| Coastal zones are under severe pressure as a result of multiple human activities. Environmental degradation, coastal ecosystems' importance and resource depletion require alternative policy for long-term sustainable development. This study focuses on physical and human dimensions involved in ecosystem perturbation and management. This research analyzed data collected with remote sensors to determine land cover changes in tropical mangrove wetlands and their spatial relationships with roads and town developments. It also analyzed data of 139 interviews with residents in the area to assess their knowledge base regarding: (i) the use and non-use values of mangrove wetlands, (ii) attitudes in resource use, (iii) awareness of environmental impacts of urban expansion, solid waste disposal in wetlands, and coastal road networks, and (iv) acceptance of regulation. Findings indicated: (i) a significant loss of vegetation and soils, (ii) increasing urban growth and (iii) differences between urban and rural residents regarding the use, knowledge and attitudes towards coastal ecosystems and resources. To receive the future benefits from these ecosystems, specially for those whose daily survival depend upon them requires an integrated management program that accounts for: (i) the size and location of land cover changes in the area, and (ii) the heterogeneity between the urban (Progreso and Prochub) and rural (Chuburna and Chelem) coastal resident knowledge base. |