This book explores the interactions of local inhabitants and environmental systems in the Protected Natural Areas of Mexico. Its goal is to help understand how social groups contextualize ecological knowledge, how human activities contribute to modifying the environmental matrix, how cultural and economic aspects influence the use, management and conservation of their ecological environment, and how social phenomena are to be viewed against the backdrop of ecological knowledge.
The book reviews the epistemological and historical bases of the socio-ecological relationship, and addresses the evolution of human-natural systems. From a methodological standpoint, it assesses the tools required for the integration of 'human' and 'natural' dimensions in the management of the environmental matrix. Further, in the case studies section, it reviews valuable recent experiences concerning the retro-interactions of local inhabitants with their environmental matrix. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for researchers and professionals all over the world, especially those working in Latin American countries.


Alfredo Ortega-Rubio, PhD is a Titular Researcher at the Northwest Center for Biological Research in Mexico. He has been honored with three National Awards, bestowed by the President of the Mexican Republic, in recognition of his research on Mexican Natural Resources and their impacts, as well as his contributions for the benefit of society, including the significant promotion of the economic development of local communities, and biodiversity conservation. He has published over 200 original research articles and 26 books, and has successfully led more than 150 major resource management projects, including those required to create the Sierra de La Laguna, Vizcaíno Desert and Revillagigedo Archipelago Biosphere Reserves. Having achieved the status of National Researcher Level III, he is also Editor-in-Chief of one scientific journal, and Editor-in-Chief of one popular science journal. Since 2004, he has been a Titular Researcher in the CONACYT Research Centers system.