Sustainability of nature-based enterprises in Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Nature-Based Enterprises (NBE) in Mexico, with the aim of identifying positive deviants and the key factors that explain such differentiation.

Design/Methodology/Approach: An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted using the enterprise as the unit of analysis. A total of 23 NBEs across 13 Mexican states were evaluated through purposive sampling. Between May and September 2023, 23 surveys were administered to enterprise representatives, and 9 interviews were conducted with key informants. The analysis included a descriptive phase and the calculation of economic, social, and environmental performance indices using an adapted methodological framework. Subsequently, hierarchical cluster analysis identified four categories of enterprises consolidated, developing, adapting, and incipient which were compared through ANOVA, mean difference tests, and chi-square tests.

Results: The study revealed that NBEs in Mexico achieved an average sustainable performance index of 0.85, with over 60% of cases scoring above the mean. Economic performance showed the greatest variability, social performance was moderate, and environmental performance remained relatively consistent across enterprises.

Limitations/Implications: The use of a purposive, non-probabilistic sample limits the generalizability of the findings to the broader NBE population.

Findings/Conclusions: The consolidated enterprises represented the closest cases to positive deviants. The findings suggest that NBE performance is enhanced by participatory governance, a clear organizational mission, economic diversification, certifications, and investment in capacity building and marketing. Conversely, key obstacles include reliance on initial subsidies, seasonal activity patterns, regulatory gaps, and weak organizational cohesion.