Researchers at Chile’s Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) identified 87 bird species and 27 sites of biocultural significance in the Río Cruces Wetland by combining scientific research with local and traditional knowledge. Published in Ecology & Society, the study explores how community memories, relationships with birds, and connections to territory can contribute to wetland conservation. Conducted in collaboration with local communities, the research found that residents identified 73% of the bird species recorded in the wetland sanctuary and that 93% of the sites of biocultural significance lay outside its boundaries. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing local knowledge and biocultural memory to strengthen community-based conservation.

A study conducted by researchers from ESPOL, the University of Cagliari (Italy) and the Technical University of Manabí (UTM) used satellite radar images to investigate subtle ground movements at Guagua Pichincha, Rucu Pichincha, Pululahua and Cayambe between 2017 and 2024.

The study examined plants grown from Sidra and Gesha seeds and found discrepancies in two of the four morphotypes analysed.

Uncovering the often invisible human side of our food: Food systems employ an estimated 1.23 billion people globally, and a majority of those jobs are informal, unlicensed, unregistered, or otherwise outside the reach of formal regulation. In low-income and middle-income countries especially, informal vendors are a linchpin of food security and livelihoods for over a billion people. 

A new systematic scoping review in Food Policy looked across 64 countries to better understand how informality is defined and understood, and what this means for policies and food security.