*1.1. Theoretical Background*

Mangroves are recognized worldwide due to various resources and ecosystem services (ES) they provide [1,2]. Some of these ES are provision services (food, timber, medicines, etc.), regulation and maintenance services (protection against hurricanes, erosion control, CO2 capture, etc.), and cultural services (aesthetic, symbolic, religious, etc.) [3,4]. The presence of coastal wetlands such as mangroves helps contribute to human wellbeing [5,6]. However, mangroves are one of the most threatened coastal ecosystems due to changes in environmental factors and impacts induced by human activities [7]. They are particularly vulnerable to degradation as a result of deforestation, aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, urbanization, and pollution from different sources [8]. Other factors, such as sediment dynamics, exotic species, and alteration of the hydrodynamics, also result in severe mangrove deterioration and habitat loss [9].

According to FAO data, about 3.6 million hectares of mangroves were lost in the 1980–2005 period, approximately 20% of the global mangrove cover [10]. Also, it is estimated that mangrove forests worldwide are disappearing between one to two percent each year, at a higher rate than rainforests or coral reefs [11]. Likewise, it is recognized that only 6.9% of the world's mangroves are in the category of a protected area network [12]. In México, the National Commission for the Use and Conservation of Biodiversity (CONABIO) through the Mexican Mangrove Monitoring System (SMMM) began a full examination of the mangroves in this country. The SMMM observed that in 1970–1980, Mexico presented a cover of 856,405 hectares but by 2015 the number of hectares of mangroves decreased to 775,555 [13]. This loss of mangroves has been observed in urban areas and in zones with a tourist-oriented vision. A well-known example is the destruction of "Tajamar" mangrove, in Cancun city, in 2016 [14].

Another example is the case of mangroves located in La Paz city. The capital of Baja California Sur state, has caused a remarkable anthropic pressure to their mangroves due to the growing urbanization [15]. Also, it is expected that tourism will increase in this city. This is evidenced in the list "52 Places to Go in 2020" of The New York Times, where La Paz was the only Mexican city nominated [16]. In this context, di fferent forums, such as the "I Workshop on Mangroves of the Baja California Peninsula" (2005) and the "I Workshop of RAMSAR Sites of Baja California Sur" (2009) have highlighted the need to know the state of mangroves in La Paz bay. Therefore, the goal of this work was to develop an integrative index to evaluate the conservation status of mangroves in this region.
