Outdoor Recreation in a Protected Area in Southern Durango, Mexico: Analysis of Local Residents' Perceptions

Abstract

This research evaluated perceptions of local residents from three communities in southern Durango, Mexico, toward planning outdoor recreation in the Michilía Biosphere Reserve (MBR). We used personal interviews to gather information about the barriers that keep people from participating in recreation activities and concerns about potential impacts of increasing recreation in the MBR. Sixty-five percent of the survey participants had never visited the MBR. Lack of knowledge, lack of time, and lack of money were the main reasons residents gave for not visiting MBR. Results also found significant differences among residents of the three communities in their perceptions of some of the potential impacts of outdoor recreation including higher risk of wildfires, loss of traditional values, overcrowding, and an increase in labor supply. The implications of these findings are relevant for developing strategies to involve residents in public forums concerned with outdoor recreation planning for the MBR.