Dynamics of Legitimacy in the Instrumentation of the Chackay Collective Brand in the Sian Ka’an and Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserves, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

This article analyzes the various forms of legitimacy (cognitive, moral, pragmatic) articulated in the organization of the collective brand Chackay, focusing on the spiny lobster fishing in the reserves of Sian Ka'an and Banco Chinchorro, Quintana Roo. Based on 36 semi-structured interviews with the members of the six fishing cooperatives operating in the study area, it was possible to analyze the legitimacy, representation, and difficulties, including local fishermen in the design and implementation of this environmental certification. The work shows that the predominance of economic interests on the conservationist arguments of the civil association that promoted this initiative conditioned its relationship with the actors that define local governance (fishermen cooperatives, non-government, government organizations). We conclude that environmental management instruments should pay special attention to the high heterogeneity of social and economic practices of the actors that participate in productive activities, in a specific territorial context.