Exploring Alternatives for Sustainable Development in the Tamiahua Wetlands

This article presents a preliminary System Dynamics model developed to analyze the sustainability of a natural reserve in Mexico: the Tamiahua Wetlands. Wetlands are often referred to as nature's kidneys because they filter contaminants from water. In spite of their importance, wetlands are endangered areas around the world. In order to build the model we take into account the Fishbanks model developed by Meadows (2004) as a starting point. Then, the model considers variables related to changes in total and economically active populations, and contaminants in water. The preliminary model presented in this study implies that fishing activity in the Tamiahua Wetlands, together with contaminants from human activity, have the potential to damage the diversity of species in the ecosystem, endangering its sustainability. Continued work on the model is intended to explore appropriate ways of preserving Tamiahua, providing inhabitants with economic activities that promote the sustainability of the region.