BioBlitzes are events where voluntary naturalists and the public in general, work together with scientists to record as many species as possible within a delimited geographical area over a defined time period (from the words Bio = life and Blitz = something quick and intense). The first BioBlitz was organised in Washington D.C., in 1996, and since then are increasing in frequency throughout the world.
BioBlitzes show a growing trend, following citizen science popularity, even in countries with little tradition of public participation in science. Portugal is not an exception and is facing a significant rise in the number of BioBlitzes, in recent years not only organized by Universities or Museums but also by ENGO’s, municipalities and companies. In Portugal, as in other countries, many of these events are being organized in urban areas, which have a great potential for public participation and for increasing knowledge in urban biodiversity and ecology.
In collaboration with BioDiversity4All platform (www.biodiversity4all.org) this working group aims to analyse how information gathered in BioBlitzes can be used to increase the collection of data on biodiversity. BioBlitz events are being adopted as an effective methodology for conducting a rapid and assisted assessment of biodiversity, thus contributing to the evidence base for managing and preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is therefore important to understand the potential of these activities in all domains: from science outreach, up to conservation measures.
