Mexico has everything it needs to be successful as an ecotourism destination given its natural and cultural attractions and its proximity to the United States and Canada. But the country is lagging behind in taking advantage of its resources.
Ecotourism expert Héctor Ceballos says ecotourism could bring substantial benefits in terms of both environmental protection and sustainable development for rural communities.
Ceballos, a professor at the Iberoamerican Univeristy for 30 years, said Mexico is reaching only 50% of its potential in this area.
In contrast, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Kenya and South Africa have achieved a well developed market. He says part of the problem is confusion in Mexico over the concept of ecotourism with adventure tourism.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature defines ecotourism as an environmentally responsible model that consists of visits to natural areas, while creating minimal disturbance, to appreciate and study the natural attractions, as well as whatever cultural features there are, past and present.
Conservation is therefore promoted, there is low negative impact on the environment and culture and it encourages the active involvement and socioeconomic benefits of local communities.
Meanwhile, adventure tourism caters to young, Mexican tourists and leaves out adults and foreign visitors, says Ceballos. Ecotourism, on the other hand, offers greater security and encourages the movement of visitors to diverse parts of the country.
Ceballos says the western Sierra Madre along with the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Veracruz, Yucatán and Chiapas offer the greatest potential to establish themselves firmly as ecotourism destinations.
Baja California, on the other hand, has erred in focusing on large-scale, sun and beach tourism, he says, which if not controlled will make the coast of that state look like the coast of southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Ceballos is an internationally-known expert in the field of ecotourism and is credited in some circles with coining the word itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment