Analysis of community participation in the conservation of the Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

Local population can have a key role in specifying the concept of sustainable regional development of the Protected Natural Areas. The aim of this research was to study the role of local communities in the care of the natural resources of the Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve (RBSAT). Was chosen as a study population, a community with a greater area of influence over this reserve. For this reason, a social research was carried out based using interviews, structured surveys, and the organization of focus groups as a way of collecting data through a non-probabilistic sampling. The results of this study showed that the participation of the community in the management and administration of resources is the key to achieving the functionality and conservation of the RBSAT.