Native Skywatchers - Soundscapes.

**Native Skywatchers - Aqua Viva - Live Water - Year 3**

"Native Skywatchers - Agua Viva - Live Water Workshop”

A Collaborative Research Project Investigating Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar

Native Skywatchers in collaboration with a local school in the community and Agua Clara, an NGO concerned about the situation of the Bacalar lagoon, the growth in tourism services and the lack of infrastructure that does not meet the needs of locals and visitors.

Annette S. Lee – Principal Investigator

Milagros Varguez - Live Water Project Coordinator, Co-Investigator

Gabriel Berríos - Teacher Lead

Agua Clara Nonprofit - Partners

This project took place in Bacalar, in the south of the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Choosing Bacalar as the site for this project not only allows a visual and scientific exploration of its water resources, but also facilitates an immersion in the social and ecological context in which water manifests itself as a central element in the local identity. In addition, Bacalar is in a region vulnerable to the effects of climate change and water pollution, which highlights the relevance of researching and disseminating sustainable practices that promote its conservation. The integration of art and science in this environment raises public awareness of the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems and fosters an interdisciplinary dialogue.

Agua Viva-Science and Art for the Care of Water in Bacalar - Highlights Reel (2:55)©2025

Agua Viva-Science and Art for the Care of Water in Bacalar - Final Reel - En Espanol (15:50)©2025

1_Ciclo Del Agua, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

2_Contaminacion Del Agua, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

3-El Uso Responsable del Agua, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

4_El Agua Y La Naturaleza, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

5_ Innovación para el uso del agua, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

6_Mural y Obra de Teatro, Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

Specific Objectives:

• To develop an animated video of approximately three minutes, based on a script created by the children that identifies the problems and recreates actions carried out by the communities in a conscious manner regarding the value of water in the sustainable development of their communities.

• Raise children's awareness of the importance of water as a vital resource for life and the implications of its irresponsible use.

• Encourage teamwork and creativity through activities that integrate science and art.

• Address local issues related to water, such as limited access, contamination and waste.

• Create awareness in the community of Bacalar about individual and collective actions that can contribute to the preservation of water in the community based on the work done by the children.

• Promote the active participation of children in the creation of a collective artistic work that reflects their learning and reflections.

Agua Viva-Science and Art for the care of water in Bacalar ©2025.

Amatista School , located in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico was the location of this year's workshop. The name "Bacalar" most likely derives from Mayan languages: bʼak halal, (Sian Ka'an Bakhalal) meaning "surrounded by reeds". (Ref-Bak Halal, Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Bolles (1997), based on the Cordemex Mayan–Spanish dictionary (Barrera Vásquez et al., 1991).)

Choosing Bacalaras the site for this project not only allows a visual and scientific exploration of its water resources, but also facilitates an immersion in the social and ecological context in which water manifests itself as a central element in the local identity. In addition, Bacalar is in a region vulnerable to the effects of climate change and water pollution, which highlights the relevance of researching and disseminating sustainable practices that promote its conservation. The integration of art and science in this environment raises public awareness of the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems and fosters an interdisciplinary dialogue.

Laguna de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Lagoon), Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico, photo by Liia Tretyakova, March 2012

Student Participants, Bacalar Lagoon, Native Skywatchers-Agua Clara Workshop, June 2025"

Native Skywatchers-Agua Viva, a Collaborative Research Project! Science-Art-Culture... The mural and theatre project focused on the Maya legend of Tsukán, the guardian of the underground water of the Yucatan Peninsula, making sure the water never runs out...

Water is one of the most essential elements for life on the planet and its preservation is a global challenge. This project seeks to merge science and art in order to raise community awareness about the importance of this natural resource, its conservation and the impact it has on ecosystems and their communities. Through the integration of science and asrt, it seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the water cycle, its relationship with the environment and its vital role in our daily lives. Bacalar is a place of great ecological, cultural and scientific value. Known for its majestic Laguna de los Siete Colores (Seven Colors Lagoon), a freshwater system that constitutes one of the most important and diverse bodies of water in the region. The lagoon is not only a vital source for local communities, but also faces increasing threats due to climate change, pollution and unsustainable use of its resources. Carrying out this project in Bacalar has a direct impact on the awareness and education of the local community and visitors, while providing a platform to reflect on the connection between art and science in the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.