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From Impacts to Perceptions: Exploring the Maya Train's Effect on Groundwater Systems and Communities in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Figueroa Chavarria, Mirza Ivanna (2024) From Impacts to Perceptions: Exploring the Maya Train's Effect on Groundwater Systems and Communities in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

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Abstract:The Maya Train project in Quintana Roo has raised significant concerns and differing viewpoints among the local community regarding its environmental and social impacts, particularly on the potential disruption to groundwater systems. Previous research has focused on highlighting the environmental impacts, especially those occurring on the surface. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on changes in groundwater systems, their social impacts, and the factors shaping the community’s perception of these impacts. To achieve this, a comprehensive document review was conducted along with 10 semi-structured interviews with residents of varying demographic characteristics. The analysis revealed 19 groundwater-related impacts and 37 social challenges. Additionally, a difference was observed between the academically oriented findings and the community’s risk perceptions, revealing a lack of awareness among the sample regarding the biophysical impacts and their resulting social challenges. Ultimately, the findings demonstrated the importance of factors related to social and cultural identity in shaping participants' perceptions. Variables such as group membership, beliefs and values, trust, sense of fairness, academic and empirical knowledge, and economic status were identified as the most influential.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:43 environmental science
Programme:Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102774
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