Analysis and systematization of mangrove co-management from a systemic environmental management approach

This work proposes to analyze and systematize the experience of implementation and executing the Agreement for Sustainable Use and Custody of the Mangrove Ecosystem (ASUCME) using a critical interpretation. To address these questions, the following steps were followed: comparison and analysis the Management Plans (MPs); examination of the semi-annual reports prepared by each community; and systematization of the experience, considering the perceptions of the community and relevant actors. The communities studied are in the south of the Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. The methodology used is empirical and descriptive in nature, aligning with Participatory Action Research, and participatory workshops were conducted. The planning of the ASUCMEs does not consider the reality of the communities to be effective (economically and socially). The problems identified include low levels of organization within the associations, lack of access to financial resources, low presence of authorities, and low relevance of the Management Plans.