Progressing toward comanagement through participatory research

Comanagement, while widely recognized as an important tool for sustainable resource management, is not easily achieved without a process of trial and error. This article reports on participatory research as a means to progress toward comanagement, using a case study of coastal resource management in San Felipe, Yucatan, Mexico. Research methods included geographical information system (GIS) mapping, surveys, interviews, and a community workshop. The results show strong interest from various community groups in the protection of important habitats and in the management of the coastal resources. Through this participatory research, community members, scientists, and government officials entered into a dialogue, suggesting potential for a future comanagement regime.