From collections to connections: empowering communities through entomological outreach

Following our dung beetle research in Oaxaca, Mexico, we prioritized ethical engagement with Indigenous communities, recognizing the importance of trust and reciprocity in ecological research. After conducting entomological surveys, we facilitated outreach efforts through an intercambio de saberes (knowledge exchange) approach, which included theoretical-practical workshops and entomological display drawers tailored for each community. Community participation enriched our research by incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), offering valuable insights into local biodiversity and ecological interactions. These outreach collections, combined with scientific communication talks, sparked dialogue and strengthened the connections between our team and local communities.