Paper short abstract:

Photography exhibition

Paper long abstract:

There is a lot of evidence that the dialogue between academic and local stakeholders can significantly enhance the conservation of biodiversity. However, local knowledge continues to be marginalised even though local communities are the ones most directly affected by the implementation of environmental policies. Mutual engagement and dialogue between different types of knowledge are crucial for robust and just policies. Ethnoornithological studies are being carried out around the world in recognition of contributions of local knowledge as tools for conservation. Thus, the aim of this project is to investigate the local knowledge of the community of Conde (Bahia, Brazil) about Pyrrhura griseipectus (endemic endangered parakeet) as part of a process of management and conservation of the species, with a view to engaging the community in decision-making processes for environmental and community identity conservation. To achieve the main objective of this project, activities are being carried out with the local communities: participant observation; interviews to inquire into the local knowledge about the biology and ecology of the the parakeet population; workshops and artistic methodologies to increase community engagement; experiments with nest boxes with the aim of recovering the species with the participation of members from the local community. Community participation is crucial not only to build relations based on trust, as provided by long-term conviviality and direct engagement, which may ultimately have consequences to the success of conservation efforts, but above all to provide a space for the voice, perspectives, and decision making of communities often silenced in conservation governance.