 92% of respondents said they would be more encouraged to use citizen science in classrooms if projects were aligned to the curriculum. Identifying ways to increase teachers' openness to incorporate citizen science in their classrooms is crucial to its successful widespread, long-term, and meaningful implementation. Encouraging broader participation of teachers in citizen science based on their previous experiences could address their expectations and increase their confidence and feeling of ownership. These research findings suggest that meaningful and applicable citizen science programs could be co-created by addressing resource limitations and curriculum alignment challenges. Implementing solutions to these barriers is likely to contribute to the development of sustainable school-inclusive citizen science projects, with potential to positively impact science education in the long-term.

Optimization of Space Data Development and Distribution and Capacity Building in the Philippines through the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) Project

Abstract. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) implemented the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) to establish an active network of institutions and citizen scientists that will work together to utilize space data and information in support of the sustainable development agenda. The project was conceptualized to address the inherent challenge in gathering feedback, disseminating space data and information, and conducting capacity building initiatives in an archipelagic nation. The project will be conducted in three (3) phases, Phase 1: Network Building, Phase 2: Capacity Building, and Phase 3: Build Up and Expansion. This paper highlights the initial activities and preliminary assessment of the PINAS Project. The results of the initial activities illustrate the potential of the project in optimizing data products and its distribution processes, and in strengthening local capacity to use space data and information. This contributes to the development of effective capacity building initiatives and efficient space data optimization and data-sharing workflows in the country.