iNaturalist, the global social network for recording and identifying biodiversity, has become an independent nonprofit organization with the help of a $10 million startup grant. Previously affiliated with the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic Society, iNaturalist is now on its own as a 501(c)(3) organization. The platform, described as both a social network and the world’s most powerful biodiversity data set, allows users to share observations and receive identifications from experts. It has been used in over 4,000 research publications and has over 2.8 million observers and 150 million verifiable observations. iNaturalist’s goal is to connect people with nature and produce ecological data. Moving forward, the organization plans to expand its use in regions with limited access to the platform and further explore the use of artificial intelligence. Challenges the organization faces include maintaining a respectful social environment and generating scientifically useful data while remaining accessible to all. Collaboration with former partner organizations is also anticipated in the future.
https://baynature.org/2023/09/12/inaturalist-strikes-out-on-its-own/