ECOLAGOA: A DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR ENGAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEERING IN AQUATIC ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a digital platform aimed at the dissemination and management of ecological projects in aquatic ecosystems, such as lagoons, rivers, and marine environments, seeking to expand civil society engagement and encourage voluntary participation. This is a case study with a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative), based on requirements gathering with non-governmental organizations and environmental activists, followed by modeling, implementation of a functional prototype, and validation through usability tests and interaction analysis in a pilot project. The results evidenced the technical feasibility of the solution, demonstrating the capacity to centralize information, facilitate public access, and increase the visibility of initiatives. Furthermore, greater interest from volunteers and intensified communication between managers and the community were observed. It is concluded that the ECOLAGOA platform contributes to social mobilization and citizen participation in the conservation of water resources, representing a practical and innovative tool to strengthen environmental actions. Future studies exploring its application in different ecological and institutional contexts are recommended.