An Assessment of Environmental Knowledge in a Highly Biodiverse Mountainous Region of Mexico

The environmental knowledge of inhabitants residing in a highly biodiverse mountainous region of western Mexico with an important economic forestry sector was investigated. Indices of environmental knowledge, by average and through a factor analysis, were developed and characterized using survey data collected in 2018 and 2021. These indices showed high levels of correlation, and followed similar patterns of distributions. Ordinary least squares and quantile regressions were used to examine social, economic, demographic, and perceptions as determinant factors of the generated indices. Age and education were repeatedly found as important factors influencing environmental knowledge, while income and gender were consistently not significant factors. Furthermore, environmental knowledge was related to quality of life. The index developed by factor analysis generated more significantly stable parameter results across percentiles of environmental knowledge. The indices were recommended for monitoring environmental knowledge in long term studies.

Automated summary

This study investigated the environmental knowledge of residents in a mountainous region of western Mexico, which has a significant economic forestry sector and high biodiversity. Indices were developed to assess environmental knowledge and the factors influencing it. The study found that age and education were important factors, while income and gender were not significant. Additionally, environmental knowledge was related to quality of life. The indices developed through factor analysis provided more stable results and are recommended for long-term studies.