Remote sensing and GIS applied in the definition and zonification of the protected coastal areas in the southern Gulf of Mexico

The state of Campeche, Mexico is located in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. At present Campeche state has two protected areas in its coastal zone: the Terminos Lagoon Area which was declared as a Protected of Flora and Fauna Zone and the Petenes Region which was declared as Special Protected Zone of Flora and Fauna. Considering ecological, socioeconomic and normative criteria along with Landsat-TM satellite images and aerial photographs analyses, overlays of thematic cartography and land surveys, it was defined the borders and ecological zonification of the two protected areas. The ecological zonification includes two zones: Nucleus Zone (restricted protected area) and Buffer Zone (conservation and multiple use area).