Alternative Socio-Ecological Experiences in Response to the Deforestation of the Mesoamerican Tropical Rainforest and Landscape Transformations in the Sierra de Santa Marta (Veracruz, Mexico)

Abstract

In the Sierra de Santa Marta (Veracruz, Mexico) a process of maldevelopment/sustained underdevelopment has prevailed that has deteriorated the socio-natural environment. Thus, the objective is to find alternatives that improve their socio-territorial situation (ecological, socioeconomic and landscape). From a transdisciplinary methodology –Geography, Anthropology and Environmental History–this research has identified and analysed four non-governmental natural resource management projects that, with a holistic hydrographic basin approach, promote integrally sustainable socioecological practices of socio-environmental governance. These eco-cultural experiences contribute to reforesting the territory and reducing poverty, generating progress towards human development of the indigenous peasant communities of Mesoamerica.