Mayett-Moreno, Yésica, Liz Farleidy Villarraga-Flórez, & Sandra Rodríguez-Piñeros (2017). Young farmers’ perceptions about forest management for ecotourism as an alternative for development, in Puebla, Mexico. Sustainability, 9, 1134. (doi: 10.3390/su9071134) (free access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/9/7/1134)

Abstract: The incorporation of young farmers’ perceptions about ecotourism is important for decision-making. This was an exploratory and descriptive research project aimed at understanding young farmers’ views of a community-based ecotourism (CBE) project. Q methodology was used on a population of young adult farmers, of a small community in the state of Puebla. Three factors reflected their views: There was a group of people who wish to stay in Mexico to pursue the ecotourism project, but lack capabilities. A second group included young farmers who perceive ecotourism as a conservation project, but want to migrate to the United States. The third group was composed of people who envision ecotourism as a source of income for the community’s women. The analysis elicited an important inquiry in relation to environmental inter-generation: what kind of development are future generations pursuing?

Sandra Rodríguez-Piñeros <spineros@uach.mx> is on the Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico.