Structural equation modeling as a tool to develop conservation strategies using environmental indicators: The case of the forests of the Magdalena river basin in Mexico City

The SEM results enabled us to evaluate the direct and indirect causes of degradation. Some environmental factors, such as the global site factor, humidity, air temperature, organic matter in the soil, slope, and soil pH, had a greater effect on the structure, composition and function indicators registered in the environmental units of the basin than other factors. The pressure factors that most affected the three aspects of the ecosystem were visitors, rubbish, fire incidence, and human activities. Pressure factors affected composition and structure indicators, though the effect on the function indicators was weak. It is possible to conclude that although the ecosystem appears to be changed by some disturbance factors, these factors have not yet altered the functionality of the ecosystem. Finally, from the model, a set of proposals and strategies for management was developed. These strategies can be used to sustain the biodiversity of each environmental unit.