An indicator-based sustainability assessment method for indigenous communities: a case study from Mexico

Abstract Indigenous and Western communities are faced with increasing issues of sustainability compromising their natural resources cultural heritage, for example, a cross-pollination/complementary approach in relation to current knowledge systems discourses on sustainability. There is need methods that integrate different relating identify the most pressing needs terms Sustainability assessments type impact assessment focus enhanced both now future; however, literature indigenous methods, scarce. To address this gap, we have developed novel Assessment method Communities (SAIC). The SAIC combines objectives principles, order extend range options action consists two sections (i) values considerations (ii) procedure. “values considerations” section establishes fundamental participatory ethical conducting communities, “procedure” set 55 indicators eight categories. was tested Zapotec, community México. Results show rated highly all However, family planning access health services were poorly. identified can be used as guidelines decision making future regional projects development plans. results reveal further areas improvement, such strengthening links national or international networks use renewable energies. presented paper provides an based discourses, which suitable assessing communities.