Healthy People
Indicators of Human and Community Well-being
More than one million people directly depend on the integrity and health of the Mesoamerican Reef for their livelihood, and the national economies of three countries substantially benefit from the Reef’s appeal as an international tourist destination. This is a culturally and ethnically diverse region that includes Maya Quiché, Queweche, Creoles, Garifuna, and Ladinos. Cultures and traditions reflect ethnic identity and history, not national borders. People have deep roots in the land and their lifestyles have been influenced by the geography and environment. Nevertheless, little is known about the linkage between the well being of local people and the health of reef ecosystems.
The connection and interdependence between humans and the Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem (MAR) is essential. How humans have adapted or integrated into the reef environment over time has had resounding and varying effects on the condition of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem. Likewise, changes in the state of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecosystem have influenced the social fiber of the local communities – impacting their livelihood and traditional cultural practices.
Because humans play an integral role, we are tracking the well being of communities in the MAR through several indicators:
Ranking Results for all Social Indicators
- Social/policy indicator ranking (pdf version - 87KB)
- Governance indicator ranking (pdf version - 81KB)
- Human health indicator ranking (pdf version - 93KB)
- Cultural indicator ranking (pdf version - 86KB)
- Economic Indicators
- Policy/Institution Indicators
- Human Health Indicators
- Cultural Vitality Indicators
