Conservation of path El Coloso del cerro de Montecristi as development of ecological tourism in the canton

Investigation article

Abstract

The objective of this research is to establish a plan to develop ecotourism on the El Coloso trail that fosters the conservation and sustainable management of the natural and cultural resources of the Montecristi cerro forest. It should be noted that this conservation area is part of the Sancán- Cerro de Montecristi Protector Forest biocorridor. It must be mentioned that the area did not have a sustainable management plan. The research is mixed (quantitative / qualitative) with exploratory / descriptive approaches, in this study three phases were developed; the first consists of a situational diagnosis determining the socio-environmental characteristics of the place, a tourism inventory was drawn up where the main resources were identified; Tourism demand was analyzed, surveys were applied to determine the acceptance of future visitors. Then a strategic analysis is carried out applying a SWOT matrix. Finally, the structure and guidelines of the management plan are designed based on the results of the previous phases, objectives, criteria and projects of the plan were established. The process made it possible to obtain results that will guide decision-making and the proper sustainable management of the Montecristi hill and its El Coloso trail, considering that the ecotourism activity may represent an alternative development for the local community.

Keywords: Tourism planning, sustainable management, ecotourism, community development.