Fisherwoman sharing knowledge about NaturaLista to young people in her community-Bahía de Kino, Sonora
COBI
NaturaLista: citizen observations of biodiversity
Exploring the ecosystem in El Rosario, Baja California
COBI
Fisherwoman and daughter exploring their environment-Bahía de Kino, Sonora
COBI
Possible undescribed species of Lobonema jellyfish- Bahía de Kino, Sonora
Laura Wicochea
Species reported by a fisherman from El Rosario, Baja California
Miguel Bracamontes
Citizen science has influenced resource management, contributing to the improvement of public policies and strengthening the capacity of communities to address environmental problems. Also, citizen science efforts have contributed to conservation, the recording of biodiversity, and help empower communities by breaking down barriers that separate science and society.
Citizen science is being driven by technology and digital platforms, helping to collect and organize information and make it available to all. The NaturaLista initiative, for example, is a digital space for recording and organizing observations of nature through photographs, meeting other enthusiasts, and learning about the nature of Mexico and the world. Through this platform, awareness of biodiversity has been created in the communities and the exploration of local environments is promoted. Thus, fishermen and fisherwomen can contribute by recording species and being part of the change, keeping in touch with researchers and collaborating in different projects.
- Training the community in taking photographs, and in the use, management and scope of the digital platform.
- A greater impact is generated in the communities when the scientific information contained in the platforms is suitable for all audiences.
- It is key to integrate leaders and innovators of the coastal communities as users, so that they become examples to follow and more people join this initiative.
- The use of new platforms and digital tools can sometimes be a barrier for some members of coastal communities, so training and constant monitoring is required.
- Some communities have limited internet service. This can lead to disinterest in continuing to contribute to the platform, as a connection is needed for photographs to be uploaded to the platform.
- One way to motivate communities to use Naturalista is to provide feedback and follow up on the records they document through their photographs, sharing their use and the comments made by others. In some cases, the photographs have even identified new species and range extensions for Mexico and worldwide.
- Having photographic equipment suitable for use in the high seas is very important, since going out to sea every day can document incredible things.