ARTICLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
F
ew doubt about the biocultural diversity of Mexico and the importance of urgently encouraging sustainable development. What is less known is that most of the natural resources of Mexico are on socially and privately owned lands, which requires a joint effort between society and government to build a viable future. Mexico has managed to decree 11.13% of its land area as Natural Protected Areas and by 2020 has undertaken to conserve 17% of the terrestrial and inland water areas (Aichi Target 11). However, conserving territory under presidential decree is increasingly complicated and expensive. On the other hand, conservation from the beginning is a model that is more feasible because it is based on the will of people.
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MEDITERRANEWS VOL.4 / NO. 15
The Strengthening of the Areas Voluntarily Destined for Conservation Text by Jorge Luis Basave Castillo / Director of Areas Voluntarily Destined for Conservation of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) Photos courtesy of Conanp This article was translated by Amairani Mรกrquez and Manuel Eduardo Mendoza
Voluntary Conservation Voluntary conservation implies dialogue and the participation of multiple stakeholders in decision-making processes (for example, ejidal or communal land assemblies), which contribute to strengthening
the social system and governance in the country. As a result, the challenge is to establish trust relationships and design land management schemes that ensure sustainable development. www.terrapeninsular.org/mediterranews/en
