Social assessment of reforestation with Participatory Action Research in Cerro de la Estrella, Mexico City
Abstract
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is an approach that combines concrete actions with community participation to generate knowledge directed to needs. The objective of this paper is to analyze results of implementation of the PAR in a reforestation process in Cerro de la Estrella at Mexico City. In 2022, the PAR was applied in the environmental rehabilitation of a plot, using tools such as participant observation, semi structured interviews, and joint action. Construction of favorable knowledge and experiences for the reforestation project was achieved, in which 160 Vachellia farnesiana (huisache) trees were planted. After one year, the survival rate of trees was 78.1%, exceeding the rates of previous reforestations. The community demonstrated a high degree of commitment, with a participation rate of 100%. The PAR not only generated useful knowledge for the project, but also fostered social cohesion and awareness of the importance of conserving natural environment. This study demonstrates that IAP, by integrating the community in decision-making and project implementation, can generate more effective and sustainable solutions.
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