Miradas desde el Archipiélago de Bosques y Selvas de Xalapa a través de la fotografía participativa.

Abstract

We explored the perceptions about the cloud forest, through participatory photography (photovoice). In this process, we highlighted the perceived ecosystem services: cultural, provision (provisioning), support, and regulation, as registered in images and in the collective voice. We discussed two of the main advantages of using photography. First, it can be used to evoke reflections, considering images as the center. Second, participants can record photos quickly and easily using mobile phones. In this way, we explored the emerging possibilities of mobile media in the domain of art, and its potential to make various environmental aspects visible. Methods included a participatory photography workshop, which involved 16 participants, and 120 registered photographs. We collectively selected 30 images, and discussed about the contrasts, and assigned meanings. The participants provided written consent to record and systematize their speeches. We used thematic analysis from an interpretive approach, and we codified the contents based on ecosystem services. In the results, we highlight four relevant aspects: 1) The affinity with cultural ecosystem services, 2) The valuation of se based on social heterogeneity, 3) The sense of belonging and identity with the inhabited territory, and 4) the synergy between photographic creation and citizen socio-environmental education. We show trends, categories, and contrasts among the photographs, highlighting the meanings in relevant direct quotations. Outstandingly, the participants discussed about the problems associated with the cloud forest, and proposed solutions to improve human relations with the natural environment.