Governance and Social Sustainability through Tourism in the Protected Natural Area of Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

The literature on social sustainability and governance deals with rural communities. This article analyzes the relationship between these two factors in a protected space in Mexico. The objective of the study was to uncover the factors that promote governance and how they influence social sustainability. Six elements that enable the development of Cabo Pulmo were identified. The fieldwork consisted of in-depth interviews with residents. The information gathered allowed the theory to be compared with the empirical results. It was determined that the social cohesion that exists in Cabo Pulmo creates a path for improving the population’s standard of living, because decisions are taken jointly and include the protection of natural resources.