Citizen Science and Natural Resource Management: A Social Network Analysis of Two Community-Based Water Monitoring Programs

In natural resource management contexts, citizen science programs often involve a diversity of actors collaborating in broad social networks. However, the characteristics and functioning of these networks has received limited attention. In this article, we demonstrate the benefits of applying social network research to citizen science practice. Through a mixed methods approach, we compare data sharing and collaboration networks of two community-based water monitoring programs in Australia. The quantitative component revealed that despite similarities in actor diversity and activities, both programs have created divergent network structures (centralized vs decentralized) corresponding to their scale of influence in environmental decision-making (regional vs local impacts). The qualitative component showed how individuals navigated their relationships and managed key tensions inherent to network functioning. This study provides new insights on the role of social networks in citizen science and concludes by recommending program leaders adopt a “networking mindset” to maximize their sphere of influence.

在自然资源管理场景中，公民科学（citizen science）项目通常涉及多元行动者在广泛的社会网络（social network）中开展协作。然而，此类社会网络的特征与运行机制却鲜有研究关注。本文论证了将社会网络研究应用于公民科学实践的价值与益处。本研究采用混合研究方法，对比分析了澳大利亚两个基于社区的水质监测项目的数据共享与协作网络。定量研究部分结果显示，尽管两个项目在行动者多样性与活动内容上存在相似性，但二者构建的网络结构却大相径庭——分别为集中式与去中心化结构，这与其在环境决策中的影响辐射规模（区域级影响与本地级影响）相匹配。定性研究部分则揭示了行动者如何协调彼此关系，并妥善处理网络运行中固有的核心张力。本研究为理解社会网络在公民科学中的作用提供了新视角，并在文末建议项目管理者树立"网络思维"，以最大化其影响力范围。