Public participation in research (PPR) is increasingly recognized and used to inform natural resource management, decision-making, and foundational ecological questions. Indeed, PPR allows researchers to gather ecological data at spatial scales and resolutions that were never before attainable. However, the success of these projects rests on the assumption that researchers can easily recruit and retain volunteers despite a dearth of evidence on best practices particularly in developing countries. Therefore, we designed a quasi-experimental study to understand differences in demographics, motivations, knowledge/perceptions, and stewardship behaviors, between the general public and PPR volunteers. We recruited 35 participants for a water flow monitoring program in Veracruz, Mexico who were surveyed prior to training. Members of the public (n=80) who spent time in natural areas but did not participate in research were also surveyed as the control.
Results/Conclusions
Initial results show statistical significant differences between members of the public and PPR volunteers in terms of age, education, and number of family members. Results from t-tests show volunteers tend to have higher motivations than the general public in term of four parameters: feeling responsible for nature, being interested in learning, social motivations, and interest in being part of an organization that values their work. Statistically significant differences between volunteers and the general public were found for four parameters of knowledge/perceptions and six parameters of water stewardship behavior. Volunteers reported the greatest benefits of participation in PPR were: a greater understanding their watershed, making a difference for their community, and making a difference for the environment. This research represents an important case study, suggesting that recruitment should focus on young, educated individuals that are highly interested in learning about water, for example, targeting recruitment in schools, universities, or water-related organizations. However, more research beyond the study site is needed on factors that improve recruitment and retention in PPR projects.