Abstract

This thesis explores the potential of a Citizen Science (CS)-inspired workshop to foster mutual capacity strengthening and the integration of local knowledge in a South African context. The thesis is part of the transdisciplinary and action-oriented research project CONSUS, which focuses on co-developing Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Cities in peri-urban Mabopane. Engaging children and their guardians in a plant identification activity, the workshop aimed to strengthen mutual capacity between participants and researchers. The findings suggest that participants experienced a potential increase in knowledge and skills, as well as a stronger emotional connection to nature. The workshop also highlighted the potential value of facilitating a space to learn from local knowledge and the importance of creating inclusive, context-specific and sensitive CS initiatives. This thesis contributes to discussions in the field of CS in a Global South context, emphasising co-creation, community ownership, and the ethical integration of local knowledge