A comparison of environmental values from visitors, residents and park managers of Palenque National Park, Chiapas, Mexico
We examine (1) how three user groups value the environment of Palenque National Park (PNP), (2) how these values are oriented along a bio-anthropocentric continuum, and (3) where these values are placed within user groups' perceptions at PNP. Using mixed methods, we found that the aesthetic value was categorized as the most important, while economic and spiritual values were less important. Nevertheless, the rank of environmental values in each group of stakeholders differs according to factors that influence their actions. Economic and cultural values are strongly associated with Palenque archaeological site, while aesthetic and biological values were assigned to rainforest patches around Mayan ruins. Visitors generally addressed their values through an anthropocentric orientation, while residents' values were more focused on a biocentric orientation. Thus, stakeholders hold conflicting environmental values regarding natural resources management. An auto-constructivist process and environmental education are suggested as tools for addressing these conflicts. Keywords: values, national park, management, mixed methods, values mapping, natural resources.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | Evaluación del impacto ambiental, Gestión de recursos, Conservación de los recursos naturales, Artfrosur, |
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| Summary: | We examine (1) how three user groups value the environment of Palenque National Park (PNP), (2) how these values are oriented along a bio-anthropocentric continuum, and (3) where these values are placed within user groups' perceptions at PNP. Using mixed methods, we found that the aesthetic value was categorized as the most important, while economic and spiritual values were less important. Nevertheless, the rank of environmental values in each group of stakeholders differs according to factors that influence their actions. Economic and cultural values are strongly associated with Palenque archaeological site, while aesthetic and biological values were assigned to rainforest patches around Mayan ruins. Visitors generally addressed their values through an anthropocentric orientation, while residents' values were more focused on a biocentric orientation. Thus, stakeholders hold conflicting environmental values regarding natural resources management. An auto-constructivist process and environmental education are suggested as tools for addressing these conflicts. Keywords: values, national park, management, mixed methods, values mapping, natural resources. |
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