Content Analysis of Publications and Citizen Science Programmes in the Field of Ecology

Introduction. The article explores citizen science initiatives in the field of ecology. The specifics of developing such initiatives in Russia and abroad are identified, and the growth potential of citizen science ini­tiatives in ecology is outlined. Methods. The general scientific method of content analysis was employed. This method was used to examine the content of academic publications and citizen science programmes in the field of ecology. This approach highlighted the trends and the current status of citizen science development in ecology. Results and Discussion. The study produced science-based insights into the devel­opment of citizen science initiatives in ecology. A review of successful ecological programmes that integrate not just activist efforts tradition­al for this sphere but also research, scientific work, and collaboration between professional and amateur researchers, was conducted. Con­clusion. Citizen science initiatives in ecology are evolving according to the two scenarios. The first scenario involves breaking the monopoly on scientific research and forming effective partnerships between profes­sional and amateur researchers. In the second scenario, citizen scien­tists engage in data collection we well as systematisation and analysis of data obtained in research conducted by professional scientists. A key trend in citizen science initiatives in ecology is overcoming the profes­sional researchers' monopoly on conducting research and fostering col­laboration between citizen scientists and professionals.