The Mandinga Coastal Lagoon System (MCLS) is in central Veracruz, Mexico. Over the last two decades, an ambitious development project named the Riviera Veracruzana has been implemented, aggravating existing socio-ecological problems. The study analyzed the socio-ecological scenario in this system, characterizing the socio-ecological problems and the social actors involved based on their perceptions, interests and power relations. A two-track methodological scheme was used: (1) collection of information from secondary sources associated with the MCLS and (2) ethnographic data collection with primary sources through semi-structured interviews with key social actors from different social sectors, participatory workshops with focus groups and a field diary. The results revealed a perception of high environmental degradation, socio-ecological conflicts surrounding the conservation and use of ...