citizen science: integrating knowledge and good environmental practices for the sustainable use of natural resources

Abstract

 In Los Ríos province, environmental degradation due to human settlements and unsustainable productive matrices increases every day. This situation caused by human activity affects both ecosystems and biodiversity as well as rural and urban communities, caused by a lack of knowledge, environmental awareness and inadequate disposal of solid waste. This situation exacerbates the loss of environmental quality (air, water, soil), of ecosystem services and this also translates into an increase in poverty. This project developed capacities and skills in the rural and urban communities of the Quevedo canton that guarantee environmental awareness and sustainable management of natural resources, through the design and implementation of guides for good environmental practices in the 43 urban-rural communities of the Quevedo canton and its area of influence, implementing a correct management of domestic waste giving them added value such as compost production, production of handmade soaps, design of vertical gardens, design and implementation of organic gardens promoting food security, all these actions are aligned with SDG 4 Quality education, 11 Sustainable communities, 13 Climate action and 15 Life of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the PEDI lines of research and strengthening the professional skills of our students