*3.6. Summary of the DESCR Framework*

Being a coastal area, marine physical parameters such as wind, waves, tides and storm surge are the main processes regulating the lagoon systems. These natural drivers, as well as being pressures, are inherent to the system. Human activities in La Mancha are anthropic drivers: the urban project of recent years is a potential risk due to the alterations to the natural conditions of the ecosystems and changes in land use, among others. Exchanges refer to the interaction between the drivers and the system, where in La Mancha, the lagoon's own biophysical processes regulate hydrodynamics, sea level rise and the opening and closing of the inlet of the lagoon. Energetic periods of winds and waves cause the lagoon inlet to close, due to intense sediment transport, and the water level in the lagoon increases, favoring the development of mangrove species. The level of flooding and the fluctuations in salinity are factors that condition the growth of some species of fish.

The state of the environment in the lagoon area has been modified by anthropic drivers: the opening of the lagoon inlet by the fisherman alters its natural hydrological regime, and the urban project produces an imbalance in the natural dynamics of the system, which could cause conflict in the future if adequate management of the project is not afforded.

Responses should include strengthening local education programs in the area. Such actions will help to temper the lack of socio-environmental awareness and respect for laws. Continuous environmental monitoring will produce reliable information that should be made public, reduce uncertainties and ensure that appropriate action is taken to adapt measures where necessary. Efforts should be made to reduce socio-economic inequality. By encouraging other economic activities, pressure on coastal ecosystems will decrease, and economic vulnerability will be reduced due to the emergent urbanization projects. Measures should be put in place for wastewater treatment in the basin to control its consequences. Mitigation and management plans should be implemented to address pressure in emerging problems.

The following diagram (Figure 12) summarizes the DESCR framework for La Mancha.

From the elements listed in Figure 12, the interaction of some natural and anthropic drivers, through energy and matter exchanges in La Mancha, may induce coastal squeeze by the following:


**Figure 12.** DESCR for La Mancha, Veracruz.
