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An indicator-based sustainability assessment method for indigenous communities: a case study from Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Molina Maturano

    (Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero)

  • Luz A. García Serrano

    (Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Delegación Gustavo A. Madero)

  • Juan A. Carmona García

    (Moscow State Institute of International Relations)

  • Mayela A. García de Alva Magos

    (Biotic Product Development Center CEPROBI)

  • Anna M. Hersperger

    (Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL)

Abstract

Indigenous and Western communities are faced with increasing issues of sustainability compromising their natural resources and cultural heritage, for example, a cross-pollination/complementary approach in relation to their current knowledge systems and discourses on sustainability. There is a need for methods that integrate different discourses relating to sustainability to identify the most pressing needs in terms of sustainability. Sustainability assessments are a type of impact assessment that focus on enhanced sustainability both now and in the future; however, the literature on indigenous sustainability assessment methods, is scarce. To address this gap, we have developed a novel Sustainability Assessment method for Indigenous Communities (SAIC). The SAIC method combines Western and indigenous sustainability objectives and principles, in order to extend the range of options for action to address sustainability. The SAIC method consists of two sections (i) values and considerations and (ii) procedure. The “values and considerations” section establishes the fundamental participatory and ethical considerations for conducting sustainability assessments in indigenous communities, and the “procedure” section establishes a set of 55 indicators in eight categories. The method was tested in a Zapotec, indigenous community in México. Results show that this community was rated highly in all eight categories. However, indicators for family planning and access to health services were rated poorly. The identified issues can be used as guidelines for decision making in future regional projects and development plans. The results reveal further areas for improvement, such as strengthening the links to national or international networks and increasing the use of renewable energies. The method presented in this paper provides an assessment approach based on Western and indigenous sustainability discourses, which is suitable for assessing indigenous communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Molina Maturano & Luz A. García Serrano & Juan A. Carmona García & Mayela A. García de Alva Magos & Anna M. Hersperger, 2022. "An indicator-based sustainability assessment method for indigenous communities: a case study from Mexico," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 3293-3333, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:24:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-021-01567-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01567-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arun Agrawal, 1995. "Dismantling the Divide Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 26(3), pages 413-439, July.
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    3. Bozigar, Matthew & Gray, Clark L. & Bilsborrow, Richard E., 2016. "Oil Extraction and Indigenous Livelihoods in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 125-135.
    4. Sala, Serenella & Ciuffo, Biagio & Nijkamp, Peter, 2015. "A systemic framework for sustainability assessment," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 314-325.
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