Format: ORAL

Nora H. Oleas1 Natasha Baer1 Mnica Paez1, 2 David Salazar1 Laura Salazar3 Ibon Tobes1

1 Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador 2 Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios, Fundación Jambatu, San Rafael, Quito, Ecuador 3 Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam. Km 7 vía Muyuna. Tena, Napo, Ecuador

University education in Ecuador is conceptualized as a dynamic interplay among academia, research, and societal engagement. Furthermore, academia serves society by providing the information necessary to address problems. Additionally, the dissemination of scientific knowledge to the broader community constitutes an integral facet of university endeavors. Within this framework, to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and its ecological services within cities, multidisciplinary approaches are required to engage the community. This study describes the mechanisms through which these channels of reciprocal enrichment have been cultivated. As an integral component of their academic curriculum, students enrolled in the Biodiversity Engineering program at the Universidad Tecnolgica Indoamrica in Quito, Ecuador, actively participated in projects that fostered connections with society. This involvement entailed the practical application of data collection tools, such as surveys, and the utilization of platforms like iNaturalist during various community events. Through these initiatives, a collective repository documenting the citys flora was established, showcasing contributions from both students and citizens. This collaborative effort facilitated the identification of novel findings, including new plant records and endangered species. Furthermore, the outcomes of these projects were disseminated through the creation of posters and other communication materials, as well as environmental education talks conducted in schools and among residents in the neighborhoods where the activities were carried out. In addition to these community interactions, students assumed the role of authors for articles presented at conferences and subsequently published in scientific journals. This multifaceted approach underscores the universitys commitment to knowledge dissemination, practical application, and community engagement.