Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Empowering Coastal Communities:Drones and Data for Mangrove Conservation in La Paz (ID: 22831194)/Final Report
Application type: Standard application
Part 1: Project and impact
1. Describe the implemented activities and results achieved. Additionally, share which approaches were most effective in supporting you to achieve the results. (required)
Drone purchase:
A DJI Mini 4 Pro drone was purchased and donated by HOT to the organization BCSicletos through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement outlines the efficient use of the drone to provide close support to community-based organizations that face technological barriers. The initiative aims to assist at least eight organizations in adopting geospatial technologies. Additionally, it includes a commitment to contribute to Wikimedia Commons by releasing visual information relevant to territorial defense and justice, and to promote the use of Drone Tasking Manager.
Community drone workshop:
A four-day training was held from February 26th to March 1st, 2025, in La Paz, Baja California Sur. It focused on using Wikimedia and drones for environmental monitoring. Nineteen people were trained, mainly representatives of the Guardians of Conchalito and young people from Conchalito, as well as members of BSCicletos and other civil society participants. The Wikimedia workshop covered topics such as "What is Wikipedia?", encyclopedic relevance, sources of information, an introduction to basic editing, the use of Wikimedia Commons, and uploading photos. Additionally, an in-person editathon called “Editathon Drones La Paz” lasted three hours, where participants worked on articles previously curated by HOT, BSCicletos, and Wikimedia México. During the event, 16 new articles were created, and 27 articles were edited, resulting in a total of 43 articles produced. Also, 2,597 photographs were summited to Wikimedia Commons as part of the documentation of the training. The drone workshop for environmental monitoring included an introduction by HOT and an overview of different application approaches based on case studies. Two workshops on aerial photogrammetry were conducted, covering its fundamentals, image acquisition, flight plan planning, and geospatial data processing. Additionally, topics such as image processing and ortho mosaics were addressed. This context led to the introduction of open-source tools such as OpenAerialMap and Drone Tasking Manager, which are user-friendly alternatives to traditional flight planning and orthoimage processing software. A field practice session was carried out, consisting of executing a flight plan using Drone Tasking Manager. This activity was conducted with a drone provided by HOT to BCSicletos to strengthen capacities and support the improvement of field monitoring by the Guardians of Conchalito for the conservation and protection of mangroves. A test flight was conducted with a didactic purpose, allowing participants to practice drone operation and dispel myths about its technical complexity. The training was just the beginning of a close collaboration between BCSicletos and HOT, aimed at strengthening the technical capacities of the Guardians of Conchalito and replicating these initiatives with other community-based organizations focused on conservation within the impacted region.
2. Documentation of your impact. Please use space below to share links that help tell your story, impact, and evaluation. (required)
Share links to:
- Project page on Meta-Wiki or any other Wikimedia project
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event. Remember to share access.
You can also share links to:
- Important social media posts
- Surveys and their results
- Infographics and sound files
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
The inclusion of community-based organizations in active citizen science processes is vital for environmental conservation. However, many of these organizations face significant challenges in improving the efficiency of their work and maximizing their impact. The project led by HOT focused on reducing these barriers on strengthening communities in mangrove conservation with drone technology and local collaboration. By providing low-cost drones and easy-to-use, low-complexity tools, the project created new opportunities for the organizations involved in the care and conservation of the environment, remaining on the opportunities that give open knowledge at the service of the community.
Drone-generated data allowed BCSicletos, Jóvenes del Conchalito and Guardianas del Conchalito to present concrete evidence to authorities, strengthening their case for the conservation of mangroves and other ecosystems. The data helped empower local communities by providing them with tools to report environmental threats and advocate for protection. They used the data to monitor impacts (e.g., from vehicles in protected areas or urban pollution in mangroves) and identify ecological threats like environmental degradation and real estate speculation. The data supported denunciation and accountability processes, helping communities to expose issues such as land speculation and displacement to local authorities. The drone data facilitated partnerships with other organizations and academic institutions, enhancing knowledge exchange and coordinated action, to increase awareness of the situation and more technical support to the local communities.
Communities-based organizations are now strengthened to advocate for greater protection of mangrove areas and dunes, which are vital ecosystems. Youths are now equipped with tools that allow them to take an active role in defending their territory. In general, the communities gained the ability to monitor the impacts of non-planned infrastructure development and tourism, increasing community awareness and advocacy capacity.
Partnerships with universities (e.g., UABCS, University of Veracruz) and organizations (e.g., Colectivo La Duna) ensure continuity of data use, integration into academic research, and ongoing technical support. By merging citizen science with academic research, data collected by communities gained legitimacy and was used in doctoral theses and institutional reports, ensuring long-term impact and visibility. Also training local youth and guardians in drone use and environmental reporting built local capacity, making the communities less dependent on external actors.
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event . Remember to share access
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Monitoreo_y_protecci%C3%B3n_de_manglares_de_Baja_California_Sur#/ https://map.openaerialmap.org/#/-110.36264419555664,24.15435046331654,13?_k=mneh4y
Important social media posts
Instagram posts: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwfWI0y9MN/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/p/DIjbmWYsT4Y/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DH31xSxpTDg/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DHeiep0yehA/
LinkedIn posts: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maphublac_bscicletos-conchalito-dronetm-activity-7303407389293060097-_Ln6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABx3YvkBqjOO7TkUqzI4HDW2ymKMR6X8zgg https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maphublac_los-manglares-son-los-pulmones-de-la-activity-7318694750520254467-HBWY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABx3YvkBqjOO7TkUqzI4HDW2ymKMR6X8zgg https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maphublac_dronetm-opendronemap-openaerialmap-activity-7312528552350883840-Duf6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABx3YvkBqjOO7TkUqzI4HDW2ymKMR6X8zgg https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wikimedia-foundation_in-mexico-mangroves-play-a-crucial-ecological-activity-7314271453468631040-oBLD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABx3YvkBqjOO7TkUqzI4HDW2ymKMR6X8zgg
Blogs: https://www.hotosm.org/updates/can-low-cost-drones-contribute-to-mangrove-monitoring-and-conservation-testing-drone-tasking-manager-in-la-paz-mexico/ https://www.hotosm.org/updates/strengthening-communities-in-mangrove-conservation-drone-technology-and-local-collaboration/ https://diff.wikimedia.org/2025/03/26/land-care-and-surveillance-drones-open-knowledge-at-the-service-of-the-community/
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Conchalito https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Paz_(Baja_California_Sur) https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicornia_pac%C3%ADfica https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38416176 https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estero_El_Conchalito https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132783226 https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizaci%C3%B3n_de_Pescadores_Rescatando_la_Ensenada https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132790751 https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equipo_Humanitario_de_OpenStreetMap https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciencia_ciudadana https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fotogrametr%C3%ADa_en_mangles https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicornia_bigelovii https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Guardianas_del_Conchalito https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Mogote_(M%C3%A9xico) https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derecho_a_la_ciudad https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_salvaje https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harumi_Fujita_(arque%C3%B3loga) https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Monitoreo_y_protecci%C3%B3n_de_manglares_de_Baja_California_Sur#/
Additionally, share the materials and resources that you used in the implementation of your project. (required)
For example:
- Training materials and guides
- Presentations and slides
- Work processes and plans
- Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
Drones piloting introduction: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LG8sGXEvE_W3IpU5v3peG_ywlphec0oH/edit?usp=sharing&rtpof=true&sd=true HOT Introduction slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nUn7wkyqxSsAYcDfIShO44gcNonaeElzesXvu-IOaRc/edit?usp=sharing Preparation online workshop on DroneTM to trainer with Ivan Gayton: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NtR0ZLVM0_mRuADoZISvcq7wxv2daGXS/view?usp=sharing El Conchalito mangrove orthophotos: https://map.openaerialmap.org/#/-110.36264419555664,24.15435046331654,13?_k=mneh4y DroneTM Project: https://dev.dronetm.org/projects/3a1262b9-b667-478d-a791-59ba6604d48f
3. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with this Rapid Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals. Required. Select one option per question. (required)
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Strongly agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Strongly agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Strongly agree |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Agree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Neither agree nor disagree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Neither agree nor disagree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement | Agree |
| F. Other (optional) |
Part 2: Learning
4. In your application, you outlined some learning questions. What did you learn from these learning questions when you implemented your project? How do you hope to use this learnings in the future? You can recall these learning questions below. (required)
You can recall these learning questions below: From this project, we hope to learn how effective drone-generated imagery is in improving public understanding and engagement with coastal conservation efforts. By releasing high-resolution images on Wikimedia Commons, we aim to evaluate how freely accessible visuals can support research, environmental projects, and Wikipedia content related to mangrove ecosystems. Also, we aim to learn how locally gathered data contribute to enhancing knowledge on Wikipedia and how with this effort we can integrate new data that can raise global awareness about biodiversity and conservation. Finally we would like to showcase how interactive maps and visualizations improve the communication of environmental challenges. By creating two interactive maps and uploading them to Wikimedia Maps and Commons, we seek to understand how visual data can make conservation efforts more accessible, allowing global audiences to grasp the complexities of environmental degradation and restoration more clearly. We want to continue learning about the best ways to install capabilities in low-technical communities, a field in which we have some experience and are always looking for progress. Our goal finds success when communities apply knowledge to new issues, autonomously.
Through this project, we learned that drone-generated images are a powerful way to help people understand the importance of open data and open knowledge for protecting their territories. As part of our commitment, we uploaded around 2,500 drone photos and their corresponding orthophotos to Wikimedia Commons. We hope this helps researchers, teachers, and local communities use the images for learning, awareness, and advocacy. The project showed that open and free visuals can support environmental education and raise awareness about mangrove conservation. In the workshops and follow-up activities, we saw how meaningful it is when communities generate their own data. Groups like Guardianas del Conchalito and BCSicletos used the tools and training to create visual maps of the areas they protect. This helped them gather the evidence they need to advocate for mangrove protection. Their contributions also improved Wikipedia articles and helped make local environmental struggles more visible to the world. We also learned how helpful it is to use maps and visuals to explain big challenges like climate change, pollution, and urban growth. These tools make it easier for people to understand these issues and connect with conservation efforts, no matter where they are. Finally, we confirmed that even communities with little tech experience can learn how to use drones and mapping tools to defend their land. With open platforms like Wikipedia, Commons, and Drone Tasking Manager, communities can become more self-reliant in protecting their environment. Looking ahead, we hope to keep supporting these groups and help grow a strong network of local mappers who are ready to act in the face of environmental threats and emergencies.
5. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities? This can include both positive and negative situations. What did you learn from those experiences? (required)
The creator of the platform, along with the developers of the tools that make DroneTM possible, participated in the workshop. Their presence enriched the sessions by providing deeper insights and hands-on exercises that highlighted the potential applications of the tools. They also learned about the support and resources provided by the Wikimedia Foundation, and contributed to enhancing the information available on Wikimedia platforms—such as uploading orthophotos to Wikimedia Commons.
6. What is your plan to share your project learnings and results with other community members? If you have already done it, describe how. (required)
Members of Wikimedia Mexico were trained through the workshop to develop projects on this topic within their communities. On HOT's side, we remain in contact with BCSicletos, who received training to provide technical support to the Guardianas del Conchalito, ensuring they can continue using and sharing the tools and knowledge acquired during the workshop. They have also shared that they have continued to support other communities and share the knowledge and skills received. In line with our commitment to the Wiki mission, our Communications Strategist, who is also a Wikimedian, and the Vice President of the Wikimedia Mexico Chapter, proposed a talk for Wikimania 2025. The session aims to showcase the project and highlight the tools we’ve used, offering valuable insights for other Wikimedians and members of the broader movement.
Part 3: Metrics
7. Wikimedia Metrics results. (required)
In your application, you set some Wikimedia targets in numbers (Wikimedia metrics). In this section, you will describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used.
| Target | Results | Comments and tools used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 205 | 30 | Participants on the field |
| Number of editors | 2 | 45 | 45 editors (30 on the field + 15 online) |
| Number of organizers | 2 | 7 | In total 7: 3 from Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, 2 from Wikimedia México, and 2 from BCSicletos. |
| Wikimedia project | Target | Result - Number of created pages | Result - Number of improved pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 5 | 24 | 46 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 5 | 2627 | 0 |
| Wikidata | |||
| Wiktionary | |||
| Wikisource | |||
| Wikimedia Incubator | |||
| Translatewiki | |||
| MediaWiki | |||
| Wikiquote | |||
| Wikivoyage | |||
| Wikibooks | |||
| Wikiversity | |||
| Wikinews | |||
| Wikispecies | |||
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
8. Other Metrics results.
In your proposal, you could also set Other Metrics targets. Please describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used if you set Other Metrics in your application.
| Other Metrics name | Metrics Description | Target | Result | Tools and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. Did you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results? (required)
No
9.1. Please state what difficulties you had. How do you hope to overcome these challenges in the future? Do you have any recommendations for the Foundation to support you in addressing these challenges? (required)
Part 4: Financial reporting
[edit]10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)
103098.93
11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)
5291.97
12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)
Upload the financial report
12.2. If you have not already done so in your financial spending report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal. (optional)
13. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
No
13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
N/A
13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
N/A
13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
N/A
14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
Yes
14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
Yes
14.3. Are you in compliance with provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and with relevant tax laws and regulations restricting the use of the Funds as outlined in the grant agreement? In summary, this is to confirm that the funds were used in alignment with the WMF mission and for charitable/nonprofit/educational purposes.
Yes
15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)
This project marked the first time Drone Tasking Manager (DroneTM) was used in collaboration with a grassroots organization. The support from the Wikimedia Foundation and Wikimedia Mexico was instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of this effort. Using platforms like Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons helped bring greater visibility to the work and connected local environmental action with global open knowledge.
One key reflection is that more people across the Wikimedia and open knowledge ecosystem should be aware of these tools. DroneTM, together with Wikimedia projects, offers powerful ways to support advocacy, community resilience, and the documentation of local struggles. Strengthening these connections can help more communities use open data and technology to protect their territories and share their knowledge with the world.
Review notes
[edit]Review notes from Program Officer:
N/A
Applicant's response to the review feedback.
N/A