Scientific Infographics Reveal the Secrets of Santay Island Wetland
The Santay Observatory, a WLI-recognized Wetland Information Centre, celebrated World Environment Day with an exhibition of infographics that translated recent scientific research into accessible knowledge for all.
On June 7th, in the heart of Ecuador’s Santay Island Wetland, the Santay Observatory launched a new exhibition that brings science closer to the community. The event marked World Environment Day and showcased four infographics based on recent studies conducted by researchers from the Agrarian University of Ecuador.
The exhibition took place at the floating Santay Observatory — a sustainable wooden structure anchored at the island’s dock — and reaffirmed its role as a cultural and environmental hub. Since 2022, the Observatory has been officially recognized as a Wetland Information Centre by the Wetland Link International (WLI) network.
Four Studies, Four Stories of the Wetland
The infographics were designed by José Delgado Mendoza, director of the Observatory and mentor of the Asociación Amigos de Santay. Each one presents the findings of a different study:
- African Snail Monitoring: Researchers investigated the presence of this invasive species. While no African snails were found, a native species was identified, highlighting the importance of ongoing ecological monitoring.
- Bird Diversity: The study recorded 30 bird species during the rainy season and 41 during the dry season, confirming Santay’s role as a vital refuge for migratory and resident birds.
- Microplastic Pollution: A total of 692 microplastic particles were found in sediment samples, especially in the northern part of the island, raising concerns about environmental and human health.
- Pollinators of Santay: Researchers identified 69 types of pollinators, including insects and birds, which are essential for plant reproduction and ecosystem health.
A Community Celebration of Science
The event featured opening remarks by Sonia Rodríguez, secretary of the Asociación Amigos de Santay. Researchers Dr. Leila Zambrano, Dr. Enrique Arizaga, and Dr. José Hernández shared insights into their work, and a student from the Agrarian University spoke about their experience participating in the fieldwork.
The gathering concluded with a community refreshment and informal discussions between scientists, students, park rangers, and local residents.
A Living Space for Shared Knowledge
The Santay Observatory continues to grow as a space for environmental education, cultural exchange, and scientific outreach. This exhibition marks the beginning of a series of future presentations, as new research continues to emerge from the island’s unique wetland ecosystem.
Because in Santay, science isn’t just studied — it’s lived, shared, and celebrated.