WILDLIFE USE AND INTEGRAL ALTERNATIVES MANAGEMENT. THE CASE OF THE MAYAN COMMUNITY OF PICH, CAMPECHE, MEXICO.

Abstract

Today's wild flora and fauna continue playing a decisive role in the socioeconomic development of many rural communities due to its potential to meet material and cultural demands. In this regard, the objective of this study was to determine the integrated potential use of wildlife under schema of wildlife management units (UMAs), to promote the sustainable use of wildlife in indigenous territories through unconventional productive alternatives. Study developed in the ejido and forestry extension of the mayan community of Pich, Campeche, Mexico, field work was carried out in July 2008 to May 2009; applied integrated planning and assessing participatory local methods. Registered community use of 135 plant species and 76 species of fauna under 17 and seven categories of use respectively. According to the detected potential elements of the natural and cultural environment, identified 20 alternatives of integrated development with high practicability and feasibility of implementation under the scheme community UMAs. The integrated model UMA favours the productive diversification and promotes the sustainability state in the UMA, thereby impacting positively on the strengthening of local capacities for development and the conservation of wildlife in the communal territories.