On 20 February 2024, the UiTM Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, served as the center for a groundbreaking project titled “Innovating Together: Libraries as Hubs for Citizen Science Exploration.” This project sought to combine the domains of libraries and the emerging field of citizen science. It was organized by the Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM) through its Committee on Regional and International Relations (JKPSA) and in close collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, several Malaysian libraries, and prestigious universities, including Al-Bukhari Library, this program is heralding a new era in environmental stewardship and community engagement. Main speaker for this project is Miss Vivienne Byrd, a distinguished librarian from the Los Angeles Public Library, renowned for her contributions to biodiversity, climate change, citizen science, and STEAM education.
The event aimed to engage a broad audience, including librarians, library users, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the future of our world. It demonstrated the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity, and global community action through engaging, hands-on sessions. This project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing Quality Education (SDG 4), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), supporting a holistic approach to environmental care. The initiative also saw contributions from ORBID (Organization Biodiversity Club), the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and the Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology.
Miss Vivienne presented several sessions, including “Monitoring Climate Change Through Citizen Science,” focusing on biodiversity, climate change, and recognizing environmental changes. Another session, “Citizen Science, Biodiversity & Climate Change: What’s Next?” explored the contributions of citizen science to understanding global climate change effects. The session “Learn About Citizen Science Apps” introduced participants to tools like iNaturalist, Seek, and ISeeChange. The most recent session, “Biodiversity and Climate Change with Citizen Science@PAB,” held at Kem Sri Gading, UiTM Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, involved participants in using these applications to document various plants and insects, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of nature. The program aimed to improve participants’ knowledge, awareness, and responsibility towards climate change, biodiversity, and citizen science.
Furthermore, the “Biodiversity & Climate Change with Citizen Science@PAB” competition, running from 20 to 27 February 2024, encouraged participants to engage with their environment by documenting and sharing images of flora and fauna using the Seek and iNaturalist apps. This effort culminated in the collection of 257 observations and the identification of 144 unique species, thanks to the dedication of 18 observers and 61 identifiers. Notable contributors included Mohd Ismail bin Zainudin, with a remarkable 98 observations, and Tasneem binti Shakri, recognized for an interesting discovery, while Mohd Ismail bin Zainudin also captured a stunning image.
This project not only enhanced understanding and engagement with biodiversity and climate change but also highlighted the vital role of citizen science in fostering a deeper connection with our environment. Through the collective efforts of faculty members and community participation, “Innovating Together: Libraries as Hubs for Citizen Science Exploration” demonstrated the impactful synergy of group action and how libraries can serve as catalysts for environmental learning and exploration.