Abstract

CABALLERO-RICO, Frida Carmina; SALDIVAR-ALONSO, Vicente Paul; ORTEGA-ALVAREZ, Rubén  and  RAMIREZ-DE-LEON, José Alberto. Community monitors and their participation in research projects: Case study in three natural protected areas in Mexico. CienciaUAT [online]. 2024, vol.19, n.1, pp.32-60.  Epub Apr 11, 2025. ISSN 2007-7858.  https://doi.org/10.29059/cienciauat.v19i1.1896.

Community monitors (CMs) are strategically involved in research projects as non-scientific actors because they belong to local communities in the study area and know their biodiversity; however, there is little information on their impact, work, and contribution. The objective of this study was to determine the collaboration of CMs in three natural protected areas (NPAs) in Mexico (Tamaulipas and Veracruz). Semi-structured interviews were used to established the nature of the interactions between CMs, researchers in charge of projects, members of public institutions that provide funding, and the representative of a non-governmental organization. Thirty-one final reports of 15 researchers who worked with CMs were reviewed to corroborate the contribution record. Their activities were recorded since 2002, mainly in bird monitoring (35.48%), collecting samples, data, information and resources, and helping to interpret results and draw conclusions. The perceived benefits of their participation as CMs were reflected at the personal, local, institutional and conservation levels. The projects were their main source of learning, providing them with experience, training and knowledge that allowed them to join new projects and improve their work as tour guides, their supplemental source of income. They reported a lack opportunities for the valuation and certification of their knowledge as CM, which limited their development and economic situation. Twelve academic products were found in which 2 CMs were authors and which were produced by 2 researchers out of the 15 who participated in this study, indicating their exclusion and lack of recognition. Actions are needed to certify their knowledge as CM, to facilitate their development and to improve their economic situation. This would avoid jeopardizing their contribution, the vast empirical-technical experience they have acquired through their work over time.

Keywords : community monitors; research projects; biodiversity; conservation; local communities.

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