Recognition of mangrove ecosystem services by the community and policy makers in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador

In 2000, Ecuador created the “Agreements of Sustainable Use and Custody of Mangroves” management for the local communities, helping to stop deforestation of mangroves caused by shrimp farming. With this program, the... [ view full abstract ]

In 2000, Ecuador created the “Agreements of Sustainable Use and Custody of Mangroves” management for the local communities, helping to stop deforestation of mangroves caused by shrimp farming. With this program, the Ecuadorian government offers economic incentives to support community–based management without taking into consideration the essential role of ecosystem services. This project aims to understand stakeholder’s perceptions of the services that mangroves could deliver to them and determine understanding of changes in services and the causes to enhance participation in sustainable management mangroves in the region. An assessment of ecosystem services has not been conducted in the area prior this project. A total of 96 surveys of stakeholders were performed in three mangrove concessions in the Gulf of Guayaquil located in Cerrito de los Morrenos, Balao, and 6 de Julio. 96% of the stakeholders agreed that mangroves could deliver services or benefits, such as fisheries, nursery grounds for fishers, and climate regulation, which are the services that holders wanted to maintain most. Additionally, 48% of the stakeholders believed that fishery services have declined in recent years. Holders from 6 de Julio expressed significantly more value for a sense of place than those from the other two concessions. However, fishers in all three locations strongly valued maintaining mangroves for future generations. These two cultural services were most valued by fishing associations that have strong leadership, motivated members, and a high level of involvement. Members of fishing associations which have a high participation level have internalized lessons from these activities.