Perception of Ecosystem Services Provided by Mangroves on the Coast of Tabasco, Mexico

Mangroves are multifunctional ecosystems that provide essential ecosystem services for both the environment and coastal populations. These services are perceived differently depending on the needs and interests of the local population. Understanding these perceptions is essential for designing sustainable strategies for the use, conservation, and management of these ecosystems. This study, carried out on the coast of Tabasco, Mexico, analyzed how local perceptions of mangrove ecosystem services differ between types of services and how these variations relate to sociodemographic and religious factors. A total of 74 semi-structured interviews were conducted, and eight key informants were consulted. Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction were used for the analysis, in addition to a PERMANOVA analysis. A total 27 types services were identified and classified into four categories: cultural, supporting, provisioning, and regulating. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant differences in perceptions between service types. Post hoc comparisons revealed that provisioning services were valued significantly more than other types. The PERMANOVA analysis showed that sociodemographic and religious variables influence the perception of these services. It is essential to integrate cultural, spiritual, and identity values into conservation strategies to promote inclusive and socially representative management that strengthens local participation, ecological resilience, and the well-being of populations that depend on mangroves.