Abstract

CARRANZA ORTIZ, Gabriela; GOMEZ-MENDOZA, Leticia; CAETANO, Ernesto  and  INFANTE MATA, Dulce. Vulnerability of human communities in Mexican mangrove ecosystems: an ecosystem-based adaptation approach. Invest. Geog [online]. 2018, n.95. ISSN 2448-7279.  https://doi.org/10.14350/rig.59502.

Well-conserved mangroves decrease vulnerability to extremes such as sea level rise and hurricanes. In Mexico, some inhabitants depend on mangrove environmental services. In La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve, wetland connectivity is decreasing because of fires and human activities. Degradation was aggravated for the effects of hurricanes Paulina (1997) and Mitch (1998). The Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach was used to identify the local benefits provided by mangroves and increases their adaptive capacity to changing climate. To evaluated conservation status, the vegetation structure was monitoring by transects. The land cover change was assessing by remote sensing techniques and demographic statistics was used to evaluate local social vulnerability to weather extremes. The application of semi-structural interviews to local inhabitants and civil protection authorities indicated that 19.9% of the total area was changed, mostly mangroves and grassland to agriculture use. Perception surveys showed that inhabitants recognize the protection that mangroves provide against floods, intense winds and storm surges. Although 61% of the 162 persons surveyed are engaged in some conservation activity (managing mangrove nurseries and planting it in restored areas and avoiding the hunting of wildlife), communities have no full aware of the environmental services. This study is an example to local adaptation climate change initiatives and conservation strategies because could help inhabitants to recognize their capacities for develop their own well-being. Recommendations are made on the environmental management and the economic conversion of the villagers to reduce the social vulnerability of the region.

Keywords : ecosystem-based adaptation; mangroves ecosystems; environmental services; Biosphere Reserve La Encrucijada.

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