Perceptions and Social Values Regarding the Ecosystem Services of Beaches and Coastal Dunes in Yucatán, Mexico

Purpose: Analyze social perceptions and uses of beaches and coastal dunes, focusing on stakeholders in Yucatán.
Methodology: Mixed methods with focus groups and interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative data on ecosystem services (ES).

Ecosystem Services Identified:
- Regulating Services: Primarily recognized for climate regulation and the prevention of coastal erosion.
- Cultural Services: Valued for recreation and the aesthetic appreciation of natural beauty.
- Provisioning Services: Includes medicinal resources, food, and raw materials.
- Supporting Services: Less recognized, primarily linked to species habitat maintenance.
Community Awareness:
- 46% of stakeholders lack knowledge of coastal dunes concept, though many recognize the ecosystem upon seeing photos.
- Emotional attachment to these ecosystems noted, with stakeholders describing them as beautiful and tranquil spaces.
Major Threats:
- Natural phenomena (hurricanes, storms) and human-related activities (pollution, infrastructure development) are significant threats to conservation.
- 73% perceive negative changes to coastal dunes, including vegetation loss and contamination.
Perceptions of Conservation Status:
- Stakeholder opinions vary by site; generally, Sisal perceived in better condition than Chuburná and Telchac, which reported worse degradation.
Drivers of Change:
- Natural disasters and human activities (construction, tourism) significantly alter ecosystem health.
- Government inefficiency in managing coastal resources contributes to ecosystem degradation.

Need for community-based public conservation strategies that include local knowledge and engagement.
Emphasis on environmental education to raise awareness of ecosystem functions and benefits among stakeholders.
Suggestion for integrated approaches to manage and restore coastal ecosystems considering social values and ecosystem services.