Adaptaciones culturales y económicas a cambios provocados por tala de mangle y deterioro pesquero en Mandinga, Veracruz

Abstract

Abstract. The town of Mandinga, was founded in 1570 as a slave village, grew thanks to the wealth of fishery resources provided by the lagoon system. Mangrove forest, among other benefits, provided construction material and fuel, as well as a refuge for juvenile fish and shellfish larvae. This wealth was preserved until the 70’s of the last century, mainly because people carried out artisan fishing and developed its own gastronomic heritage. In this paper we present some cultural modifications and socio-economic adaptations of the Mandinga people caused by the loss of mangrove and the fisheries damage. Urban development, particularly residential and commercial centers at the lagoon margins, together with the indiscriminate logging of mangrove, decreased wildlife reservoir. Artisan fisheries production decreased, and the locals changed their economic activity to jobs within the construction, transportation; other migrated to different regions in search of opportunities. We carried out surveys with local people and the results suggest a perception of better old times and an uncertain present. The evident displacement of local people and their detachment from fishing and culinary activities mark a departure from traditional socio-economic activities.