Perceptions of tropical urban and peri-urban lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain: a public ecosystem services study

Urban lagoons, which provide diverse ecosystem services, exhibit variations between urban and peri-urban settings. Surveys in Tabasco evaluated public perceptions of the “La Encantada” (LE) and “Luis Gil Pérez” (LGP) lagoons, focusing on cultural and economic services. Statistical analyses of 168 respondents revealed differences based on age, gender, and education; however, no significant gender or age disparities were found between the areas. Education, especially high school (75%), played a key role in shaping perceptions and influencing property ownership patterns. Despite differences in knowledge and property modifications, overall perceptions of ecosystem services remained similar. However, disparities emerged in specific landscape units, age groups, and education levels. Environmental education and recreation were highly valued, with preferences varying by age and education. Gender had no significant impact, aligning with regional trends. Education differences, influenced by cultural beliefs, shaped wetland understandings. Inconsistencies in property modifications and wetland perceptions, influenced by location, highlighted the importance of biodiversity. The perceived significance of ecosystem services aligned with folk knowledge, particularly in oxygen provision. Generational differences revealed age-related perspectives on ecosystem services. The study challenged regional norms, exposing unexpected disparities in education and ecosystem service perceptions between LGP and LE. Knowledge gaps about wetlands raise conservation concerns, underscoring the need for further research. Recommendations include targeted environmental education, collaboration, and community-specific interventions. Cross-cultural exchange between LGP and LE is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of local dynamics.

提供多样生态系统服务（ecosystem services）的城市潟湖（lagoon），在城市与城市近郊区域间存在差异。本研究于塔巴斯科州（Tabasco）开展公众认知调研，针对“拉恩坎塔达潟湖（La Encantada，简称LE）”与“路易斯·吉尔·佩雷斯潟湖（Luis Gil Pérez，简称LGP）”的公众认知展开评估，重点关注其文化与经济服务功能。对168名受访者的统计分析显示，公众认知存在年龄、性别与受教育程度层面的差异，但两类潟湖所在区域间未出现显著的性别或年龄认知差异。受教育程度，尤其是高中毕业群体（占比75%），是塑造公众认知、影响资产持有模式的关键因素。尽管公众在湿地（wetland）认知与资产改造方面存在差异，但整体对生态系统服务的认知仍趋于一致。但在特定景观单元、年龄群体与受教育程度群体中，仍存在认知差异。公众对环境教育与休闲娱乐的认可度极高，其偏好因年龄与受教育程度而异。性别对认知无显著影响，这与当地区域趋势相符。受文化观念影响的教育差异，塑造了公众对湿地的认知。受区位影响的资产改造与湿地认知差异，凸显了生物多样性的重要性。公众对生态系统服务重要性的认知与民间知识相契合，尤其在氧气供给方面。代际差异体现了不同年龄群体对生态系统服务的认知差异。本研究打破了区域固有认知，揭示了LE与LGP潟湖之间在受教育程度与生态系统服务认知层面的意外差异。公众对湿地的认知缺口引发了保护层面的担忧，凸显了开展后续研究的必要性。研究提出的建议包括开展针对性环境教育、加强协作以及制定针对特定社区的干预措施。加强LE与LGP潟湖之间的跨文化交流，对于全面理解当地社会生态动态至关重要。