In Mexico, 142 sites covering almost nine million hectares are listed as Ramsar wetlands. Given the complaints of local inhabitants regarding water quality, and the interest of the federal government for setting up a plan for wetlands protection, we evaluated the ecological condition of a wetland in rural Oaxaca, Mexico. Existing water quality data were compiled and analyzed. Among the parameters of interest were temperature, pH, DO, N, P, and fecal contamination. Even though microbial contamination was a primary concern, a more important worry to local users was the presence of pesticides in water due to inadequate disposal of empty containers and runoff from upstream farmlands. Public meetings with water users, researchers, and local and federal personnel were held to get the opinion about strategies for protection of the wetlands. Outcomes of the decision meetings using a decision-support system highlighted that to preserve the wetlands, the implementation of riparian vegetation (buffer zone) and the management of surface water should be considered as conservation practices. Law enforcement would improve the watershed and wetlands' health for preventing further deterioration. Because of the success in getting public participation and input, the approach will likely be replicated in other parts of the country.

在墨西哥，将近900万公顷的142个地点被列为拉姆萨尔湿地。鉴于当地居民对水质的抱怨，以及联邦政府对制定湿地保护计划的兴趣，我们评估了墨西哥瓦哈卡州农村湿地的生态状况。现有水质数据已被汇编和分析。感兴趣的参数包括温度，pH，DO，N，P和粪便污染。尽管最主要的问题是微生物污染，但对当地用户而言，更重要的担忧是由于空容器的处置不足和上游农田的径流，水中存在农药。举行了与用水者，研究人员以及地方和联邦人员的公开会议，以征求有关湿地保护策略的意见。使用决策支持系统进行决策会议的结果强调，保护湿地，实施河岸植被（缓冲区）和管理地表水应被视为保护做法。执法将改善流域和湿地的健康，防止进一步恶化。由于成功地获得了公众的参与和投入，该方法可能会在该国其他地区推广。