Participatory action research for primate conservation: A critical analysis of a nonformal education program in Southern Mexico

Abstract

Historically, Mexico has had an important role in primate conservation research, however, studies have rarely included the human dimensions of primatology.Inclusion of these disciplines should be a priority, considering that human activities are responsible for the current socio-ecological crisis. Mexico is habitat for three primate species, and all are threatened. This urgency demands new approaches and broader perspectives. First, we propose three main research frameworks relevant for conducting PCEPs in Latin America: Participatory Action Research, Arts-based education in PCEPs and Knowledge Coproduction. Furthermore, we aimed to (1) describe a case study about primate conservation education in Southern Mexico based on participatory visual methods under the umbrella of Participatory Action Research (PAR), and (2) to conduct a self-reflective, critical, straightforward, and constructive analysis of the experience. We discuss the various challenges faced during the process (e.g., traditional teaching prevalence at schools, teachers that are not school-based, time and academic constraints). Additionally, we highlight some PAR aspects applicable for researchers and practitioners interested to go further than knowledge transmission (e.g., codesign, arts-based education, placed-based education, critical thinking, and capacity building). To collectively progress in primate conservation education in Mexico and other Latin American countries, projects could greatly benefit from context-specific, people-centered approaches, such as PAR. We encourage researchers to share more of their personal research experiences including both their successes and failures.

Wildlife and Indigenous Communities in Kenya: The influence of conservation education in supporting co-existence between wildlife and a Maasai community

“…Qualitative research provides insight into human experience, relying on the empathic skills of the researcher to present these concepts (Silverman, 2016). This design included a community case study within a broader participatory action research focus, in order to understand the social dimensions of conservation education to make social change (Franquesa-Soler, Sales, & Silva-Silva, 2022). This enabled situations and contexts to be viewed from the perspectives of many participants, within their mutual relationships (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2013).…”

Time for action: Introduction to the special issue on conservation education in monkeys and strepsirrhines

“…Franquesa‐Soler et al (2022) in their article, “Mural paintings for primate conservation: decolonizing a case study of nonformal education in Southern Mexico” detail how mural painting as a conservation education exercise was able to bring together many members of the community and create dialogue on conservation themes by using art as a form of collective engagement. These authors highlight their methodology of using Participatory Action Research (PAR) which uses a bottom‐up approach.…”