Sustainable development and biosphere reserves : integrating community development and biodiversity conservation in the Sierra de Manantlan Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

Biosphere Reserves were devised as a means of reconciling local development needs with international concerns for biodiversity conservation. However, the literature reviewed on sustainable development and Biosphere Reserves suggested that local community development objectives are being sidelined by a biodiversity conservation bias. The case study analysis of the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico revealed that while many genuine efforts are being made toward achieving sustainable community development, this goal will not be fulfilled unless significant changes are made to both the model and implementation of Biosphere Reserves in Mexico. Two main reasons explain this. First, Biosphere Reserve efforts remain rooted in the mainstream Yellowstone model of biodiversity conservation at the international, national, and regional levels, despite the adoption of community development and community participation initiatives. Secondly; the Neoliberal policies pursued by the national level government are in direct conflict with the objectives of Biosphere Reserves and are impeding their success.