Poverty, perceptions and planning: Why socioeconomics matter in the management of Mexican reefs

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

12-1-2004

Abstract

This paper examines relationships between socioeconomic factors and perceptions of coastal resources in Mahahual, Mexico. Residents provided open-ended comments to questions regarding coral reefs and fisheries. Socioeconomic characteristics are examined to see if there are differences in perceptions between socioeconomic groups. We found that wealth is the most important socioeconomic variable influencing perceptions of coastal resources. The paper concludes that understanding how socioeconomic factors influence people's values of the environment can help in the development of efficacious conservation strategies that address the root causes of environmental degradation, but emphasizes that interventions must complement the complex livelihood strategies of stakeholders such as fishers. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Ocean and Coastal Management

Volume

47

Issue

9-10

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