Involving the community in data interpretation: the case of Mida Creek

The paper outlines an approach which has allowed us to involve the local community in the interpretation of data from our mangrove studies. In particular, it deals with preliminary results produced by processing information obtained during the first phase of the research, carried out with participatory attitudes and behaviour. This experience fits in at the end of a three-year study, during which the relationships between the Mida Creek community and the mangroves were identified and described. It was applied in March and April 1999 and gave us the opportunity to study our data from a novel point of view. Indeed, we were able to detect some relevant details missed before and to gain a better understanding of the situation we studied. We also had the opportunity to raise the topic of possible alternatives to the current mangrove management in order to improve the living conditions of the local people while at the same time respecting the natural environment.