Participatory diagnosis for the management of degraded forest areas in the Sierra de Guadalupe State Park

Abstract

Participatory diagnosis is the methodological process through which society participates in order to undertake and achieve sustainable development with the contribution of science and collective knowledge. The objective of this research is to analyze the current situation of the Sierra de Guadalupe State Park (SGSP) from the natural, historical, economic, and social aspects, through participatory research and thus influence the selection of trees and shrubs of multiple uses for reforestation that have the potential to establish agroforestry and silvopastoral systems. This study was carried out with the help of the following tools that are commonly used in a participatory diagnosis: SWOT analysis, timeline, and identification and classification of natural resources. In order to determine the current problems of the state park (SGSP), the "problem tree" method was used. To identify possible solutions to this problem, a collaborative workshop was conducted in which negative conditions were assigned to positive actions. In addition, 141 semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant actors in the society using the "snowball" methodology. Field visits were also conducted to complement the information. A total of 72 and 44 species of wild fauna and flora, respectively. The priority forest species considered to initiate the restoration actions were: Prosopis laevigata, Vachellia schaffneri, and Quercus rugosa. The shrub species were: Opuntia tomentosa, Opuntia hyptiacatha, and Agave salmiana. In conclusion, with this study, reliable technical knowledge was generated with the participation of society, which will be used to carry out actions of protection, restoration, conservation, and productive reconversion.