Social perceptions of wildlife management units in southern Morelos state

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wildlife Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Units (UMAs in Spanish) integrate strategies for wildlife management and social participation in Mexico. There are 25 UMAs within Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve in Morelos state. Two decades after their implementation, there is not much information on their performance. We analyzed human perceptions in terms of UMAs benefits, environmental conservation, institutional support, and problems through interviews with inhabitants. Interviewees considered income as the main benefit followed by environmental benefits from UMAs. They mentioned that institutional support and the continuous participation of inhabitants and technicians are fundamental for adequate performance. They expressed concern over poaching and unregulated hunting, among other. Given the restrictions on the activities permitted within a protected area, residents focus on obtaining alternative economic benefits, and the presence of UMAs provide income and employment. Institutional support, community organization and trustworthy technicians are key to successful conservation, sustainability and human welfare projects.