Imagine a web platform where any person, scientist or citizen, with an interest in biological diversity, can interact and share photos and data of plants and animals; a social network for nature lovers… Such a magnificent platform already exists and is called Naturalista. It was developed by the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) in collaboration with iNaturalist.
This website, which contributes to the knowledge of nature in a playful way, has had a high impact in Mexico, reaching more than 50 thousand users who share their observations with other naturalists through their accounts. The best thing is, that not only in Mexico but throughout the world this tool can be used. To promote it, on October 2 and 3, the Naturalista workshop, bases for citizen science, conducted by CONABIO, was held in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, in collaboration with El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) and the Support for the monitoring of biodiversity and climate change in the Selva Maya Project of GIZ.
This training of trainers was attended by staff of Belize Audubon Society, Chaa Creek and Yaaxche Conservation Trust of Belize; of the Center for Conservation Studies of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (CECON / USAC), the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) of Guatemala and of ECOSUR. Their mission will be to replicate the training in their countries, strengthening national inventories through citizen participation.
