Virtual Booth

Making people aware of biodiversity is a challenge because of the lack of information about biodiversity itself. However, the iNaturalist application has reduced the knowledge gap about biological diversity and is effective in shaping community scientists. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effectiveness of the iNaturalist application in developing community scientists and to evaluate the participants' interest in this community scientist program through the participation of Hulu Cheka Nature Club. The Bicara Santai & Eksplorasi Saintis Masyarakat program is one of the activities in the Karnival Temu Suku Buku dan Program Outreach Lestari Lembah Benom, Hulu Cheka, Jerantut. The program was held on December 2, 2023, at Lang Buana Eco Park, Hulu Cheka, Jerantut, Pahang. A total of 75 participants have followed this program, which is 50 primary school students, 13 people from secondary school, 11 people from higher education institutions, and one from kindergarten. All participants used the iNaturalist application to make observations. All these participants have also answered the survey given through the Google Forms application and the responses were obtained from Google Sheets. As a result, a total of 322 observations were recorded for 135 species and it has been identified by 50 community scientists. Before the program, a total of 43 participants were not satisfied and 32 participants were very dissatisfied with their knowledge and skills in the field of nature and biodiversity. After participating in this program, a total of 40 participants were very satisfied, 26 participants were satisfied, 8 participants were not sure and one was not satisfied with the knowledge and skills acquired. A total of 46 participants were very interested; 24 are interested, 3 may be interested and 2 are not interested in joining Hulu Cheka Nature Club. In conclusion, this program has successfully sparked the community's scientific interest.