Local community and protected areas: arthropods survey in arid environments of the north-west Argentina, in the context of a field school

PADRO JULIAN; SAINT ESTEVEN ALEJANDRO; LOPEZ AGUSTINA; FLAIBANI NICOLAS; CRESPO JOSE; SOTO IGNACIO M

Valparaiso, quintay

Conferencia; The Rufford Small Grant Conference, South America 2015; 2015

Andres Bello (Chile) y Fundación Rufford (UK). Centro de investigaciones marinas Quintay, Fundación Humboldt

The socio-economic difficulties faced by developing countries may jeopardize theeffectiveness of protected natural areas. In particular, the risk of public conflict in the implementation of environmental policies in Argentina has a historical background of colonial tradition. In order to achieve long-term policies, it is crucial to involve local communities through educational programs that generate knowledge and positive attitudes towards the natural environment. In this context, we present the experience of an Arthropods Field School in the Valle Fertil Natural Park, in conjunction with the local school. The reserve protects an area considered at risk of degradation, which in turn is a hot spot for species conservation due that its valleys create an "oasis" within the extensive xeric environment of the region. During 2014, three field surveys were conducted, along with lessons of the representative features of the most common groups in the area, including its advantages as environmental bioindicators. Practical classes of identification, assembling of traps andtrapping techniques were also performed. In this work, we present the first arthropods survey in the area, along with richness and abundance biodiversity indexes (including new species records for the area). With the gathered data throughout the project, we have performed reports, posters and brochures that today are material of tourist information at the park entrance office. Furthermore, the program has been incorporated into the school curriculum for its continuity throughout 2015. In sum, this project shows a successful experience in the engagement of local communities with conservation activities in protected areas.