Plan de manejo para el manglar de Sontecomapan,Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico: una estrategia para la conservacion de sus recursos naturales
The Sontecomapan mangrove is located at Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, in the southern of Veracruz, Mexico. Currently, this area is listed in the Ramsar index with number 1342. Its biological, cultural and economical values are recognized. This ecosystem represents habitat, refuge, nesting area and nursery for numerous species. A distinctive characteristic of this mangrove is the high forest structure compared with other mangrove forests in Veracruz and as well as the high number of plants associated to this ecosystem, mainly epiphytes and orchids, many of them endangered. At the moment, their cultural value is underestimated, although the area of the swamp of Sontecomapan had relevance from the prehispanic time mainly by the Olmecan culture. Its economic value is as a food source and revenue for many people. However, several problems are affecting its conservation, such as the advance of human settlement on swamp land, illegal hunting, among others. This swamp constitutes a natural area protected administered by the Universidad Veracruzana. This paper described the initial strategy of preservation of this ecosystem, the formulation of a Management Plan. Investigation, education and conservation are the main objectives.