loading page

Science for rivers: communicating science behind the movement of rivers
  • +2
  • Evelyn Calderon,
  • Gabriela Flores,
  • Jorge D. Abad,
  • Gerardo Valencia,
  • Roger Marquez
Evelyn Calderon
Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Gabriela Flores
Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC
Author Profile
Jorge D. Abad
Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC
Author Profile
Gerardo Valencia
Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC
Author Profile
Roger Marquez
Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia - UTEC
Author Profile

Abstract

In Peru, a group of scientists are investigating the main Amazonian rivers to understand all those physical variables that define their behavior and ecological importance throughout the Amazon basin. But what happens with this information? How does it connect with the citizens and become mechanisms of valorization and conservation? “Science for Rivers” is a comprehensive educational initiative that seeks to channel all the scientific knowledge generated regarding rivers towards different actors who are linked to them. The communication strategies implemented have translated complex information in a way that is accessible and useful to all audiences. Therefore, many specialized courses and workshops have been developed for different government institutions in order to incorporate this type of knowledge into their development plans. Also, two free access web pages have been developed that show in an interactive way the multiple technical and social variables when intervening in rivers. Likewise, an educational graphic proposal was implemented through social media where information about the rivers is shared with a simple and playful language. Appropriating this knowledge at different levels is fundamental to guarantee policies coherent with this ecosystem, as well as to forge a citizenry that knows, values and cares for its rivers.