This paper analyze, from a historical perspective, organizational processes and how local institutions use their natural resources in the context of regional dynamics and environmental policies that seek to conserve biodiversity, and also stress the importance of protected natural areas. We refer to the relationship between the protected area, The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and local fishing and forestry. The results show that in Sian Ka'an Biosphere organizational processes occurred prior to the establishment of the reserve. These processes helped to support established local institutions that had properly managed their natural resources. Therefore, a successful application of environmental conservation policies in protected natural areas should keep in mind historical and cultural processes of local players.