Resumo

AGUILAR CORDERO, Wilian de Jesús; CASTRO CASTILLO, Nesmi Neredva  e  COUOH CAB, Juana Griselda. The management of Actam Chuleb marine and coastal protected area and the economic benefits generated to users of the municipality of San Felipe, Yucatan, Mexico. Estud. soc [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.40, pp.127-153. ISSN 0188-4557.

The marine and coastal protected area (MCPA) Actam Chuleb is located in Yucatan's east coast, in a small village named San Felipe, where this research was done. The objectives of this study were to characterize the use of natural resources, and estimate the economic benefits of direct use. The study involved two stages: first, handling and conservation practices, resources and main users were identified through semi-structured interviews and a participative diagnosis; second, economic benefits of direct use were estimated as well as its relevance for the community's economic activities through a survey of direct users. Results showed a lack of a community management plan; the community only has general directives which are not totally followed in practice, and there is not any expertise, involvement or even communication between actors for an adequate resource handling and decision making. There exists a remarkable centralization of power, and users clearly perceive the economic benefits of direct use which are tangible, like the ones provided by fishery and tourism.

Palavras-chave : Actam Chuleb; Marine and Coastal; Protected Area; management plan; economic benefits and income.