Desarrollo sostenible y empoderamiento comunitario a través del uso de Atractosteus tropicus

Diana Rubí Oropeza Tosca; Jose Juan Escalante Fernández; Olda Concepción Camargo Santos; Rocío Aguiar Sierra; Mónica Isabel López Cardoza

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-1923

Authors

Diana Rubí Oropeza Tosca Villahermosa Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7330-3167
Jose Juan Escalante Fernández Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0402-1258
Olda Concepción Camargo Santos Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Progreso https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0856-0355
Rocío Aguiar Sierra Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1450-1618
Mónica Isabel López Cardoza Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7839-9766

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-1923

Keywords:

Atractosteus tropicus, Biodiversity, Social economy, Sustainable development, Food industry, Cooperatives, Gastronomic tourism, Microenterprises

Abstract

Introduction: Atractosteus tropicus is essential to the culture and economy of fishing communities in Tabasco, Mexico. However, its declining population and lack of economic opportunities highlight the need for social economy strategies to ensure its sustainable use and foster community development. Methodology: A mixed-method approach was used, combining direct observation, interviews with five cooperative leaders, and surveys with 385 participants. The instruments were validated by experts in biotechnology, food biochemistry, accounting, pedagogy, and administration. Results: The consumption of A. tropicus is traditional in grilled, shredded, and tamale preparations. Communities face economic limitations, deficient infrastructure, and a decline in the species. Although cooperatives exist, they lack organization to commercialize value-added products. Discussion: The social economy, through cooperatives and microenterprises, can promote the sustainable use of A. tropicus, strengthening conservation efforts and generating income. Gastronomic tourism represents an opportunity for economic development. Conclusions: Implementing social economy models and strengthening cooperative organization can improve the living conditions of fishing communities while promoting the conservation of A. tropicus.

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Author Biographies

Diana Rubí Oropeza Tosca, Villahermosa Institute of Technology

He is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) in Mexico, where he has reached the level of candidate. He holds a PhD and Master's degree in Education, reflecting his commitment to research and higher education. He has published several research papers, including topics related to circular and sustainable tourism in rural destinations. He currently works as a lecturer at the Technological Institute of Villahermosa, where he has contributed significantly to research and academic training. His academic leadership in his field has contributed to the development of educational and sustainable strategies that seek to improve both education and the environment.

Jose Juan Escalante Fernández, Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida

He is an academic and professor in the field of finance, affiliated with the Technological Institute of Mérida, Mexico. He holds a PhD in Management Sciences and a Master's degree in Finance. His work focuses on research and teaching in economics and management sciences. He has contributed to various research projects on topics such as the impact of information technology on higher education and service quality in the hotel industry, and is co-author of several academic articles addressing financial management and service evaluation in companies. His participation in conferences and projects related to financial education is noteworthy, making him a leading figure in his field within the Mexican academic context.

Olda Concepción Camargo Santos, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Progreso

She is a full-time professor at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Progreso in Mexico. Her specialisation focuses on Administration and Logistics, where she contributes to the training of students in these areas. She has participated in various research projects related to administration. Her work is significant for the advancement of technical education in Mexico, promoting the development of essential skills in future professionals in the field.

Rocío Aguiar Sierra, Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida

She is an academic and professional in the field of higher education, holds a PhD in Education, and her main focus is on research and teaching in areas related to administration and education. She works as a lecturer at the Mérida Institute of Technology, where she teaches courses and actively participates in student training. She has published several academic works, including a book on leadership and organisational behaviour, in which she addresses topics such as strategic leadership and group behaviour in organisations. She has been recognised for her work in education and has participated in national and international academic events where she has held leadership roles.

Mónica Isabel López Cardoza, Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida

She is a professor of undergraduate and master's degree programmes at the Technological Institute of Mérida. She has participated in research on topics such as quality in hotel services and strengthening community resilience in the face of environmental problems. She has also published on the influence of race. She is the author of several articles and book chapters in the areas of service quality, business competitiveness, and sustainable development.

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