The project described aligns closely with the goals of decentralized science (DeSci) by promoting open, collaborative, and community-driven scientific research that integrates diverse forms of knowledge.

By valuing and incorporating the community’s centuries-old fishing practices, the project acknowledges that valuable scientific insights can arise from non-academic sources. This approach decentralizes the creation and ownership of scientific knowledge, making it accessible and relevant to those directly impacted by the research.

The project commits to sharing data collected by Hidromoth recorders on platforms like Gainforest, where it can be accessed by a global audience. This transparency in data sharing aligns with DeSci’s emphasis on open science, enabling both traditional communities and the broader scientific community to analyze, use, and build upon the data. This openness fosters collaboration and innovation across different disciplines and geographical boundaries.
By actively involving the local communities in data collection and decision-making processes, the project exemplifies a bottom-up research approach. The co-construction of methodologies, which respects traditional practices while integrating scientific insights, ensures that the research is community-driven and culturally appropriate. This participatory model is a cornerstone of decentralized science, as it shifts the power dynamics of traditional scientific research from centralized institutions to the communities themselves.
The project bridges the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific methods, such as machine learning and remote sensing. This interdisciplinary integration enriches the research process, providing a more holistic understanding of the ecosystem and offering innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change. DeSci encourages such cross-disciplinary collaborations, as they lead to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to global challenges.
While the project is rooted in the specific context of the Negro River Basin, the methodologies and findings can be adapted and applied to other regions facing similar challenges. The use of decentralized platforms for data sharing ensures that the research has a global reach, allowing others to replicate or build upon the work. This scalability is in line with DeSci’s goal of creating a distributed, global network of scientific research that can address complex problems in diverse contexts.
By linking the project to platforms that facilitate global investments in local stewardship, the project creates new financial incentives for communities to engage in sustainable practices. This use of decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms within a scientific framework is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with DeSci’s vision of integrating blockchain and other emerging technologies to support science and conservation efforts.
The project’s focus on creating a resilient fishery management system that integrates traditional knowledge with scientific data contributes to the long-term sustainability of the communities involved. By enabling these communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions, the project supports the broader DeSci goal of using science to foster resilience and sustainability in the face of global challenges like climate change.
In summary, the project embodies the principles of decentralized science by democratizing knowledge production, fostering open and transparent data sharing, engaging communities in research, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches to solve real-world problems. By doing so, it not only supports the immediate needs of the Amazonian communities but also contributes to the global movement towards a more inclusive, open, and decentralized scientific ecosystem.
