This study examines the social perception of socio-environmental conflicts arising from the implementation of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), an infrastructure megaproject in southern Mexico. The research focuses on how land tenure and governance influence the perspectives and responses of local communities to the project's impacts. Semi-structured and open interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from four ejidos in the Isthmus region. The snowball sampling technique was used to select participants, resulting in a total of 70 interviews between July and August 2024.
Preliminary findings reveal a range of perspectives among community members. While most participants expressed optimism regarding potential benefits for the Mexican government and local communities, concerns about environmental impacts were more prominent in one of the four ejidos. Additionally, the qualitative analysis suggests that although residents anticipate economic opportunities, they acknowledge that a substantial portion of the direct benefits may be absorbed by private companies rather than the community itself.
Using the Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software, key themes were identified, and a word cloud analysis highlighted the main concerns and expectations of the interviewees. This research contributes to understanding the complexities of local perceptions regarding large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making processes that address socio-environmental concerns. Further analysis will delve into aspects of land tenure and governance in relation to the community's evolving perspective on the CIIT project.
