Masthead Logo Fordham University DigitalResearch@Fordham Student eses 2015-Present Environmental Studies Spring 5-10-2019 Ecotourism Development in Indigenous Communities: A Mapuche Case Study Shaelynn Taylor Nuckel Fordham University, [email protected]Follow this and additional works at: hps://fordham.bepress.com/environ_2015 Part of the Environmental Studies Commons is is brought to you for free and open access by the Environmental Studies at DigitalResearch@Fordham. It has been accepted for inclusion in Student eses 2015-Present by an authorized administrator of DigitalResearch@Fordham. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Recommended Citation Nuckel, Shaelynn Taylor, "Ecotourism Development in Indigenous Communities: A Mapuche Case Study" (2019). Student eses 2015-Present. 81. hps://fordham.bepress.com/environ_2015/81
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Masthead LogoFordham University
DigitalResearch@Fordham
Student Theses 2015-Present Environmental Studies
Spring 5-10-2019
Ecotourism Development in IndigenousCommunities: A Mapuche Case StudyShaelynn Taylor NuckelFordham University, [email protected]
Follow this and additional works at: https://fordham.bepress.com/environ_2015
Part of the Environmental Studies Commons
This is brought to you for free and open access by the Environmental Studies at DigitalResearch@Fordham. It has been accepted for inclusion inStudent Theses 2015-Present by an authorized administrator of DigitalResearch@Fordham. For more information, please [email protected].
Recommended CitationNuckel, Shaelynn Taylor, "Ecotourism Development in Indigenous Communities: A Mapuche Case Study" (2019). Student Theses2015-Present. 81.https://fordham.bepress.com/environ_2015/81
Chilean Political Context. Ecotourism projects are subject to the political climates of
their host countries. One important concern for ecotourism is the political and social stability of
the destination, as well as the formation of policies that are conducive to its development. Chile 94
is an aesthetically beautiful and exotic destination that boasts diverse species, landscapes,
habitats. Popular ecotourism hotspots are located in the snow-capped Andes mountain region,
Patagonia, and Easter Island. The country also maintains 36 national parks and has designated 95
almost 20% of its territory as protected areas. While Chile is not a leader in ecotourism or 96
environmental protection compared to central-American countries such as Belize or Costa Rica,
the country is taking steps to improve. In 2010, the Chilean government officially enacted
legislation to establish tourism as a primary part of its strategic development activities. Chile 97
names goals of protecting the environment, gaining competitiveness in international markets, and
attracting higher-spending tourists looking for sustainable destinations. They also created the
“Sustainable Tourism Innovation Program” in 2012 to assist in the creation and implementation
of sustainable tourism programs in Chile. Since then, Chile has developed many policies which 98
aim to promote sustainable tourism. In 2013, Chile’s Servicio Nacional de Turism (National
Tourism Service) implemented a nationally recognized certification, the “Seal of 99
Sustainability,” which “incorporated the global standards of sustainable and renewable
development for tourism businesses.” The government has also authorized funds and grants for 100
94 Miller 2012, 83. 95 CONAF, “Parques de Chile,” Accessed May 8, 2019, http://www.conaf.cl/parques-nacionales/parques-de-chile/. 96 Chile Travel, “National Parks and Reserves,” Accessed May 9, 2019, https://chile.travel/en/intereses-destacados/national-parks-and-reserves. 97 Beltran et al. 2013, 2. 98 Ibid, 2. 99 Gilbert, “SERNATUR - Chile's National Tourism Service,” Accessed May 9, 2019, http://santiagotourist.com/sernatur-national-tourism-service/. 100 Biz Latin Hub, “Chile's National Tourism Department Discuss Sustainable Tourism with BLH,” Accessed May 5, 2019, https://www.bizlatinhub.com/sustainable-tourism-insight-chile/.
31
companies who apply for this certification in order for them to finance their sustainable tourism
projects. Finally, Chile has invested heavily in infrastructure projects and improvements in order
to improve the connectivity of its regions and contribute to the expansion of tourism throughout
the country. 101
The development of such policies is a huge step forward for promoting sustainable
tourism and development in Chile. However, it is important to note that the terms
“sustainability,” “sustainable tourism,” and “ecotourism” are still contested definitions with
unclear meanings, practices, and guidelines. The term “sustainable tourism” used here describes
the country’s commitment to more environmentally and socially conscious tourism practices and
to sustainable development overall. It does not necessarily commit to promoting genuine
“ecotourism,” which boasts a growing body of literature that outlines more definitive meanings
and practices for truly environmentally and culturally-sensitive tourism. Regardless, Chile’s
recent advancements in the tourism sector provide an interesting investigation into the
relationship between such government policies and the real, tangible tourism and development
practices that are occuring at the local level. Because decisions about financial aid and lending,
and tourism policy, infrastructure, and marketing are all determined by host governments, they 102
have a distinct influence on the outcomes of tourism initiatives. Additionally, given that
governments control the allocation of land, both to indigenous control and environmental
protection, the decisions made by the Chilean government will have a significant impact in the
case of Mapuche community-based ecotourism development. Therefore, Chile’s decisions
101 Biz Latin Hub, “Chile's National Tourism Department Discuss Sustainable Tourism with BLH,” Accessed May 5, 2019, https://www.bizlatinhub.com/sustainable-tourism-insight-chile/. 102 Duffy 2006, 3.
32
regarding tourism, development, infrastructure, and most significantly, about indigenous affairs,
will greatly impact the Mapuche’s local community-based ecotourism initiative.
The real question I will explore in the next sections is whether these policies amount to
real, positive changes where it matters most: in local communities. The first section of Chapter 3
focused on outlining theory surrounding the various political interactions and mechanisms
involved in ecotourism development in developing countries. Then, it turned to a discussion of
the additional political challenges involved in indigenous ecotourism development, including
struggles for rights over territory and resources. Lastly, it explored the state of Chile’s
commitment to sustainable tourism as a key development strategy. Now, I will apply these
concepts to a major political issue currently occurring in Chile, known as the “Mapuche Land
Conflict,” to explore its impacts on the ability for Mapuche communities to pursue ecotourism
initiatives and achieve positive ecotourism outcomes. This ultimately raises questions about how
a lack of territorial rights and conflict with the political system in place can influence outcomes
in indigenous ecotourism.
The Mapuche Land Conflict. Although Chile today is, according to Ortiz, “an example of
the success of a free-market, neoliberal economy,” the country possesses a history of political 103
instability, especially in relation to indigenous issues. The Mapuche people once controlled
territory from the area of Concepcion to Valdivia, Chile, and parts of Argentina. Today, they 104
make up between 4 and 10 percent of Chile’s population. Though the Mapuche were once 105
known for their economic prosperity, coherence, and strength, they were left with “only 5
to its distinct ability to recognize the unique “cultural links” between indigenous peoples and the
natural environment, ecotourism is used as a strategy to protect pristine environments while 123
also improving the wellbeing of the rural and indigenous communities that often live within
them. While previous chapters discussed that improving the wellbeing of indigenous
communities can be achieved through ensuring equitable economic benefit from ecotourism
activities or by promoting political empowerment, it also includes educating visitors about local
culture and heritage, promoting cultural diversity and awareness, and maintaining the overall
socio-cultural integrity of community members. This form of tourism which emphasizes the
unique cultural aspects of communities, known as “ethnotourism,” is one category of the larger
ecotourism movement. Ethnotourism is meant to showcase indigenous or rural cultural heritage,
and often features cultural crafts, rituals, festivals, and dances, as well as traditional methods 124
of farming, cooking, dressing, and worship. Cultural tourism sites allow visitors the ability to
experience the culturally-rich and diverse ways of life found in indigenous communities and
homelands.
Socio-political Impacts. The seemingly natural capacity for ecotourism to fulfil these
complex but overlapping political, cultural, and social goals suggests that the Mapuche in the
Coast of Carahue can successfully incorporate their culture and heritage in their own ecotourism
strategy. However, as discussed in the previous chapter, Mapuche ecotourism development must
contend with a variety of important implications arising from the challenges posed by the
Mapuche land conflict and their broader socio-political context. The Chilean political context
and the Mapuche land conflict have significant implications for the development of
123 Ibid, 311. 124 Nepal 2007, 352.
41
community-based ecotourism in the Araucanía region. Together, the social and political
hardships faced by Mapuche communities have both played a role in their desire to pursue
ecotourism, and likewise, will impact the eventual outcomes of their initiatives.
Today, the current anti-terrorism legislation, the militarization of the Araucanía region,
and the ongoing conflict between Mapuche activists and police which faces widespread media
scrutiny, has led to an overwhelmingly negative perception of the Mapuche people throughout
Chile. In her analysis of the Chilean people’s attitudes towards indigenous affairs, Crow states
that “many non-indigenous Chileans have refused to value or even accept the validity of
Mapuche difference (be it cultural, ethnic, racial, national, political, or territorial).” At the 125
same time, many Mapuche communities, citing historic injustices and systematic discrimination,
have developed a particular aversion to non-Mapuche outsiders, known amongst the tribe as
winkas. As a result of these political tensions, relations between the Mapuche people and the 126
rest of Chilean society are largely strained, divided, and hostile.
Given the poor relationship between the Mapuche and non-indigenous Chileans, one may
question why some Mapuche communities have decided to pursue ecotourism in the Araucanía
region, and if they will emphasize their cultural heritage as a distinct part of their ecotourism
program. It is furthermore questionable whether Chileans, many of whom maintain a negative
outlook on the Mapuche themselves, would engage with the cultural aspects of their ecotourism
initiatives. Among the target communities, the drive to pursue ecotourism stems from a need to
pursue alternative means of economic opportunity other than agriculture, as well as a desire to
protect their wetland ecosystem from development projects and degradation. Aside from these
125 Crow 2013, 227. 126 A term used to describe all who are not Mapuche, Course 2011, 164.
42
environmental, political, and economic motivations discussed in previous chapters, many
Mapuche I interviewed believe that their project will also have certain social impacts, both for
their people and for the region overall. I propose that cultural aspects of the Mapuche ecotourism
initiative may lead to a number of distinct social benefits for the target communities. First,
opening their region to tourism may help educate non-indigenous visitors on the Mapuche
culture and way of life. Second, interacting with a higher number of visitors from the rest of
Chile and instilling in them enriching cultural experiences and values could promote a more
positive perception of the Mapuche and of the Araucanía region as a whole. Ultimately, by
encouraging this sort of positive engagement, which could improve the relationship between the
Mapuche and Chilean society overall, ecotourism can therefore contribute to the social and
political empowerment of these Mapuche communities.
Socio-political Empowerment. Research has shown that ecotourism can help indigenous
peoples gain political power, as well as strengthen the indigenous image and relationship with
the society in which they live. In Nepal’s discussion of indigenous ecotourism, he states: “It is
believed that ‘showcasing’ native culture and values, especially through the art of storytelling
and interpretation, in nonindigenous society will gain a fuller understanding and insight of their
views, whilst providing indigenous peoples opportunities to assert their rights and autonomy
through economic empowerment.” Nepal claims ecotourism is not just seen as a strategy for 127
economic development or environmental protection, but also as a means to strengthen
indigenous positions in both regional and national development and policy. The development of
ecotourism can therefore be seen as an integral part of the broader process of indigenous control,
127 Nepal 2007, 351.
43
self-reliance, and improvement of social, political, and economic conditions within society. In 128
the case of the Mapuche in Chile, this reflects the potential for ecotourism to be used as a
valuable means to improve Mapuche-Chile relations, the tribe’s overall perception, reputation,
and level of respect, as well as their own social, political, and economic status within society.
Mapuche Indigenous Ecotourism. The Mapuche culture has many distinct qualities which
make it particularly capable of promoting positive social engagement with visitors, which may
result in improved Mapuche-Chilean relationships. The Mapuche people maintain a large body
of values, practices, and lifestyles that can be shared with visitors through ecotourism. However,
many towns in the Coast of Carahue also boast rich cultural histories. For example, the name
“Carahue” translates to “the land that used to be,” or “the city that once was” in native
Mapudungun, referencing the city’s reconstruction from the ruins of the historic city, La 129
Imperial, that once stood before it. 130
In his anthropological investigation into Mapuche culture, Course identifies three basic
aspects that underpin the overall functioning of the Mapuche cultural and social framework:
speech, exchange, and sharing. Through these three functions, the Mapuche maintain a high 131
“capacity for productive sociality—for creating productive relations with others,” which “may 132
consist in the adult exchange of objects such as wine or meat or simply in the infant’s exchange
of a smile.” Through these three functions, Mapuche people live out their strong sense of 133
hospitality through conversation, mutual interaction, and sharing with others. In this way, the
128 Ibid, 351. 129 “Mapudungun” is the native language of the Mapuche people. 130 Ministerio De Bienes Nacionales, Ruta Costera De La Araucanía: Del Imperial Al Budi, Accessed May 10, 2019, http://rutas.bienes.cl/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/56.pdf. 131 Course 2011, 28. 132 Ibid, 25. 133 Ibid, 26.
44
Mapuche people can educate tourists on their way of life, promote more positive social
interactions, and improve the overall relationship between two opposing identities—themselves
and winkas.
This kind of positive social interaction would take place within the broader context of
Mapuche indigenous ecotourism programs. While previous chapters detailed the environmental
aspects of their ecotourism initiative surrounding the Moncul wetland, cultural aspects of
Mapuche ecotourism surround the everyday patterns of life within indigenous communities. The
first and perhaps the most iconic place these interactions take place is inside the ruka, a
traditional Mapuche home. While Mapuche today typically live in more modern-style homes, the
ruka functions as the center of life for the Mapuche people within their communities. With its
broad wooden construction and thatched-roof, the ruka hosts important community meetings,
banquets, meals, and ceremonies. For those who come to visit, guests may be invited to share a
meal, warm up by the fire, talk with community elders, and even take home traditional wooden
crafts. Other cultural tourism experiences can be derived from the Mapuche’s wide body of
indigenous knowledge surrounding traditional methods of farming, cooking, and managing land.
Community members are deeply connected to the natural environment, and as a result, many
aspects of their lives are in close harmony with the local plants, animals, and landscapes. Such
lifestyles can provide a valuable perspective to most visitors’ modern lifestyles, which tend to
exploit resources and diminish the natural environment.
Despite the prevailing contention between the Mapuche and Chileans, many community
members hope to move forward towards a more positive future—and more positive
relationships. Many are eager to share their unique cultural values and experiences with others
45
through acts of exchange, conversation, and interaction in the midst of their indigenous
communities. Furthermore, as Nepal noted, community members can utilize these opportunities
to assert their indigenous rights, views, and knowledge with a greater audience. For those 134
travellers that come to visit, they may learn the value and pride of living as an indigenous
Mapuche. Rather than the negative perception that is often assumed towards the Mapuche people
in modern Chile, tourists may learn about the humble, peaceful reality of Mapuche communities.
They may depart with a refreshed perspective on Chile’s indigenous culture, recognizing the
Mapuche’s desire to live happily together, harmoniously with their traditional lands and
resources, and with pride for their indigenous way of life. By promoting this sort of positive
social engagement through enriching cultural tourism experiences, ecotourism may be part of a
broader strategy to bridge gaps between the Mapuche people and broader Chilean society, and
ultimately, to achieve the social and political empowerment of the Mapuche overall.
In her “Empowerment Framework,” Scheyvens offers a guide which outlines
ecotourism’s potential effects of community empowerment. She outlines several psychological
and social impacts that may take place during the broader process of community empowerment
within ecotourism development. Psychological benefits include: enhanced community
self-esteem due to outside recognition of the uniqueness and value of their culture, natural
resources, and traditional knowledge; increased confidence which leads community members to
seek out education and training opportunities; and lastly, increased socioeconomic status for
traditionally underprivileged women and youth due to increased access to employment.
Scheyvens also identifies social impacts of ecotourism, including: improved community
134 Nepal 2007, 351.
46
cohesion as members work together to build a successful tourism program; and community
development resulting from funds raised for schools and infrastructure. 135
Scheyvens points out that the way in which ecotourism is approached can have a
significant impact on the eventual outcomes of ecotourism. Ecotourism must contend with 136
social concerns as well as economic and environmental ones if it is to avoid its potential for
negative impacts to host communities. In the case of the Mapuche in Chile, community members
have a significant opportunity to showcase their native cultural values and lifestyles as a distinct
aspect of their ecotourism initiatives. While incorporating culture may be effective for promoting
awareness for indigenous social issues, it can be essential to achieve the broader community
development goals of ecotourism, including the social empowerment of local peoples. By
incorporating their culture in ecotourism projects, the Mapuche people have an avenue through
which to engage in positive social interaction with visitors, and the opportunity to assert their
views, values, and perspectives on various issues. This positive social interaction may eventually
improve the historically-strained relationship between the Mapuche people and Chilean citizens.
Lastly, these effects may promote the social and political empowerment of the Mapuche people
overall.
Chapter 5. Policy Recommendations for Ecotourism Development
The outcomes of indigenous ecotourism initiatives are influenced by a complex
interaction of factors, including, environmental, political, economic, social, cultural, and
historical factors. As such, the policy recommendations for such efforts will be equally as
diverse, and must appeal to the variety of factors at play in the ecotourism development process.
135 Scheyvens 1999, 247. 136 Ibid, 246.
47
Additionally, ecotourism development takes place in a variety of stages and likewise, the
recommendations will appeal to the “level” at which the tourism program is currently. In the
indigenous tourism sector especially, ecotourism development faces a variety of additional
challenges that arise with indigenous affairs, including the securing of land rights, cultural
identity, economic power, and discrimination. According to Nepal, the successful development
of indigenous ecotourism can depend on certain key drivers, including:
1. “Overwhelming local support for community-oriented projects
2. Proactive marketing and publicity at the national level
3. Strong social and economic standing of the participants
4. Community support for ecotourism and willingness to adapt to new economic
opportunities
5. Projects built upon principles of partnership and collaboration
6. External support of the project from the government and NGOs” 137
Lastly, while ecotourism is commonly used to promote economic development in host
communities, it is important to note that the “‘successes’ of indigenous ecotourism ventures may
also be measured in environmental, social, or political outcomes rather than in purely economic
terms.” 138
Economic Recommendations. The stages of indigenous ecotourism development include:
“(1) tourism exploration of Indigenous peoples on tribal lands; (2) involvement of the local
community in providing tourism facilities, and (3) tribal tourism development based on secure
land titles and partnerships with tour operators.” Mapuche tourism activities can be 139
especially within the country’s rural areas that are home to fragile forest, coastal, and wetland
ecosystems, rather than programs that support the already-established agro-export sector of their
economy.
Moving forward, the Chilean government should focus attention on ecotourism as a
source of foreign direct investment, rather than on more extractive activities such as logging,
mining, commercial fishing, and agriculture. Currently, rampant logging activities in the
Araucanía region threaten Mapuche ancestral territory as well as prospects for ecotourism
development. Measures must be taken to protect the natural capital of the local environment in
the Araucanía and in the Coast of Carahue, as non-native Eucalyptus tree species have threatened
the surrounding ecosystem. CONAF, Chile’s National Forest Corporation, could impose stricter
regulations on timber practices and set upper limits on the amount of wood that can be cut by
national and international logging conglomerates. CONAF can also provide economic incentives
to logging companies and forest landowners for sustainable logging practices such as “reduced
impact logging” and “best management practices,” similar to Finland’s successful approach in
the country’s Forestry Act of 1996. 143
In an alternative approach, Chile can follow the example set by the Costa Rican
government in regards to the issue of logging in the Araucanía. According to Miller, Costa Rica
faced threats of economic crisis and rapid deforestation during the 1980s, which coincided with
the country’s need to diversify their exports. Ecotourism was one such strategy they pursued to 144
address these issues. This resulted in a variety of positive effects for Costa Rica’s economy as
well as their then-emerging ecotourism industry. Miller states that ecotourism “helped to reverse
143 Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, “Logging Conservation Practices,” Accessed May 9, 2019. https://globalforestatlas.yale.edu/forest-use-logging/logging/logging-conservation-practices. 144 Miller 2012, 9.
52
the trend of deforestation as land was set aside to be used for ecotourism. Much of the land that
was set aside was incorporated into the Costa Rican national park system, which became the
backbone of the ecotourism industry.” Costa Rica sets a valuable example of wise and 145
sustainable land management in their protection of fragile forest lands. Furthermore, this
example demonstrates a potential opportunity for the Chilean government to strengthen their
own burgeoning ecotourism industry by designating more areas in the Araucanía as protected
lands.
Additionally, the Chilean government should focus on establishing a comprehensive set
of regulations and policies regarding ecotourism within their “sustainable tourism” initiative.
Some specific policies, regulations, or measures could include: creating an ecotourism task force
to deal exclusively with ecotourism issues, designating more national parks and preserved lands,
and enacting federal legislation that protects natural resources. Doing this will ensure that
ecotourism developers and operators are held accountable for health, safety, environmental,
social, and economic standards in ecotourism. This will also ensure that ecotourism goals are
clearly defined, and help prevent the negative effects of ecotourism, including exploitation and
environmental degradation, from impacting host communities. Furthermore, the Chilean
government should adopt principles of “sustainability” into their federal policy making in all
other areas of policy apart from tourism. According to Miller, an overall “orientation toward
sustainability affects both state behavior, particularly with respect to environmental laws and
regulations, and the individual’s orientation towards the environment.” Clear goals, 146
definitions, guidelines, and regulations will increase the chances for ecotourism operators and
145 Ibid, 9-10. 146 Ibid, 14.
53
developers to meet their intended economic, environmental, and political goals, as well as orient
the entire development movement towards a sustainable future.
According to Honey, public-private partnerships are another effective means through
which ecotourism development is achieved. Public support of the private sector’s push toward
ecotourism can help serve as the main engine for development, through the implementation of 147
relevant ecotourism policies as well as providing direct financial subsidies to ecotourism
development programs. In this case, the Chilean government should work to implement
programs that provide direct financial aid to Mapuche ecotourism development in the Coast of
Carahue. Though there is a long history of strife between the Mapuche people and the Chilean
government, the Mapuche people should continue to participate in activism and in broader
government processes in order to advocate for government support of Mapuche ecotourism
development activities. Steps should be taken to guarantee that Mapuche community members
are represented in the democratic process and that their voices are heard by higher levels of
government. As was discussed in Chapter 3, involvement in government elections and in
democratic processes to advocate for indigenous land rights and well-being, as well as support
for ecotourism programs, can help ensure that local Mapuche community members will be able
to control and manage the ecotourism sites, and increase the chances that they will capture the
majority of economic benefits from tourism.
Non-Governmental Recommendations. There are many other actors in ecotourism
development that can help local communities and host-countries achieve their development
goals. First, lending institutions and banks, should focus on granting loans and aid directly to
147 Honey 2008, 24.
54
host country governments to support infrastructure, business development, and human and social
capital. Lending institutions can also send aid directly to local communities, to support small
projects and programs at the local level. Financial support is the key factor in the equation that
can make or break indigenous ecotourism efforts. NGOs can assist in other ways, by providing
assistance and training in other relevant areas of ecotourism development. As discussed earlier in
Chapter 5, the Catholic Church in Chile has been the main NGO that has contributed financial
support and training services in areas such as hospitality, business management, and other skills
to local community members in the Coast of Carahue. However, host country governments and
local community stakeholders can seek further aid from organizations such as the World Wildlife
Fund, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and the Rainforest Alliance to assist in
ecotourism development activities.
Local community stakeholders can also consult with international environmental
protection organizations, such as the Ramsar Convention. As discussed in Chapter 2, local
community members in the towns of Carahue, Nehuentue, Trovolhue, Cullinco, and Moncul who
support the ecotourism project are currently pursuing designation of the Moncul wetland as a
wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention,
which focuses primarily on the protection and sustainable management of fragile wetland
ecosystems around the world, can provide much-needed support for the wetland ecotourism site.
The designation of the Moncul Wetland as a protected Ramsar site would encourage cooperation
in the conservation of the wetland. Additionally, this designation would unite local community
members in commitment to the sustainable use and management of its resources overall.
Ensuring support, commitment, and partnership between both local community members and the
55
Ramsar Convention can help ensure that any ecotourism program in the Moncul wetland adheres
to principles of sustainable management, and likewise, encourages protection of the wetland’s
unique biodiversity.
Environmental Recommendations. As discussed in Chapter 2, there are many strategies to
avoid the negative ecological consequences that may arise in ecotourism. Blumstein maintains
that “unless environmental conservation is at the core of nature-based tourism, its long-term
sustainability is at risk.” Therefore, Mapuche community members must keep environmental 148
conservation and protection at the core of their ecotourism development programs. Blumstein
offers a variety of effective environmental strategies. First, programs can manage or limit the
number of visitors that visit the reserve during any one period. Providing guidelines and 149
education on proper tourist behavior can also lead to a variety of positive results. This can also 150
be done by posting signs throughout the reserve that inform visitors about appropriate behavior
and the needs of wildlife in the area. Alternatively, Blumstein discusses the option of only 151
allowing guided tours, whose “guides or rangers may control the distribution and inappropriate
conducts of tourists.” Erecting fences and other barriers is effective in “regulating tourist 152
access to vulnerable bird colonies,” such as Moncul’s waterfowl species, but can also be used 153
to protect other fragile species. Additionally, constructing boardwalks and raised platforms can
reduce vegetation damage and keep visitors away from the area’s most sensitive wildlife areas, 154
however, they can also provide vantage points for optimal viewing of the area’s natural beauty.
Finally, because the presence of humans within natural habitats can be a source of stress for
many wildlife species, local community members can erect visual shields, which are frequently
used by birdwatchers, in order to prevent wildlife from seeing tourists. While these measures 155
may be effective for protecting wildlife in the Moncul wetland, such measures can certainly be
applied in any ecotourism destination or program.
Conclusion. Pursuing a mix of these policy recommendations can increase the chances of
successful ecotourism development, while helping to prevent the negative effects of ecotourism
from impacting host communities. Incorporating the lessons discussed throughout all chapters,
the success of the Mapuche ecotourism effort depends on the safe and sustainable management
of the Moncul wetland and the well-being of Mapuche people throughout various local
communities in the Coast of Carahue. Equipped with caring and responsible stewards, the
Moncul wetland has potential to foster a successful ecotourism enterprise in Chile’s Coast of
Carahue. Furthermore, these communities have an opportunity to create an immersive,
educational experience for visitors. Not only can their ecotourism program impart a sense of love
and care for the environment, but it can also help educate visitors on the Mapuche culture and
way of life. By providing a rich cultural experience to tourists, they may leave with a newfound
appreciation for the rich indigenous heritage of the Mapuche people. As they develop a deeper
affinity and concern for indigenous issues, perhaps this can help improve the overall relationship
between the Chilean public and the Mapuche people. Lastly, local Mapuche community
members may feel a sense of empowerment through improved social relations, community
155 Ibid, 109.
57
cohesion, as well as political and economic strength through the development of their ecotourism
programs.
While ecotourism is not a universal strategy to achieve every environmental, social,
political, and economic goal, it can certainly function as a useful tool to benefit the environment,
local communities, and visitors in various ways. Ecotourism is still a relatively young industry,
as are many sustainability movements around the world. With the lack of regulation and policies
for environmental protection, especially in the developing world, there is a certain potential for
negative environmental, social, and economic consequences. However, as this thesis discussed
throughout, the factors that influence the outcomes of tourism initiatives in local communities
are complex, and may interact in different ways across various contexts. As long as ecotourism
programs maintain the principles of local empowerment and sustainable management of the
natural environment, ecotourism has the potential to benefit local people, biodiversity, and
visitors alike.
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