Local perception of territorial reality through community mapping. Seis de Julio Community, Naranjal-Ecuador

this article addresses the local perception of the territorial reality in the seis de Juliocommunity in Naranjal-ecuador through community mapping. the population activelyparticipates in the creation of maps by compiling their experiences, knowledge, andspecific needs. community mapping is a valuable tool that allows one to organize thecultural and social wealth of a community. the production of this type of cartographycaptures the empirical knowledge of the population regarding the territory, which thenallows for a more comprehensive understanding of territorial dynamics from theperspective of the residents. several workshops were held during the production of themaps that included the participation of the local children, as well as members ofthe seis de Julio crabber association, specifically highlighting the aspirations that theyounger generations have about how they can protect their local ecosystem. Byincorporating a native perception as an inclusive approach to territorial planning, theoverall decision-making and design of local policies is improved. in effect, communitymapping not only offers an actual representation of the environment, but alsoencourages appropriation and empowerment among its inhabitants.