Compliance with MAB-UNESCO Functions and Management Effectiveness Evaluation between 2017 and 2024: Case Study of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico’s Only State-Run Reserve Belonging to MAB-UNESCO

Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico (), Ramón Ventura Roque-Hernández, Carlos Barriga-Vallejo (), Rubén A. Valero-Castillo, Ricardo Rozzi and Arturo Mora-Olivo
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Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico: Faculty of Commerce and Administration-Victoria, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87149, Mexico
Ramón Ventura Roque-Hernández: Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Social Sciences, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Laredo 88275, Mexico
Carlos Barriga-Vallejo: Institute of Applied Ecology, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87019, Mexico
Rubén A. Valero-Castillo: Economic-Administrative Area, Tecnológico Nacional de Mexico Campus Ciudad Victoria, Victoria City 87010, Mexico
Ricardo Rozzi: Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams 6350000, Chile
Arturo Mora-Olivo: Institute of Applied Ecology, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87019, Mexico

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: UNESCO’s MAB Programme promotes a people-centered conservation strategy to strengthen the sustainability of social and ecological systems. However, there exist knowledge gaps regarding its implementation in specific contexts. For this study, a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed. In the first phase, an initial content analysis of the management program of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) and the functions of the statutory framework of UNESCO’s MAB program was conducted. This analysis, which was human-driven but facilitated by artificial intelligence tools, underwent rigorous triangulation and expert validation to strengthen the reliability and robustness of the findings. Subsequently, the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT3) was issued to researchers, community members, civil servants, and former civil servants related to the management of the CBR. The 2024 results (n = 15) were contrasted with those obtained in 2017 (n = 15) using a quantitative approach consisting of descriptive, non-parametric, and Bayesian statistical techniques. We identified some problems in the implementation of the MAB-UNESCO Programme in the CBR, mainly due to the outdated management program and lack of effective governance, as well as the lack of understanding of the implications of being a MAB-UNESCO biosphere reserve. A numerical trend of deterioration in the effectiveness of the CBR’s management was detected, with overall ratings of 44.78% and 29.62% in 2017 and 2024, respectively. This was associated with a lack of regulation, weak coordination among key actors, and a progressive reduction in funding. The findings of this study are useful to guide the transition of the CBR towards a conservation model that responds to current problems and contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the implementation of the MAB Programme in specific contexts.

Keywords: Man and the Biosphere Programme; management program; governance; biodiversity conservation; collaboration; artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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