Social-ecological memories as references for biodiversity restoration and conservation action in coastal community

Biodiversity has declined significantly since the onset of the Anthropocene, prompting calls for "Nature Positive" initiatives to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. However, many local areas lack sufficient scientific data to establish baseline conditions. To address this gap, we utilized residents' memories as references for biodiversity restoration in Dakenggu, a fishing village in Taiwan. Through interviews, residents identified 14 crab species, recalled past crab abundance, and highlighted factors contributing to declines, such as climate change (15 %), wastewater discharge (30 %), industrial river water diversion (25 %), pesticide use (35 %), and over-concretization (20 %). Memory patterns varied across age and gender groups. To enhance these insights, we collaborated with artists to create hand-drawn, resident-reviewed illustrations depicting historical crab habitats and degradation factors. This innovative approach offers valuable insights for biodiversity restoration in data-limited regions. Integrating local memories into restoration efforts provides essential references for conservation actions and community engagement in environmental management.