"A definition of the concept of ecological rehabilitation according to the socioeconomic and cultural conditions developing countries as Mexico is proposed based on a thorough analysis. The procedure developed in Mexico, more than five decades ago for the study and implementation of rehabilitation operations is described. This takes into account the technical-scientific knowledge and local traditional knowledge. The prioritization of these actions is based on the causal and hierarchical relationship of ecological, technological and socio-economic aspects. In this process, social participation is crucial; in the absence of reconciliation of interests between owners, rehabilitation is not possible. Here, a series of studies are shown, including 1) application of traditional rehabilitation strategies at the landscape level; main results achieved are described; 2) current challenges and expectations during the establishment and development of rehabilitation projects in the buffer zone of two major natural tropical protected areas of Mexico prioritized by unesco, the biosphere reserves of Montes Azules and Calakmul."