Los centros ecoturísticos en la Selva Lacandona como mecanismo de control territorial del Estado mexicano en la zona de conflicto zapatista1

The agrarian conflict in Selva Lacandona, Mexico, is expressed by the displacement of population and dozens of deaths in recent years. However, the conflict remains hidden behind the increase of eco-ethnic tourism in the area. This article analyzes the counterinsurgent nature of ecotourism centers built around the Southern Border Highway, which grew widely after the Zapatista uprising of 1994. The analysis is based on fieldwork conducted in Selva Lacandona and the review of related bibliography. The results indicate that it is possible to verify intentioned actions led by the Mexican State, which have contributed to maintain divisions and conflicts among local communities. The funds provided for ecotourism have served both to maintain the agrarian conflict that allows control of the territory as well as palliatives to prevent insurgent initiatives of indigenous communities that may threaten the state’s economic objectives, but without evidence of a willingness to implement a sustainable policy of long-term local development

Agrarian society · Agriculture · Archaeology · Development economics · Economics · Economy · Ecotourism · Ethnology · Geography · Indigenous · Mexican State · Political science · Politics · Population · Sociology · Tourism · Welfare economics · Demography · Law · Mexican Socioeconomic and Environmental Dynamics · Social Issues and Policies in Latin America · Ecology