Community logic, sustainability, and resilience in responses to adversity of the indigenous community of Santa Cruz Tepetotutla, Mexico

Abstract

Indigenous communities have historically had to overcome a sequence of adversities that have put their survival at risk; their responses to adversity have resulted in the existence of a particular logic in the management of their natural heritage. The objective of this article is to understand how the indigenous community of Santa Cruz Tepetotutla, Oaxaca by facing adverse conditions, has transformed and adapted, but at the same time, it has resisted, enabling the construction of a community economy of conservation based on environmental participation and awareness. In the theoretical foundation the concept of community logic is constructed from peasant logic and the analysis of the ability to overcome adversity is strengthened with the concept of community resilience. It is stated that community logic is the foundation of the capacity for resilience in indigenous and peasant communities. The research is qualitative and consists of interviews to key actors, participant observation and documentary review.