Abstract

FRANCO, Celia; GALICIA, Leopoldo; DURAND, Leticia  and  CRAM, Silke. Environmental policies impact analysis on Lake Cuitzeo (1940-2010). Invest. Geog [online]. 2011, n.75, pp.7-22. ISSN 2448-7279.

The analysis of environmental policy permits to gather and evaluate their impact on the management of fishery resources and the establishment of social organizations in Lake Ciutzeo, Michoacán, Mexico. The results suggest four stages in the environmental policy of the lake, which are characterized by focusing on the productivity improvements without implementing measures to prevent negative impacts on biodiversity and the volume fluctuation of the lake. The governmental actions and policy instruments have been centralized in their design (interests, goals and targets), and implementation without considering the decision-making and experiences of local actors. The policies are characterized by problems on their design, the lack of continuity and assessments to follow up on their performance. Consequently, the environmental policy has contributed to negative socio-environmental impacts on the lake, such as introduction of species, increasing fishermen and nets, organizational capacity loss and overfishing. Hence, it is suggested to apply continuous environmental policies assessment. It is also necessary to ensure participation of different actors and institutional coordination in order to improve the management of resources and conservation of the lake.

Keywords : Environmental history; institutions; Lake Cuitzeo; environmental policy; fisheries policy; social participation.

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