Social Perception and Engagement in Mangrove Restoration: A Case Study in Central America

Ruth Jasmina Del Cid-Alvarado (), Omar R. Lopez, Patricia María Rodríguez-González () and Jacobo Feás-Vázquez
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Ruth Jasmina Del Cid-Alvarado: Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Research and Innovation Program, Panama Institute for Agricultural Innovation (IDIAP), Clayton 6-4391, Panama
Omar R. Lopez: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá City 0843-03092, Panama
Patricia María Rodríguez-González: Centro de Estudos Florestais e Laboratório Associado TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Jacobo Feás-Vázquez: Department of Financial Economics and Accounting—Faculty of Business Administration and Management, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27003 Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Mangroves are vital intertidal ecosystems that support biodiversity and protect coastal communities, but face increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities that sustain local livelihoods. It is crucial to integrate the social dimension into conservation efforts by encouraging community participation in mangrove restoration. Chame Bay, located on the central Pacific coast of Panama, is a protected area with significant mangrove cover, but despite its management plan, degradation continues due to intensive timber extraction for charcoal production and insufficient natural regeneration. This study investigates local knowledge and perceptions of mangrove functions and regeneration. A proportional stratified sampling of the Chame Bay population was used, with 300 interviews conducted among key stakeholders, including residents and mangrove resource users. Variables such as age, education, and profession were analyzed in relation to perceptions, participation, and willingness to participate in restoration efforts. Results indicate that 24.67% of the population’s primary economic activity is charcoal production from mangrove wood, with 15% of producers already involved in restoration and 60% willing to participate. These findings highlight the potential for community-driven restoration and emphasize the need for environmental education to encourage participation. This study provides essential information for designing restoration strategies in mangrove areas in Central America.

Keywords: ecosystem services; environmental education; natural regeneration; restoration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:11:p:1783-:d:1509879

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