Event Report: Exploring the Potential and Applications of Citizen Science in Areas Affected by Armed Conflicts

Apr 13, 2026 | Elaine Donderer
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The European Citizen Science Association (ECSA)’s working group on citizen science in areas affected by armed conflicts was established in 2025, and ECSA’s March 2026 conference at the University of Oulu, Finland, was its first opportunity to hold an in-person event for the wider community.   

The environmental consequences of war extend far beyond the immediate destruction of landscapes; they can trigger a systemic collapse of environmental management that leaves a legacy of pollution and resource scarcity. While satellite imagery and social media have begun to narrow the information gap, in many areas robust data from the ground remains scarce, contributing to the environment’s underprioritisation in responses.