Participatory coral reef resources planning based on multi-criteria evaluation and geographic information systems spatial modelling techniques

This thesis presents a framework for participatory coral reefs resources planning based on multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and geographic information systems (GIS) spatial modelling techniques at "Alacranes Reef National Park" (ARNP), Yucatan, Mexico. GIS were used along the study as the platform for managing, displaying and analyzing spatial data and attribute files from different sources. Multi-criteria evaluation techniques were used as the means to incorporate expert knowledge and priorities from local scientists, fishers, authorities and other stakeholders in the area into suitability assessment and participatory decision models. The logical sequence of this study can be described as a three stage process; in the first stage an accurate spatial representation model for coral reef submerged habitats was developed by combining Landsat TM imagery, aerial photography, aerial video and a digital bathymetric model. In the second stage, suitability assessment models and maps for actual and potential resource utilization types of reef resources were developed by coding expert knowledge using automated decision trees that later were converted to suitability maps. In the third stage consensual decision models for coral reef resources planning were developed using a participatory approach. User's preferences and priorities were elicited by trough the "Analytic Hierarchy Process" (AHP) and used for the development of alternative allocation scenarios with GIS spatial modelling techniques.