GAP ANALYSIS OF THE PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS OF THE STATE OF GUERRERO, MEXICO

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the conservation and omission gaps (gap analysis) of the types of vegetation with respect to the  Protected Natural Areas (PNA) of the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach: A gap analysis was carried out to determine the conservation and omission gaps of vegetation types in the PNA of the state of Guerrero, México. Digital cartography of the use of soil and vegetation at a scale of 1: 250,000 and of the federal and state PNA of the state was used. The digital cartographic information was integrated into the geographic information system ArcGis TM version 10.5, for the overlap of digital maps of the PNA and the types of vegetation. The vegetation surface occupied inside and outside the PNA was estimated.
Results: Ten types of vegetation were identified, with an area of 17 344 ha, of which five types were omission of conservation, since they were present altogether in only 1.62% of the surface of the PNA with vegetal coverage. Regarding the conservation gaps, it was found that five types of vegetation were not present in any PNA.
Limitations of the study/Implications: The available cartography of vegetation and land use, due to its original scale, has an imprecision in the delimitation of its categories. It is advisable to develop cartography with scales of better resolution.
Findings/Conclusions: The current location and surface of the PNA is not enough to conserve the ecosystems present in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.