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 Julio community in Naranjal-Ecuador through community mapping. The population actively participates in the creation of maps by compiling their experiences, knowledge, and specific needs. Community mapping is a valuable tool that allows one to organize the cultural and social wealth of a community. The production of this type of cartography captures the empirical knowledge of the population regarding the territory, which then allows for a more comprehensive understanding of territorial dynamics from the perspective of the residents. Several workshops were held during the production of the maps that included the participation of the local children, as well as members of the Seis de Julio Crabber Association, specifically highlighting the aspirations that the younger generations have about how they can protect their local ecosystem. By incorporating a native perception as an inclusive approach to territorial planning, the overall decision-making and design of local policies is improved. In effect, community mapping not only offers an actual representation of the environment, but also encourages appropriation and empowerment among its inhabitants.