Miguel Aguilar Robledo

Spatial Configuration of Land-use/Land-cover in the Pujal-Coy Project Area, Huasteca Potosina Region, Mexico

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between the configuration and spatial reorganization of land-use and land-cover in the Pujal-Coy project area, Huasteca Potosina region, eastern San Luis Potosí, Mexico, as well as the relationship between these changes and the environmental conditions prevailing in the area. Land-use and land-cover changes were determined through the analysis and interpretation of satellite images from different dates. The changes identified in the different study periods were correlated with the prevailing physical factors. The results show that the spatial configuration of farming activities, initially induced by the implementation of a regional development project, is highly correlated to the presence of limiting factors such as soil type, slope, and climate. Particularly, the former represents the element that has led to the establishment of the current distribution pattern of farming activities.

The Need for an Integrated Landscape Management Approach Illustrated by the Analysis of the Participation in the Ecologic Spatial Planning of Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo, Mexico

This paper exposes the need to use an integrated landscape management approach for sustainable development through the co-responsible participation of all stakeholders based upon the analysis of the ecologic spatial planning of the municipality of Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The results of interviews with stakeholders are integrated by a set of indicators and translated into four participation levels and sustainability ranks. In Benito Juarez, most participation is done by government stakeholders and through mechanisms of citizen participation, such as public opinion polls, whereas the lowest result has been found in community participation. Furthermore, a high degree of social and economic development within the municipality, principally due to Cancun tourism, contrasts with a very low score for environmental sustainability. The paper seeks to achieve the understanding of an approach that claims for nothing new, but rather integrates the existing planning instruments and is based on inclusive and equitable decision-making processes.