Shared management in endangered species conservation programs in Mexico: Mechanisms and actors

Abstract

The participative structure of two governmental Mexican conservation programs was analyzed. We evaluated the co-management networks and collective action using social network analysis, presence-absence analysis and content analysis, based on semi-structured interviews. Both networks are decentralized, in which the support of different participation groups is a key to accomplish the activities of each program. These groups are more involved in scientific research. Stakeholders that work together with the government through common projects are represented as leaders, but they may follow their own objectives and interests, which can negatively affect the coordination among other stakeholders. Barriers to participation are the funding limitation from federal government and the project internal rules, which affect the access to new participants in the networks.