Closing the Gender Gap in Natural Resource Management Programs in Mexico

This report examines perceived and actual gender differences in the use and management of natural resources and the challenges of integrating women into activities related to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) or other natural resource management projects in Mexico. The report applies a behavioral science lens to uncover key psychological, cultural, social, and non-material barriers to women's participation in natural resource projects. Women use natural resources differently than men, which sets the stage for a variety of structural barriers. Differentiated resource use makes women vulnerable to economic, social, and external environmental influences, especially in rural areas. The study's qualitative analysis also reveals activities that rural women in Mexico will prefer to undertake in light of the upcoming forestry programs to be implemented in Mexico by CONAFOR (Mexico's National Forest Commission) and the World Bank. The report concludes with a gender action plan (GAP). The GAP provides concrete recommendations for the inclusion of a gender perspective and female empowerment in policies, practices, and projects, especially those related to emission reduction programs, natural resource management, and REDD+. When designed to take into consideration gender differences, REDD+ related activities and natural resource management programs can offer important opportunities for women's empowerment, sustainable resource management, and shared prosperity