Polar Tourists Love Participating in NASA Citizen Science Project in Antarctica
A recent study shows that tourists in Antarctica highly value their involvement in the FjordPhyto project, a NASA Citizen Science initiative. Travelers collect data and samples during the polar summer season, aiding researchers in understanding microalgae communities' response to melting glaciers. The research reveals that 97% of participants feel enriched by the citizen science experience, contributing positively to their travel adventures.
2 min read
Citizen science projects result in an overwhelmingly positive impact on the polar tourism experience. That's according to a new paper analyzing participant experiences in the first two years of FjordPhyto, a NASA Citizen Science project.
The FjordPhyto citizen science project invites travelers onboard expedition cruise vessels to gather data and samples during the polar summer season, helping researchers understand changes in microalgae communities in response to melting glaciers. Travelers in Antarctica from November to March help collect phytoplankton and ocean data from polar regions facilitated by trained expedition guides.
The new research found that ninety-seven percent of respondents reported that participating in citizen science enriched their travel experience. The paper provides a first understanding of the impact of citizen science projects on the tourism experience.
\"I was worried that I would feel guilty being a tourist in a place as remote and untouched as Antarctica,\" said one anonymous FjordPhyto participant. \"But being able to learn and be a part of citizen science, whilst constantly being reminded of our environmental responsibilities, made me feel less like just a visitor and more a part of keeping the science culture that Antarctica is known for alive and well.\"
According to the source: Mirage News.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
