Community Member Viewpoints on the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan, Mexico: Suggestions for Improving the Community/Natural Protected Area Relationship

摘要: The results of an analysis the viewpoints Celestun community members regarding Ria Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, are used as basis for recommendation to improve community/natural protected area (NPA) relationship. Participant observation was record opinions 80 people (8–83 years age) between April and August 2002. Twenty semistructured interviews were held with local young randomly selected from participant group their fathers; one interview a municipal officer. Results indicate that informants perceived lack communication Reserve concerning its objectives action areas, minimal participation in regulation development, absence alternative productive activities unjustified restriction natural resources. These conditions can potentially generate conflict administration, preventing fulfillment Reserve’s environmental protection mission negatively affecting welfare. It is suggested be mutual free-flowing, identified conjunction community, included interdisciplinary teams formed encourage developed. Particular emphasis placed on need listen address concerns because they will define community/Reserve relationship near future.