Local communities are involved as a fundamental part of the design of conservation areas, infrastructure implementation, and the co-management of Sustainable Use Areas.
The initiative seeks to ensure that the conservation of the territory respects and strengthens local customs, generating sustainable economic opportunities and ensuring that management decisions are participatory and aligned with local needs. This is why the local community is a key part of the design of conservation areas, infrastructure implementation, and co-management of the Sustainable Use Areas.
To achieve this, the conservation process in Puchegüín is developed with a participatory approach, including:
- Workshops in key communities where the vision of the Conservation Plan is collectively built.
- Interviews with local stakeholders to gather their knowledge, concerns, and expectations about the project.
- Field trips with the community to validate information and adjust strategies based on the territory’s reality.
- Joint analysis of threats and opportunities, ensuring that conservation actions address local challenges.
- Co-management spaces in Sustainable Use Areas, where communities can actively participate in land management.
- Promotion of nature tourism and other sustainable activities, encouraging the integration of locals into the local economy.
- Education and training programs, including nature tourism training, local trades, and conservation.
This approach aims not only to protect biodiversity but also to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the area, ensuring that conservation serves as a tool for sustainable development for the community.
