Perception of climate change of population in protected natural areas of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

The work shows the perception of the human population settled in the seven federal natural protected areas of Baja California Sur, from the point of view of empirical knowledge about changes in the environment and natural resources to effects of climate change (CC). Data were collected from the application of 250 qualitative surveys in 2011. The results show that most of the people know the meaning of CC and that the effects are perceived reduction in forest area by land use change, reduction of fishing activity by changes in sea conditions, negative effects on the cattle herd and frequency and intensity of hurricanes, increased droughts, lack of water and reduction in ecotourism by changes in the beaches. Studies have shown that the subjective assessment of the human population contributes to behavior change through a strategy of adaptation and citizen awareness.