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Research ArticleSpecial Theme: Ecological Restoration in Mexico

Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation of a Mexico City Wetland Restoration Effort

Alejandro von Bertrab and Luis Zambrano
Ecological Restoration, September 2010, 28 (3) 343-353; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/er.28.3.343
Alejandro von Bertrab
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Luis Zambrano
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Abstract

Abstract

The Xochimilco wetland in Mexico City is threatened by reductions to the aquatic system area, overexploitation of water resources, and widespread pollution. The introduced carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) compete with endemic species such as the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). The Restoration Ecology Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico together with local fisher groups, with funding from local government, implemented a project to reduce non-native fish by drawing on local fishing expertise. To improve project management, project coordinators established a participatory monitoring and evaluation scheme, which provides a basis for understanding local livelihood strategies and stakeholder priorities. Recognizing that there are differences among stakeholders and establishing institutional arrangements that account for these differences can result in more inclusive projects based on mutual understanding and cooperation. This, in turn, yields better results. However, group dynamics, local political alliances, and powerful actors turn participation into an intricate social process. Restoration practitioners who are serious about participation should bear in mind that a participatory approach may add complexity to project implementation, but the outcome may be more sustainable restoration projects.

Resumen

El humedal de Xochimilco en la Ciudad de México está amenazado debido a la reducción del sistema acuático, la sobreex-plotación y contaminación de las fuentes de agua. Las especies introducidas, carpas (Cyprinus carpio) y tilapia del Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), compiten con las especies endémicas, como el ajolote (Ambystoma mexicanum). El Laboratorio de Restauración Ecológica del Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México junto con grupos locales de pescadores y con financiamiento del gobierno local, la Delegación de Xochimilco, han implementado un proyecto de pesca intensiva para reducir las poblaciones de peces exóticos con base en la experiencia pesquera local. Los ejecutores del proyecto establecieron un esquema de monitoreo y evaluación participativos que brinda una base para comprender los medios de vida locales y las prioridades de los actores interesados a la vez que coadyuva en el mejoramiento de la gestión de proyectos. El reconocimiento de que existen diferencias entre los diversos actores y el consecuente establecimiento de arreglos institucionales que ayuden a tomarlas en consideración pueden dar como resultado un proyecto más incluyente con base en el entendimiento común y la cooperación. A su vez, esto genera mejores resultados. Sin embargo, la dinámica grupal, las alianzas políticas locales y los actores relativamente más poderosos pueden tornar a la participación en un proceso social intricado. Los expertos en restauración que deseen adoptar un enfoque participativo con seriedad deben tomar en cuenta que éste puede añadir complejidad en la implementación de proyectos, pero el resultado bien puede ser una mayor sustentabilidad.

  • axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
  • intensive fishing
  • participatory monitoring and evaluation
  • wetland restoration
  • Xochimilco

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Ecological Restoration: 28 (3)
Ecological Restoration
Vol. 28, Issue 3
1 Sep 2010
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Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation of a Mexico City Wetland Restoration Effort
Alejandro von Bertrab, Luis Zambrano
Ecological Restoration Sep 2010, 28 (3) 343-353; DOI: 10.3368/er.28.3.343

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Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation of a Mexico City Wetland Restoration Effort
Alejandro von Bertrab, Luis Zambrano
Ecological Restoration Sep 2010, 28 (3) 343-353; DOI: 10.3368/er.28.3.343
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More in this TOC Section

  • Plant Propagation and the Ecological Restoration of Mexican Tropical Deciduous Forests
  • Creating Refuges for the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
  • Integrating Ecological and Ethnobotanical Priorities into Riparian Restoration
Show more Special Theme: Ecological Restoration in Mexico

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Keywords

  • axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
  • intensive fishing
  • participatory monitoring and evaluation
  • wetland restoration
  • Xochimilco
  • ajolote (Ambystoma mexicanum)
  • evaluación y monitoreo participativos
  • pesca intensiva
  • restauración de humedales
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