CITIZEN SCIENCE FOR CLEAN BEACHES: PARTICIPATORY DIAGNOSIS OF MARINE DEBRIS IN MOCHIMA NATIONAL PARK, VENEZUELA

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26895/geosaberes.v16i0.1380

Abstract

Plastic waste pollution in coastal environments represents one of the main threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. In this context, citizen science emerges as a powerful tool for participatory environmental diagnostics and the strengthening of ecological awareness. This study aimed to characterize the solid waste collected in the community of Mochima, located within the Mochima National Park, Sucre state, Venezuela, through a collaborative monitoring event involving students, teachers, and volunteers. Through activities of collection, classification, and environmental awareness, a total of 673 items were recovered, 74% of which were plastics, with a predominance of single-use bags, bottles, and wrappers. In addition to identifying the composition and predominant colors of the waste, the experience helped strengthen local capacities in environmental analysis, promote non-formal education, and consolidate community co-responsibility values. The results highlight the potential of participatory methodologies to generate useful data, encourage behavioral changes in consumption habits, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, SDG 12, and SDG 14.

Author Biographies

  • Adriana Carolina Gamboa, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Brasil)

    Profesora del Eje Académico de Procesos Químicos, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre “Clodosbaldo Russián. Cumaná, estado Sucre, Venezuela, Profesora visitante del Departamento de Ingeniería Florestal de la Universidad Federal de Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

  • Anna Michell Jiménez Lemus, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre (Venezuela).

    Estudiante del Eje Académico de Procesos Químicos, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre “Clodosbaldo Russián. Cumaná, estado Sucre, Venezuela.

  • Darianys María Isabel Yegres Lizardo, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre (Venezuela).

    Estudiante del Eje Académico de Procesos Químicos, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre “Clodosbaldo Russián. Cumaná, estado Sucre, Venezuela.

  • Carlos Dhabriel Pinto Vizcaíno, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre (Venezuela).

    Estudiante del Eje Académico de Procesos Químicos, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Oeste de Sucre “Clodosbaldo Russián. Cumaná, estado Sucre, Venezuela.

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Published

2025-11-12

Issue

Vol. 16 (2025)

Section

Artigos

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How to Cite

CITIZEN SCIENCE FOR CLEAN BEACHES: PARTICIPATORY DIAGNOSIS OF MARINE DEBRIS IN MOCHIMA NATIONAL PARK, VENEZUELA. (2025). Geosaberes, 16, 35-47. https://doi.org/10.26895/geosaberes.v16i0.1380