Naturalista: A Fun and Engaging Tool for Conservation in Cancún

Earlier this month, the city of Playa del Carmen hosted its fourth Reto Naturalista de Otoño, a four-day competition where participants captured photos or recorded sounds of any organisms they encountered. This event is part of a broader effort to use citizen science for environmental protection in Cancún, where I, Jaehyun J, have been living since 2022.

Organized by Cenotes Urbanos, the competition involved 58 participants who recorded approximately 1,500 observations of 612 species. While the primary focus is on the four-day competition, participants also contribute observations throughout the year. This ongoing data collection is crucial for environmental protection, as documented evidence can serve as legal proof.

I often find myself using Naturalista to document the flora and fauna around me. The platform not only helps in identifying species but also ensures that records are accurate. By using Naturalista, you can contribute to the understanding and protection of local ecosystems, becoming an active part of the conservation effort.