1st Bioblitz of Spanish Flora: raising awareness of vegetal biodiversity through citizen science

Abstract

With the intention of fostering the interest in botany in the society, the idea of organizing the 1st Bioblitz of Spanish Flora arose: a citizen science event in which people from all over the country went out to register as many species of plants as possible through photographs. The event was organized throughout the iNaturalist citizen science platform, and later supported by coordinators in all the Spanish Autonomous Communities and around 100 institutions that gave support and dissemination of the event. From May 21st to 23rd of 2021, more than 1,000 participants recorded about 25,000 observations of more than 2,500 species, approximately 25% of the species documented in Spain. In addition, numerous associated activities were organized, such as talks, botanical walks, workshops, etc. Subsequently, a datablitz was held, focused on the identification of little-known, complicated and/or attractive plant groups, and to share the experiences of the activities carried out, thus promoting interaction between botanists and citizens. To conclude, some of the experiences of the Bioblitz were presented. This is the largest botanical-focused citizen science event ever organized in Spain. It has been proven that the cooperative action of amateurs and professionals might help foster the passion for biodiversity.