Rural Organizations in Environmental Care: Natural Protected Areas cases of Chihuahua State, Mexico

Abstract

This study explores the organizational behavior of residents in rural communities
located in polygons of Natural Protected Areas (NPA) in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The research
is descriptive and the data used is quantitative, obtained through surveys applied to rural inhabitants. The
research shows actions of the villagers in terms of their involvement in activities directly related to the
care and protection of their natural resources, through different structures: social organization and
participation in government programs. The results reflected diverse forms of involvement of the
inhabitants, knowledge of the problems, plans for the care of flora and fauna, few actions towards the
specific problems of contamination (garbage and water), as well as their minimal participation in the
demands to improve their environment. The results reflect the problems of leadership and the deficiencies
in generating rural organizations for environmental care.