“The presence of artificial light at night in northern cities may affect wild animals in ways that we cannot yet predict. This collaboration with  Wild Lab Projects will be key in involving community scientists in monitoring bird populations in both dark and illuminated areas. With the help of citizen science we will be able to understand how the lives of birds are being modified by human presence and activity in the Arctic, which would not be possible otherwise.”

Barbara Tomotani, Chronobiologist, University in Tromsø, Norway

“I have been involved in kelp forest and sea urchin studies for more than three decades, and it is due time for more actions on restoring rich kelp forests on the poor sea urchin barren bottoms still persisting in Northern Norway. We wish  Wild Lab Projects welcome. Together with marine biological research groups they can contribute to bring knowledge on kelp restoration methods, and benefits, to coastal communities further.”

Hartvig Christie, senior scientist emeritus, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norway

“The collaboration between science and society is crucial if we are to solve the global challenges of our time – the nature & climate crisis. The  Wild Lab Projects’ pioneering work on citizen science allows a variety of actors – from tourism operators, decision-makers, scientists, social organizations and to the tourist themselves – to collaborate on finding more sustainable practices for the world’s fastest growing industry, namely tourism. I am very excited about being a part of these efforts.”

Sigrid Engen, environmental social scientist, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Tromsø, Norway

“Understanding and predicting the changes in our local weather due to global warming will be of central importance to society in the coming decades. Many impacts are related to the water cycle, such as the amount and origin of precipitation arriving with storms. I am excited to support  Wild Lab Projects in involving travelers in the collection of climate data, and in creating arenas where conversations between science and society are stimulated.”

Harald Sodemann, Meteorologist, University of Bergen, Norway

“Removal of sea urchins is an effective tool for restoration of kelp forests, but requires large efforts to succeed. When scientists and volunteers join forces, it offers a great opportunity to restore and create consciousness of kelp forests, while at the same time collecting valuable research data through citizen science. As a marine biologist I am excited to be able to contribute with my knowledge in a collaboration with  Wild Lab Projects”.

Camilla W. Fagerli, Senior Scientist, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Norway

“Participation of volunteers or tourists in restoration projects is getting more common worldwide, and in some countries restoration work would not be possible without this. Incorporating citizen science into tourism in Norway is innovative and an important step towards more inclusive restoration work, that at the same time helps to both create consciousness of the crisis we are in, and the possibilities that we have to counter or mitigate this crisis together. I am exited to be able to share and build knowledge together with Wild Lab Projects.”

Anne Mehlhoop, Restoration Ecologist, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Norway