(Dis)agreements in the management of conservation conflicts in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

A shared understanding of conservation conflicts does not guarantee their resolution, particularly when solutions require actions beyond the scope of stakeholders' roles. This key insight emerges from a study examining conflict management within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where imposed biosphere reserves often lead to local impairment due to exclusionary practices. Researchers used semi-structured and in-depth interviews with two communities to explore whether a shared understanding facilitates conflict resolution. While such an understanding aids the broader process of conflict management, it is insufficient when conflicts demand actions that exceed stakeholders' functional capacities. The study highlights the need for addressing structural challenges within protected areas to effectively resolve conservation disputes.

Oliva, M., García-Frapolli, E., Porter-Bolland, L., & Montiel, S. (2020). (Dis)agreements in the management of conservation conflicts in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Environmental Conservation, 47(4), 295–303. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892920000375