The Challenge of the Science of Sustainability in Protected Natural Areas: The Case of the UMA “Wotoch Aayin” in the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, Campeche

This study analyzes the current challenges in the science of sustainability, SS, in protected natural areas, particularly the case of a Unit of Environmental Management (UMA-Unidad de Manejo Ambiental) of the Moreletti crocodile in Ría Celestún, Campeche. SS is conceptualized as a holistic approach for identification and resolution of the main problems in sustainable systems with a global, social, and human scope. SS is not a basic or applied science; rather it distinguishes knowledge (scientific and non-scientific) to reach its objective to solve problems in the relationships between society and nature. The results of the analysis revealed intertwining of the activities of biodiversity conservation with sustainable practices in the territories parting from the approach of ecosystem services. This has been a key factor in obtaining advances in proper management of an intensive breeding farm associated with a scheme of productive diversification linked to development of both scientific-technological and social innovation, in which it is sought to conjugate scientific innovation with culture, traditional productive practices, and strengthening of local sociocultural identity of the mangroves to constitute a sustainable civil productive organization.