Community perspectives: Conservation through nature tourism in Tatatila, Veracruz, Mexico

Environmental conservation policies and practices have historically been an exclusive task of the State. Nowadays, the participation of rural communities in Mexico within conservation projects is highlighted, to the point where these are the ones who carry out the management of their own natural protected areas, whether public or private, transitioning towards sustainable practices and economic alternatives that contribute to their development. This case study was carried out in the municipality of Tatatila, in the mountainous region of the state of Veracruz, which, due to its biogeographical and sociocultural characteristics has good potential for nature tourism. To know their perspectives towards this sustainable alternative, 180 people from three communities of Tatatila were randomly surveyed. The findings show a favorable perspective on nature tourism as a means to contribute to the development of the municipality and the conservation of the ecosystem.