Biocenosis

Pollinators as a tool for environmental education and awareness in an urban park

Arturo Barboza Granados, Yesenia López García — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The loss of habitats due to deforestation, extensive agriculture, the use of agrochemicals, and urbanization threatens a large number of species around the world. A group that causes concern is the group of pollinators, as a high percentage of the food harvested worldwide directly depends on their intervention. The education and awareness of the general population, through the dissemination of precise and comprehensible scientific information, is key to promoting the protection of pollinators. For this, a scientific outreach strategy was designed, focused on four of the pollinator groups present in the country (bees, birds, butterflies, and bats) and the construction of four specialized pollinator gardens within La Libertad Metropolitan Park, located in the Desamparados canton, Costa Rica. The diversity of pollinator species was determined by conducting observations in the park during the months of September and October 2020. In 2021, a survey was conducted with visitors to assess their level of knowledge and interest in pollinator protection and the Park’s environmental efforts. Based on this data, a strategy was designed to elaborate four gardens, each specialized in a particular pollinator, complete with interpretive labeling.

Methodological guide for the development of hummingbird observation gardens for Los Santos area, San José, Costa Rica, 2024

Paola Brenes Rojas, Catalina Vargas Meneses, Ariana Muñoz Picado — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The gardens that attract hummingbirds in Los Santos region of Costa Rica promote scientific tourism, species conservation and the enjoyment of nature. The interaction between plants and hummingbirds is key to the survival of these birds, to plant diversity through pollination and to ecological balance. Therefore, when designing gardens, it is essential that the selection of plants be carried out according to technical-scientific principles to ensure its success. Recommendations are based on factors such as plant physiology and climatic impacts so as to encourage people to create and maintain these spaces. Additionally, the relevance of documenting interactions is emphasized to improve the effectiveness of the garden and contribute to scientific knowledge. Guidelines are also proposed for garden design, considering elements such as soil, water, and the surrounding environment. With careful planning based on technical and scientific data, gardens can become sanctuaries that promote the care and responsable use of the natural environment.

Community cohesion in organic waste valorization through composting: The case of the Asentamiento Valle Real Santa Cecilia, La Cruz, Guanacaste

Wendy Porras Barquero, José Luis Fournier Rodríguez — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

La Cruz, located in the northern Pacific of Costa Rica, is one of the administrative cantons with the lowest social progress index in the country, and Santa Cecilia is one of the less developed districts of this area. Due to the current problem in La Cruz regarding organic waste management, a pilot plan was developed in the Valle Real settlement in Santa Cecilia to reuse organic waste, and generate organic compost, with the aim of subsequently using it in agricultural plantations, and achieving its commercialization in the future. The pilot plan was implemented in 2022 and 2023. A total of three phases were developed: a) initial diagnosis, b) composting, and c) physicochemical analysis of the compost obtained. This pilot plan was launched in a joint effort with the Association of Producers of the Valle Real Settlement, the Guanacaste Campus of the University of Costa Rica and the Municipality of La Cruz. For the development of the pilot plan, this joint work between the municipality and, the academic sector was fundamental, as well as the role of the association and the work of its partners who held key functions. Participatory and ludic methodologies were used to develop the project.

Analysis of the tourism potential of a territory: Application of the READI methodology in a natural reserve of Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gonzalo Schneider Cherrutti, Aldo G. Ramos Schenck — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The Sierra del Tigre Natural Reserve (RNST), located in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, represents a unique enclave of biodiversity, geodiversity, and cultural heritage in a peri-urban context. This study aims to evaluate the tourism development of the RNST using the READI matrix methodology (Resources, Actors, and Dynamics), specifically adapted for the analysis of the reserve and its surroundings. Through a mixed-methods approach, which includes the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the available resources, the participation of the subjects involved and the territorial dynamics, the strengths and weaknesses of the RNST were identified. The results highlight the valuable natural and cultural heritage of the area, while underscoring the need to diversify the funding sources, improve the tourist infrastructure and strengthen the community participation and territorial leadership. These actions are crucial to ensure a balanced and sustainable tourism development.

Public science communication as a tool for the conservation of natural heritage in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Marco Antonio Díaz Segura, Yesenia López García — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The present investigation corresponds to a mixed-method approach, which was carried out at the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge (RNVSMCN), located in Alajuela, Costa Rica (10°52‘37“N 84°45‘47“W). The methodology involved both terrestrial and aquatic surveys within the refuge. Sampling was conducted through on-site observation, and photographs were taken as resources for flora and fauna, focal element selection and graphic material design. The participants in the study were RNVSMCN officials. Social surveying consisted of semi-structured interviews, expert panels, and focal groups; the selection of the target audience was based on social media visitation statistics. A total of 192 visual products were obtained in the informal education category (to be distributed on Facebook and Instagram platforms) comprising a visual compendium called Social Media Content Calendars. The main objective of this proposal was Scientific Outreach on social networks, through visual posters with original photographs aimed at promoting environmental education, focusing on young adults (18-35 years old) not specialized in biological topics, in order to foster ecosystem conservation and biodiversity preservation within the refuge.

Chemical and biological conditions of the aquatic ecosystem that have an impact on the decomposition dynamics of Cecropia peltata leaf litter, Blanco river, Bagaces: An experience in the academic practice

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The opaline color of the Blanco River is a feature that attracts the attention of visitors to the Fortuna de Bagaces area, especially during the dry season. The Blanco River water chemical characteristics are not only responsible for its distinctive color but also for important ecological processes that occur in its aquatic ecosystem. This research aimed to analyze the chemical and biological conditions that influence the decomposition of the “guarumo” (trumpet tree – Cecropia peltata) in the Blanco River. Students from the Fluvial Ecosystems Ecology course at the National University, along with the Ecotourism program of the Fortuna de Bagaces Technical Professional College, conducted an experiment to measure the decomposition time of the leaf litter, under the influence of fluids from the Miravalles Volcano. Four groups of mesh bags with dry leaves were installed, and weekly simples were collected to calculate the decomposition rate and remaining mass. The diversity and abundance of aquatic insects in the samples were also analyzed. In 2018 and 2024, point measurements of physical-chemical parameters of the water and analysis of the chemical components of the brown gel present in the riverbed were carried out. The results showed that the trumpet tree leaf litter could completely degrade in 68 days, with a 30 % loss in the first 20 days, associated with water and sediment conditions containing high levels of silicon, aluminum, sulfur, iron, and calcium.

Cover

Wendy Garita Azofeifa — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

From Planting to Restoration: Protocol for Native Tree Planting and Enhancing Ecosystem Services in the Context of Climate Adaptation

Óscar Chacón Chavarría — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The proper selection and use of native species in reforestation is essential for the restoration of ecosystems and the enhancement of urban-rural ecosystem services and significantly contributes to climate change adaptation. Since these species are adapted to local conditions, they promote ecosystem biodiversity and resilience, which favors a better response to extreme weather events. Planting native species helps reduce temperatures by creating cooler microclimates that mitigate the heat island effect. Additionally, they improve water infiltration by decreasing the risk of flooding and erosion. These species are also crucial for pollination, as many provide food for pollinators such as bees, which are fundamental for plant reproduction and food production. Incorporating these species is key to enhancing scenic beauty. Their presence in natural and urban environments beautifies the landscape and promotes people’s well-being and quality of life. The use of native species in reforestation not only boosts biodiversity, but also promotes carbon capture, improves air quality and regulates the water cycle; in other words, it preserves natural resources for future generations.