The Siphumelele wetland was assessed by 10 participants. All the participants were compared to participant 2 (control), who is a specialist on wetlands and has over 20 years’ experience on working with wetlands. The overall results (indicated in Figure 2 and Figure 3) in this case are the combination of the results from the assessment of the impact on the wetland of land-cover types present within the wetland, and an assessment of the impact on the wetland of land-cover types present within the wetland's upslope catchment. The overall score is worked by using a weighted score of combined o impact scores derived from the scores for Hydrology, Geomorphology, Water quality and Vegetation, this score is weighted as 3:2:2:2, …show more content…
As evidenced in this study, this citizen science tool is practical, it can be used by different wetland users even those who are not wetland specialists. It is evident that citizen scientists can actively participate in scientific research once they have been exposed to the subject. Citizen science can be used for the purposes of wetland assessment, monitoring as well as education. This tool can be used to address the need in South Africa for developing tools for assessing wetland Health. this tool will enable more citizens to monitor and assess their own wetlands, more than what the scientists can …show more content…
Tools can be developed as they will make people think critically and creatively. People can gain new skills that can enable behavioural change towards wetlands by being engaged in citizen science projects and tools. Citizen science can also be used for the purposes of environmental education to bring about a deeper understanding of wetlands. Besides this tool, it is recommended that other citizen science tools are tested and developed to assist in better environmental management. It is also recommended that this tool is adopted and be used to enhance the understanding of wetland assessments as can be used by the people with different levels of education. However, one must tread with caution when applying this tool and drawing conclusions from the