Social equity and economic distribution in community-based conservation strategies: the case of Fishing Refuge Zone in Mexico

This study examines social equity in small-scale fisheries, in relation to the distribution of benefits from fishing. The analysis is based on data from fisheries in Celestun, Mexico, within the context of implementing a Fishing Refuge Zone (FRZ) —a community-based conservation strategy. Social equity perceptions in the local fishing sector were assessed by analyzing recognitional, procedural, and distributional equity dimensions. Additionally, inequality metrics (Gini G, Atkinson A(ϵ), Hoover H and Theil U) were determined to quantify economic inequality within the community of small-scale fishers. The comparison between members/participants of the Fishing Refuge Zone Management Committee and non-participating fishers revealed statistically significant differences in equity perceptions, with predominantly negative perceptions among the NC group, mainly regarding procedural equity (fairness of decision processes). Meanwhile, inequality metrics indicated high levels of revenue concentration (G= 0.58, A(ϵ) = 0.52, H= 0.45, U= 0.73). The study provides an integrated assessment that connects social equity perceptions with distributional outcomes, offering insights for fostering more equitable governance in the management of the Celestun FRZ and other area-based fisheries and conservation tools.