A methodology for evaluating the sustainability of inland wetland systems

Sustainable development is a process in which present and future human needs can be satisfied without degrading the socio-environmental systems that they rely upon. Inland wetlands are diverse ecosystems that provide numerous goods and services. Current wetland evaluation methodologies include inventories, monitoring of hydrological and climatic variables, population dynamic studies, mechanistic models, the use of geographical information systems, and measuring of biotic indices. Sustainability evaluation methods, which combine in a systemic approach production efficiency, ecosystem function, environmental services, and social values are required. In this study, a methodological framework was developed and applied to a case in the High Lerma River Basin in Central Mexico. Criteria and indicators comprising the environmental, economic, and social dimensions, as well as systemic attributes such as productivity, stability, resilience, self-reliance, and equity were derived and measured to evaluate wetland management systems. Native species were compared to the predominant carp monoculture system. Results from the evaluated indicators showed that the native species multicultural management system can be a feasible, profitable, and self-reliant conservation and utilization alternative. Some difficulties were faced in finding reliable estimates to be used as reference values, and potential indicators for future, long-term evaluations are proposed. The application of sustainability indicators to wetland management proved to be an objective and trustworthy methodological alternative, which could increase both wetland sustainability and the continuous development of integrated assessment tools for its evaluation.