UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ ECOTOURISM AND THE INTEGRATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM PROJECT IN SAN PABLO, OAXACA, MEXICO A Senior Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF ARTS in ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES by Kate Harrison December 2010 ADVISOR: Erika Zavaleta, Environmental Studies ABSTRACT: Ecotourism is a means of sustainable travel that focuses on minimizing environmental impacts, improving local economies, and preserving cultural traditions. First a model of the different dynamics of ecotourism development is described. The paper then accesses a specific case study of the sustainability of San Pablo Etla’s ecotourism project, located in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. Communitybased management strategies that seek to incorporate the social, economic, and political sectors of the community are used to evaluate the process of the collaboration between governments, nongovernmental organizations, and communities. The ecotourism project in San Pablo Etla hopes to unite environmental conservation with the local community members of the Central Valley and foreign tourists interested in ecotourism travel. The analysis of the ecotourism initiative in San Pablo Etla was obtained by volunteer work under the supervision of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). I have included the specifics projects I worked on (a map, pamphlet, documents for each route, and website content). wI provide recommendations for San Pablo Etla to continue working towards a sustainable ecotourism infrastructure that supports the needs and interests of the specific community. KEYWORDS: Ecotourism, San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico, Sustainable, Environment, Communitybased management, Development I claim the copywrite to this document but give permission for the Environmental Studies department at UCSC to share it with the UCSC community. _____________________________________
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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
ECOTOURISM AND THE INTEGRATION OF A SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM PROJECT IN
SAN PABLO, OAXACA, MEXICO
A Senior Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF ARTS
in
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
by
Kate Harrison
December 2010
ADVISOR: Erika Zavaleta, Environmental Studies ABSTRACT: Ecotourism is a means of sustainable travel that focuses on minimizing environmental impacts, improving local economies, and preserving cultural traditions. First a model of the different dynamics of ecotourism development is described. The paper then accesses a specific case study of the sustainability of San Pablo Etla’s ecotourism project, located in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. Community-‐based management strategies that seek to incorporate the social, economic, and political sectors of the community are used to evaluate the process of the collaboration between governments, non-‐governmental organizations, and communities. The ecotourism project in San Pablo Etla hopes to unite environmental conservation with the local community members of the Central Valley and foreign tourists interested in ecotourism travel. The analysis of the ecotourism initiative in San Pablo Etla was obtained by volunteer work under the supervision of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). I have included the specifics projects I worked on (a map, pamphlet, documents for each route, and website content). wI provide recommendations for San Pablo Etla to continue working towards a sustainable ecotourism infrastructure that supports the needs and interests of the specific community. KEYWORDS: Ecotourism, San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico, Sustainable, Environment, Community-‐based management, Development I claim the copywrite to this document but give permission for the Environmental Studies department at UCSC to share it with the UCSC community. _____________________________________
Works Cited …………………………………………………………………………………………………52
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Ecotourism and the Integration of a Sustainable Ecotourism Project in San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico
Introduction Ecotourism is recognized as a potential tool for sustainable development in
semi-‐rural and rural communities. Although ecotourism has many different
definitions, it is generally known to be a type of leisure travel that enjoys the natural
environment in a way that minimizes the negative consequences of the environment
and benefits the socio-‐cultural interaction (West and Carrier 2004). Developing a
community-‐based management approach represents an essential practice for
sustainability that maintains local control and empowers the economic, social,
cultural, and political sectors of the community. Building on the general dynamics of
ecotourism, this paper focuses on a specific case study in San Pablo Etla, Oaxaca,
Mexico. The ecotourism project in San Pablo Etla is in its beginning years of
initiating a sustainable infrastructure for the conservation of the environment and
respect for the local culture and community welfare. This ecotourism development
involves the collaboration of different sectors of the community, such as the
government, non-‐governmental organizations, and the communities themselves.
San Pablo Etla’s ecotourism project reflects the increased opposition to large profit-‐
seeking tourism corporations, which negatively impacts the environment and
threatens the cultural and social welfare of the host community.
Ecotourism in Theory In the past few decades ecotourism has massively grown and become one of
the most cultural and economic forces in the world today. The demands of
consumers wanting remote, exotic, and natural travel has increased so rapidly that
ecotourism is now the fastest growing sector of tourism, with an estimated growth
rate of 10-‐15 percent (Scheyvens 1999). A recent study found that in 2004 between
157 and 236 million people participated in ecotourism, generating expenditures of
4
about 1.2 million dollars (West and Carrier 2004). This massive sector of tourism,
particularly from Western Europe and North America, has paralleled the increasing
global awareness of our environmental impact and seeks to promote conscious
travelers who support the economy and culture of host communities. In this sense,
ecotourism is both cultural and environmental tourism that plays an integral part in
benefiting local communities and the quality of life of people and their natural
resources.
Since ecotourism is a fairly new term and has received much attention in
recent years, the definition is still under considerable debate. The ecotourism idea
was first made widespread in 1976 by Budowski when he argued that the
integration of tourism and conservation practices can offer physical, cultural,
ethical, and economic advantages to the country (Budowski 1976). However, the
term “ecotourism” was not used until the late 1980’s when there began to be an
increased recognition of the negative impacts mass tourism was having on natural
areas. The activities of ecotourism, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing,
climbing, fishing, and boating were popular long before the term “ecotourism” even
came about. Since visiting areas for the purpose of observing and experiencing
elements of natural beauty is not new, this phrase merely serves to integrate the
growing interest of these activities in the natural environment with the
corresponding need for environmental conservation and a desire to minimize the
negative impacts (Orams, 1995). One popular definition of ecotourism is
environmentally responsible, enlightening travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-‐economic development of local populations (Scheyvens 1999).
According to this definition, ecotourism incorporates cultural and
environmental tourism, promoting a more sustainable infrastructure for the local
community. The World Commission on Environment and Development elaborates
5
on this definition and incorporates a more long term outlook of ecotourism:
“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs” (Schaller 1998). The social
phenomenon of urban societies seeking leisure time has created mostly
metropolitan tourist destinations where economic gain is the principle goal. In
recent years, the term ecotourism has grown to examine how tourists can travel to
rural destinations such that the local populations directly benefit from the
interaction. In contrast to conventional tourists, ecotourists stay in facilities that are
likely to be owned and managed by local people rather than multinational
corporations, often eat local foods and consume local services, and pay entrance fees
that help support parks, reserves, and other such projects (West and Carrier 2004).
Nature tourism (which is not the same as ecotourism) is only based on the use of
natural resources and only considers the motivations of the tourist and the activity
itself, not the cultural, economic and environmental impacts (Schaller 1998).
Ecotourism takes this form of tourism one step farther and links together the
concepts of sustainable development to educate, conserve the natural resources,
and benefit the local community.
Ecotourism in Practice
For ecotourism to become a healthy and viable infrastructure the host
community must seek to incorporate the impacts of the social dimensions with the
environmental and economic impacts of tourism. The phrase “community-‐based
ecotourism management” (CBEM) has been used among academics to describe
ecotourism projects that are environmentally conscious, as well as making sure the
host community has a high degree of control over the initiative (Scheyvens 1999).
CBEM is about sharing responsibilities and authority in the management process
between the government and communities (Foucat 2002). Although the term
ecotourism is constantly being redefined, the current notion of ecotourism came
from this integration of the local community and a merger of environmentally
responsible and socially responsible threads. This is in contrast to ecotourism
ventures that are controlled completely by outside operators and paid for solely by
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the government or foreign tourism companies. Ecotourism is not just about bringing
tourists to see the natural beauty of the place, but must also have a development
perspective based on the considerations of the social, economic, and environmental
needs of the local community, thus creating ownership of the project.
Subsequently, for sustainable ecotourism development there needs to be
initiatives that empower the local people. When the project comes from the joint
ideas and hard work of the local community, future generations become part of the
infrastructure. Projects that are controlled by outside operators, like large tourism
companies run from the center of cities, and not from the political structure of the
host community, creates a sense of disconnect. Instead, the local community must
decide the forms of the tourism facilities, conservation areas, and the distribution of
the costs and benefits of the different stakeholders (Scheyvens 1999). Social
organizations and integration of youth groups, church groups, or women groups
that encourage the whole community to participate must be managed appropriately
to economically benefit a wide range of community members. It is studied that
ecotourism projects that aim to build a base where women and children can sell
local products or work in a local co-‐operative restaurant creates a more empowered
mechanism which strengthens the effectiveness of the initiative (Foucat 2002). By
providing an income for many previously unemployed community members
ecotourism can be both socially and economically sustainable. Attaining local
control by scaling down the production processes and returning the power to local
units of governance, ecotourism can avoid economic leakages, minimize negative
impacts, and concentrate the benefits locally (Schaller 1998).
The financing of the project must come from sources that represent and
understand the importance of a viable and sustainable infrastructure. Money
should come directly from tourists and be invested in a community fund, not
through an intermediary travel agency. Unlike mass tourism in metropolitan areas
where the majority of the money comes from the government, ecotourism in rural to
semi-‐rural communities collects money directly from tourists. When there is rapid
investment by outside developers it denies the townspeople the necessary time to
accumulate enough of their own capital to start their own tourism business
7
(Schaller 1998). This situation creates a separation between the tourist and the
host community, which deteriorates the authenticity of the visit and the social and
economic sustainability of the place. Instead, the host and the quest must come to an
agreement in which the ecotourist benefits from the natural beauty and cultural
immersion of the place, while the host benefits from the money and good intentions
of the tourist.
To put this theory into practice, the ecotourist must take an active and
responsible role in the quality of the natural, cultural, and economic sectors of the
host community. It is suggested that an educational-‐based management strategy
should be set in place to shift the role of the ecotourist from a passive role to an
active one (Orams 1995). If there is development and facilitation of environmental
and cultural education while the visitor is enjoying the natural beauty of the area, a
change in attitude can result in a more environmentally and sustainably sound
infrastructure. The management strategy should “attempt to move the visitor
experience beyond mere enjoyment to incorporate learning and to facilitate attitude
and behavior change” (Orams 1995). Ecotourists should be encouraged to become
active contributors of the viability of the natural environment and the social and
economic development of the host community.
Ecotourism Benefits The overall intention of ecotourism is to protect the natural environment
from detrimental impacts, provide for an enjoyable tourist experience, and promote
economic, political and social empowerment for the local community. For the guest,
ecotourism not only seeks to provide outdoor-‐based activities (like biking, hiking,
kayaking, backpacking, birding, climbing, etc.), but also educates about the
environmental resources and the culture of the area. Through guided tours,
informational signs, or just interacting with the local community members,
education for visitors provides a long lasting relationship that contributes to the
viability of the infrastructure.
In addition, ecotourism can provide psychological and social empowerment
that increases the confidence of the local people. With increased recognition from
8
outsiders of the uniqueness and value of the local culture and traditional knowledge,
the self-‐esteem of the community members grows (Scheyvens 1999). With this,
there is more desire to seek out more education and training opportunities to
further build up their infrastructure. In addition to social empowerment,
communities can experience greater political strength. If the political structure is
managed appropriately with a fair forum to express different ideas and interests of
all community members the municipality will be more empowered.
Economic empowerment through the creation of jobs and income for rural
communities is one of the most important benefits that ecotourism offers.
Ecotourism can alleviate some of the economic depressions that a community might
be experiencing, for example with agriculture or the selling of local products. When
the cash earned is shared among the different households in the community, there
can be visible signs of economic progress, like improved water systems,
transportation, and improvements in housing material. However, it should be noted
that economic empowerment could also be affected by the community’s reduced
access to productive resources in the area now targeted by ecotourism (Scheyvens
1999). If managed well, the ecotourism infrastructure can create jobs for previously
unemployed local community members (like nature guides, local management
positions, merchants selling food and local products, and owners of rental houses).
In this sense, ecotourism not only offers educational and nature-‐based activities for
visitors, but also empowers the local community socially, economically, and
politically.
Ecotourism Costs
It is the more remote, less developed destinations where more tourists want
to venture to that are the most vulnerable to cultural disruption and environmental
degradation (Scheyvens 1999). Accepting ecotourism as a common good can be
disruptive, and thus it is necessary to think critically about the impact of ecotourism.
When “ecotourism results in economic benefits for a local community, it may result
in damage to social and cultural systems thus undermining people’s overall quality
of life” (Scheyvens 1999). When ecotourism projects are only for economic gain and
9
large tourist businesses the impact can be extremely alienating for the host
community.
Ecotourism can potentially be economically and politically disempowering if
not managed to enhance community cohesion and collaboration to build a
successful ecotourism venture. When most profits go to local elites, outside
operators, or governmental agencies and not everyone shares in the benefits of the
ecotourism initiative or are disturbed by the reduced access to the protected area
that they once had, community members will financially struggle and economically
loose. In addition to this deteriorating economic force, if a community has a self-‐
interested leadership, in which agencies initiating the project fail to involve other
members, the majority of the people might become disinterested and feel a lack of
ownership of the project.
Among the economic and political costs of ecotourism, the local community
might struggle from social and psychologically disempowerment. In ecotourism
terms, the search for something authentic leads tourists on a journey for that which
they perceive to be pristine, primitive, and untouched by modernity (Schaller 1998).
This journey takes tourists to more rural communities where the geographic
isolation manages to preserve their “authenticity.” However, ecotourism agencies
often generalize people and the environment, providing a sense of ethical
satisfaction and transforming the people and nature to fit Western notions. Due to
this influence, the true nature of the local community is often overpowered and the
destination is no longer “authentic.” It is argued that instead of inspiring locals to
preserve traditional costumes, ecotourism can impact cultural conservation by
destroying the “spirit” by which the culture was created (Schaller 1998).
“Manufacturing” culture solely for tourist’s consumption can influence community
members to take on outside values and lose respect for their traditional culture.
Although ecotourism seeks to minimize environmental impact, it can easily
become a huge business and destroy the resources that is seeks to protect. Thus, is it
necessary to address the question of whether tourist traffic to wilderness areas
damages the environment more than it helps conserve it? In essence, ecotourists
might end up “loving nature to death.” In the past few years the prefix “eco” has
10
been used to advertise the “green” market that many consumers are demanding.
Because of this, it is necessary to be cautious that the ecotourism label is not taking
advantage of the popular “greening” economic marketplace to “eco-‐sell” tourism
(Orams 1995). With this critical perspective of ecotourism, it is hoped that a more
progressive and educational community-‐based management initiative can be
implemented, thus avoiding as many problems as possible.
CASE STUDY: The Potential of San Pablo Etla’s Project as Sustainable Development Introduction to Ecotourism In Oaxaca Oaxaca, Mexico has long been a popular destination for tourists because of its
vibrant city and culturally diverse indigenous communities. Both foreigners and
other Mexicans come to Oaxaca city to enjoy the unique cuisine, cultural festivities
(especially Day of the Dead), the ruins at Monte Alban, and a few other popular tour
destinations that offer a taste of the artisan work and marketplaces (Expediciones
Sierra Norte Oaxaca Tours). The World Council of Tourism and Trips (Consejo
Mundial de Viajes y Turismo) has estimated that in 2013 Mexico will be the second
country with the largest tourism growth and the third country with the most tourist
employers in the world (SECTUR 2006). However, the majority of the commercial
and tourists activities are for sports, cultural, or adventure travel, and not
ecotourism. Ecotourism, which offers tourists more of a natural and educational
perspective, is still a discipline that has yet to be developed like other countries.
The potential for ecotourism in Mexico, especially Oaxaca, is huge. Mexico is a
destination that offers 30,000 plant species, 1,040 species of wild birds, 957 species
of reptiles and amphibians, 2,500 species of butterflies, and 119 natural protected
areas (SECTUR 2006). Due to the coastal, mountainous, and desert climate zones,
Oaxaca is the state that offers the greatest biodiversity in all of Mexico. With the
different ecological zones (humid tropical, sub-‐humid tropical and temperate) it is
calculated that Oaxaca has more than 50% of the national total of plants and
animals, and 63% of the national total of birds (SiPaz 2010). With the richest
biodiversity in Mexico, it is calculated that the state of Oaxaca has 8,431 plant
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species, 1,431 vertebrates, and more than 3,000 invertebrates (Instituto de Biología
2005). Among the top three states in Mexico with the most land covered in forest,
forestry is part of Oaxaca’s potential richness. For thousands of years there has been
a strong relationship between the plants, animals, and humans in Oaxaca generating
knowledge about the use for medicine, food, fiber, and construction (Instituto de
Biología 2005). CONANP currently administers 150 federal natural areas that
include over 17.8 million hectares (SiPaz 2010). Although Oaxaca is one of the states
with the most biodiversity with lots of protected land, there are still high rates of
natural destruction. Due to the illegal trafficking of wood, forest fires, collecting of
flora and fauna, and capitalization of water it is estimated that there is an annual
loss of 30,000 hectares of forest and severe erosion of 20% of the state (SiPaz 2010).
Although the state of Oaxaca is one of the most diverse states in Mexico in terms of
ethnic and biological diversity, it suffers from a high level of poverty and
environmental deterioration.
Although there are large numbers of tourists that come to Oaxaca, the large
potential of natural beauty is underrepresented and underdeveloped for ecotourism
travel. The governmental agencies that are involved in the development of the
ecotourism infrastructure in Oaxaca are: The Secretary of the Environment and
Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Secretary of Economics (SE), the Secretary of
Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing, and Food (SAGARPA), the
National Commission for the Rural Indigenous Development (CDI), the National
Fund of Tourist Promotion (FONATUR), the Council of Tourist Promotion of Mexico
(CPTM), the Commission of National Forestry (CONAFOR), and the National
Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). Among all these governmental
agencies, with the financial support of a few environmental non-‐governmental
agencies (like the Institute of Nature and Society in Oaxaca, INSO), Oaxaca is
beginning to find financial and organization support for ecotourism initiatives
(SECTUR 2006).
To better understand development of an ecotourism infrastructure in
Oaxaca, I have been working closely with CONANP and the local municipality and
community members of a specific host community, San Pablo Etla. CONANP is in the
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beginning years of developing a branch of their office for ecotourism. They have
chosen five communities in the surrounding area of Oaxaca city in the Central Valley
to help financially and organizationally support the growth of their individual
ecotourism projects. They have chosen these five communities on the basis of
community interest, strong municipality leadership, and natural beauty that can be
sold to tourists. Out of the five communities, San Pablo Etla was assigned to me.
Although San Pablo Etla’s ecotourism project is still fairly new and does not yet offer
sufficient data to do a cost-‐benefit analysis, it is worthwhile to consider the benefits
and costs for the viability of the project.
Study location
In between the southern and northern mountain ranges of Mexico lies the
Central Valley of Oaxaca. One of the three valleys that comprise the Central Valley is
the Valley of Etla, where San Pablo Etla is found. San Pablo Etla lies northeast to
Oaxaca city and is along the northern stretches of the Rio Atoyac, one of the main
tributaries that feeds into the city and out to the Pacific Ocean. Ranging from 5,000
feet up to the tallest point at 10,833 feet, San Pablo Etla’s mountains form part of the
Sierra Norte or the Sierra Juárez. Because of the range of elevations, San Pablo Etla
offers nature lovers hundreds of different plants, animals, and birds. The mountains
range from a deciduous oak tree forest up to a pine forest in the higher elevations.
Due to its close proximity to Oaxaca city, the town of San Pablo Etla has been a fairly
accessible destination for visitors and in 2000 it was recorded that the sector of
commercial and tourism brought in 63% of their economic revenue (San Pablo Etla
Online Encyclopedia 2009). However, the land farther up in the mountains (a 15-‐30
minute drive from the center) is still unvisited and underdeveloped.
With the rapid growth of urban life in Oaxaca, San Pablo Etla has began to
expand and adapt to these modern influences. Since San Pablo Etla’s mountains
captures some of the water that feeds into the larger city, the town of San Pablo Etla
is considered to be a very important ecological place. In an attempt to protect this
supply of water and control the urban expansion, the community of San Pablo Etla
has sectioned off a natural protected area up in their mountains. Governmental
13
agencies, like CONANP and SEMARNAT, and non-‐governmental agencies, like INSO,
are offering up support and helping develop their ecotourism initiative there.
Although San Pablo Etla gets support from these organizations, the members
of the community have sole charge of the co-‐operative. Especially important is the
role of the Comisariado (Commissioner) in the Bienes Comunales office, who is
elected to provide leadership for all that is based in the mountainous land in San
Pablo Etla. With the Comisariado and the newly organized ecotourism committee
consisting of some community members, it is a completely autonomous form of
government. The Bienes Comunales is not guided by any other institution and is
organized by a local communal form of government, known as Usos y Costumbres (a
legal term indicating indigenous law). They provide for the natural resource
exploitation of pine wood and the social organization of the communities needs. The
political structure seems to represent the majority of the needs and interests of all
different community members and the Comisariado has been very supportive of the
ecotourism venture.
Goal of the Project
The community of San Pablo Etla hopes to use their protected land as a
means for environmental conservation and education. With governmental funds,
San Pablo Etla has already constructed two cabins in the forest that offer vacancies
for around 15 people and a restaurant/community center close to the entrance of
the protected area. Up to elevations of 10,000 feet, the mountains in San Pablo Etla
also offer miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birding. Local
community members working for the municipality visit the mountains daily for the
commercial wood collection and know the trails better than anyone. However, all
the services that the mountains have to offer have yet to be used on a regular basis
by visitors.
A recent community presentation given in San Pablo Etla by INSO outlined
the goals of these services and the general development of the ecotourism
initiatives. Using a similar model as that of a neighboring community, San Andrés
Huayapam, San Pablo Etla hopes to section of a portion of land around the
14
restaurant to devote as their main focus for the conservation project. The objectives
of the project are to protect the different ecosystems and natural systems of the
area, to develop ecotourism that conserves the rural area and helps the local people,
to regenerate the capacity and filtration system of the water, expand job
opportunities to local families, experiment with organic agriculture practices, and
offer environmental education and community events.
Methods of the Project
Under the supervision of CONANP, I volunteered my time in the community
of San Pablo Etla participating and analyzing the implementation of their
ecotourism infrastructure. I hiked all the well known trails in their forest, made a
useful map for ecotourists, wrote up documents describing the necessities for each
trail route, worked on promoting the project by making a pamphlet and writing the
content for the ecotourism website. Although members at CONANP initially
directed me, most of my work was done independently and based on the
interactions and connections made in the community (which turned out to be the
most valuable and informative ways to learn about community development). Here
are the methods describing the process by which San Pablo Etla is moving toward
having regular ecotourist visitors.
San Pablo Etla is approaching their political, economic, and social structure
with community-‐based management that empowers the local people and
collaborates different ideas and interests. The Comisariado and the ecotourism
committee have already begun working in collaboration with governmental
organizations, like CONANP, to help organize and finance the project. The initiative
must bring the different interests of the municipality, community members, local
wood collectors, Mexican tourists, and foreigners together. This collaboration from
within the community will encourage a feeling of ownership of the project. I
recommend that San Pablo Etla organize a special event to kick off the beginning of
the ecotourism initiative at the newly built restaurant/community center. This will
encourage community members to go up the mountains (which few people actually
15
do now) and celebrate a sense of ownership around the beauty and potential of
their land.
One of the first steps of making this ecotourism site accessible is to make the
trails in the mountains usable and safe. As a result, I hiked around the most well
known trails with a GPS (around 50 kilometers worth) and made a map of the
protected lands. This map will make the mountains more accessible for a variety of
visitors (backpackers, birders, bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and day users). I
have compiled documents about each route that I mapped out, each with
information about the mileage, difficulty, elevation, points of interest, and ecological
significance of the specific ecological zones. The documents also describe in detail
what signs need to be built, the content of the signs, and the model of the sign based
on CONANP’s models. I also have added information about additional construction
projects to make the trails accessible, safe, and enjoyable (fire rings, additional
stairs, areas of reconstruction of trails, removal of trees, viewpoint balconies,
benches, and picnic tables). There has also been recent progress about the building
of another cabin (possibly a tree house) closer to the restaurant in the lower parts of
the mountain. I have helped the community find beautiful and accessible sites that
could be options for this new cabin. It is though that a cabin built closer to the
restaurant (the other cabins are much higher near the top of the mountain) will
encourage more visitors to San Pablo Etla. When the Bienes Comunales and CONANP
discuss their budget in the following year, they will use these documents I have
created to figure out what needs to be built for further progress.
An educational-‐based strategy is also necessary to prompt visitors to adopt
environmentally sensitive attitudes to become active contributors to the health and
viability of the project. I was assigned to help create interactive use of the trails to
facilitate educational objectives, which will result in better ecotourists and a better
natural environment. I compiled information that will be easily understood by a
large range of visitors about the important points of interest and biodiversity of the
different routes. This information will be used on the future signs that will be built
for each trailhead and on the website for ecotourism. In addition, there has also
been discussion and hopes for environmental education classes to take place in the
16
newly built restaurant/eco-‐center that is right at the entrance to the protected area.
The map, future trail signs, trail markers, and accessible environmental education
all provide and promote an enjoyable ecotourist experience.
To facilitate the accessibility and education of the region local nature guides
need to be trained. This not only creates job opportunities for potentially
unemployed people in the community generating economic benefits, it can
strengthen the experience of the ecotourist. Members of CONANP provided a recent
training to any community members interested in becoming guides in San Pablo
Etla. The class provided information about what it means to be a wilderness guide,
how to treat the costumer, and general information of the biodiversity of the region.
The demographics of the attendees of the class should be noted because it is
important to reach out and train the younger generation in hopes of promoting a
longer-‐lasting ecotourism infrastructure. CONANP plans on continuing these classes
in the following months.
In addition to training nature guides and building more accessible and
educational trail routes, San Pablo Etla must promote their project. Tourists
traveling to Oaxaca city from foreign countries, Mexican visitors, or locals from San
Pablo Etla need to be aware of what the San Pablo Etla’s mountains have to offer.
Advertising of birding, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, biking, the motocross
track, enjoying the viewpoint from the restaurant, or spending a couple of relaxing
days in the cabins needs to be made accessible. As a result, I made a pamphlet for
the ecotourism project in San Pablo Etla and have compiled informational blurbs for
the website that will be made for the community. The pamphlet provides
information about all the different activities available, a trail map, the prices, contact
information, and general objectives of the project. Once in use, the website will also
offer more in depth information about the biodiversity of the region, history of the
community, a complete list of the birds, and recommendations for travel. There is
also discussion among the community members about adding an online reservation
service for the cabins and advertising some of the houses and bed & breakfasts that
are open for rent. It is hoped that the pamphlet and website will make San Pablo
17
Etla a more accessible and well-‐known ecotourist destination, subsequently
providing regular visitation and a sustainable infrastructure.
Threats to the Sustainability of the Ecotourism Project As a result of the specific case study location, there are some internal and
external aspects that might damage San Pablo Etla’s appeal as an ecotourist
destination. It appears that they have kept the indirect costs and the environmental
threats at a minimum. With the little number of tourists the trail erosion and trash is
minimal, and probably less damaging than the cutting of the forest, which might
occur more frequently in absence of the ecotourism project. Although the
environmental destruction of ecotourists is still very minimal, there are other
obstacles that the ecotourism project has and might encounter in the future.
Competing ecotourism markets are taking away San Pablo Etla’s costumers,
thus affecting the economic gain of the ecotourism project. For example, farther
north lies San Andrés Huayapam, which offers an already developed restaurant and
cabins with similar natural beauty and activities offered. In addition, resources for
birding direct bird watchers up a free road that brings them to the same mountain
ranges as the one in San Pablo Elta. Birders might decide to go up that route instead
of paying the entrance fee and generating income for the ecotourism project in San
Pablo Etla.
Another factor influencing the development of the initiative is the effect of
visitors that rent houses of American owners in the third section (a neighborhood of
San Pablo Etla that has access to a different portion of the mountain). Wealthier
renters, mainly from Europe and North America, will spend weeks or months in
these houses for birding purposes or a quiet vacation get-‐away. These visitors
spend time up in the mountains without permission of the Comisariado, thus
contradicting the objectives of creating a communal, well-‐organized, and equal
distribution of the money generated. There has been no way to regulate the traffic
of these visitors and an agreement between the renters and the municipality for
getting permission to access the land has yet to be discussed. San Pablo Etla’s
18
ecotourism management must recognize these competing dynamics and organize
initiatives to direct visitors to pass the entrance and pay the appropriate fees.
19
Map
I spent the first weeks of my project hiking around the trails of San Pablo Etla
with a local community member who worked for the Bienes Comunales. Hiking on
the most well known trails (mainly used by donkeys to collect wood), I gathered all
the information I could about the names of the places, the points of interest of the
trail, the biodiversity of the ecological zone, and where trail maintenance was
needed. As we hiked we cut into trees with a machete to make trail markers. It is
hoped that these will be painted over with visible paint (preferably white), so that
the trail markers last longer. Coordinates were collected on a GPS and inputted into
google-‐earth. This map will be made accessible to tourists unfamiliar with the
territory and for local community members and guides to establish a uniform
understanding of the names and locations of the sites. It is hoped that this map will
be lamented and made available for visitors, as well as made into a large sign that
will be put in the entrance to the protected area.
20
Pamphlet
Noticing a lack of accessibility of information, I worked on making a
pamphlet to promote ecotourism in San Pablo Etla. Not only will this pamphlet
serve to promote the activities and services offered, it unites all the important
information (contact information, prices, trail map, objectives of the project, etc.) in
one place. By talking to different community members, mainly the Comisariado, I
gathered all the necessary content. Florencio Villapablo, a resident of San Pablo Etla,
helped me with the graphic design of the pamphlet. With financing from San Pablo
Etla and CONANP, it is hoped that this pamphlet will be distributed around the city
of Oaxaca and available at the entrance to the protected lands. This pamphlet is not
the final print because it is still under final revision.
21
Documents of Different Routes
There are seven documents, each describing one of the seven different hiking
routes that I created up in San Pablo Etla’s forest. Using information from the GPS,
my own experience of wilderness guiding, and research about the biodiversity of the
area, each document describes the necessities for the specific route. It offers
information about the permitted and prohibited activities, general biodiversity of
the specific ecological region, and a listing of all the different signs and other things
(benches, picnic tables, tent platform, fire rings, stairs etc.) that need to be built for
the development and maintenance of the trails. When CONANP and the Bienes
Comunales evaluate their budget for 2011 they will have specific information about
what needs to be built for the development of the ecotourism project. If more trails
are added, it is hoped that details of the new trails will be added to these documents.
22
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: PALO DE SOL Inicio: Entronque en el sendero Camino Real Final: Palo de Sol Distancia (Kilómetros): 6.76 Distancia (Miles): 4.20 Dificultad: Esfuerzo Tiempo (horas): 3 horas Elevación inicio-final (metros): 2480-2600 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 8136-8530 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x
Camping Recorrido en Bicicleta x Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
23
Biodiversidad: • Zona de encinos caducifolios o chaparros • Mas arriba hay una transición a encinos perennifolios y un
bosque de pinos • Una ruta buena para observación del aves por la humedad
Necesidades de la ruta Actividad/Obra Cantidad Ubicación Observación Descripción Señales descriptivas/ restrictivas
1 1) Inicio – entronque con la brecha en la ruta del camino real.
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar zona de descanso
1 Entronque con la brecha final en palo sol
Modelo atril de sendero de madera y lamina, pagina 146 manual CONANP
1) descripción del biodiversidad, restrictivas ambiental
Poda de arbustos sobre sendero
En la brecha hacia palo de sol
Remover de árboles que están en la brecha
Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.) -Lleva un suéter por el viento en la peña
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas
24
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: AGUACATALES 1 Inicio: Las Salinas Final: Aguacatales Distancia (Kilómetros): 2.52 Distancia (Miles): 1.56 Dificultad: Fácil Tiempo (horas): 1 Elevación inicio-final (metros): 1700-1940 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 5577-6364 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x Visitar las Salinas al inicio de la ruta
Camping x En el paraje los aguacatales
Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x
25
Biodiversidad • Zona de encinos caducifolios o chaparros • Zona de rehabilitación: antes han cultivado, ya no ahora. Están
coyotes, especies de reptiles, ranas arborícolas, ratones campo, musarañas
Necesidades de la ruta Actividad/Obra Cantida
d Ubicación Observación Descripción
Señales descriptivas/ restrictivas
2 1) Inicio – Salinas 2)Termino-aguacatales
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades 2) ubicación, restrictivas ambiental
Señales dirección 2 1) entronque con sendero a que sube a la brecha 2) Entronque con sendero que sube al sillón
Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP
1) flecha que indica los aguacatales 2) flecha que indica los aguacatales, las salinas, y el sillón
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar
1 Las Salinas Modelo atril de sendero de madera y
1) descripción del biodiversidad,
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas Solo en lugares
indicados
26
zona de descanso lamina, pagina 146 manual CONANP
restrictivas ambiental
Plataforma de acampado
3 Los aguacatales Bases de Madera de 3 x 3 m: 4-10 bloques de concreto, 7-10 5x15 cm tablas, 4 5x10 tablas al menos de 3 metros, y 4 tablas de un metro
Zona de fogata 1 Los aguacatales 8 pierdas largas en un circulo
Actividades /obra complementaria -Señalizar la entrada del sendero sobre la brecha principal en el punto de la Milpa (coordenadas) que indiquen el acceso a la ruta de las Salinas. Observación: Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP -En el largo plazo es factible instalar una banca de madera en la área de Las Salinas y en los Aguacatales Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.)
27
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: AGUACATALES 2 Inicio: Arenal Final: Aguacatales Distancia (Kilómetros): 3.56 Distancia (Miles): 2.21 Dificultad: Medio Tiempo (horas): 1.5 Elevación inicio-final (metros): 1960-1940 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 6430-6364 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas:
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x Visitar las Aguacatales
Camping x En el paraje los aguacatales
Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
28
Biodiversidad: • Zona de encinos caducifolios o chaparros • Zona de rehabilitación: antes han cultivad. ya no ahora. En vez
de los encinos que estaban antes están creciendo jarilla y espinosas
murciélago, coyotes, especies de reptiles, ranas arborícolas, ratones campo, musarañas
Necesidades de la ruta: Actividad/Obra Cantidad Ubicación Observación Descripción Señales descriptivas/restrictivas
1 1) Inicio – Arenal
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades
Señales dirección 1 1)En el Sillón
Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP
1) flecha que indica el arenal, boqueleon, y aguacatales
Actividades /obra complementaria: Señalizar la entrada del sendero sobre la brecha principal en el punto de Boqueleon (coordenadas) que indiquen el acceso a la ruta del Aguacatales. Observación: Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP Recomendaciones para el visitante:
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas Solo en lugares
indicados
29
-Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.)
30
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: CAMINO REAL Inicio: Camino Real Final: La Huerta Distancia (Kilómetros): 6.98 Distancia (Miles): 4.33 Dificultad: Esfuerzo Tiempo (horas): 3.5 Elevación inicio-final (metros): 1740-2560 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 5708-8398 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x Visitar el río en el medio del sendero
Camping Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
31
Biodiversidad: • Zona de encinos caducifolios o chaparros • Mas arriba hay una transición a encinos perennifolios y un
bosque de pinos • La Huerta tiene unos especies de agave mas grandes • Una ruta buena para observación del aves por la humedad por el
río Necesidades de la ruta Actividad/Obra Cantida
d Ubicación Observación Descripción
Señales descriptivas/ restrictivas
2 1) Inicio – Camino Real 2)Termino-La Huerta
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades 2) mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades
Señales dirección 2 1) entronque con sendero a que sube a palo sol 2) Entronque con sendero que sube al palo hueco
Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP
1) flecha que indica los camino real 2) flecha que indica camino real
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar zona de descanso
1 El primer cruz del río
Modelo atril de sendero de madera y lamina, pagina 146 manual
1) restrictivas ambiental
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas
32
CONANP Poda de arbustos sobre sendero
100 metros
En la brecha entre el sendero y la huerta
Remover 3 árboles que están en la brecha
Actividades /obra complementaria -En el largo plazo es factible instalar tres puentes sencillos en las tres lugares donde tienes que cruzar el río. Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -en la época de lluvia el río puede ser mas difícil a cruzar
33
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: NEVERIA Inicio: La Huerta Final: Las Cabañas Nevería Distancia (Kilómetros): 4.46 Distancia (Miles): 2.77 Dificultad: Esfuerzo Tiempo (horas): 4 Elevación inicio-final (metros): 2560-3040-2920 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 8399-9974-9580 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x En Terrero Observación de naturaleza
x Visitar las Salinas al inicio de la ruta
Camping x en las cabañas neveria
Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
34
Biodiversidad. • Zona de encinos y pinos (Quercus-pinus) • Parecido como un bosque mesófila por la humedad • Zona de poleo • Animales: Puma, Jabalí (Pecari), venado, tigrillo, caballos salvaje
(cerca del Terrero) • El Terrero es una zona buena a encontrar muchos aves: esta
haciendo un programa de monitoreo de aves Necesidades de la ruta Actividad/Obra Cantidad Ubicación Observación Descripción Señales descriptivas/ restrictivas
2 1) Inicio – La Huerta 2)Termino-Cabañas Neveria
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades 2) ubicación, restrictivas ambiental
Señales dirección 5 1) en la brecha principal en tololoche 2) en la brecha principal en portillo de la mina 3) donde cruza la brecha 4) entronque con sendero a que baja al terrero cabaña 5)entronque con la brecha que baja al terrero. En la neveria
Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP
1) flecha que indica la huerta y portillo de la mina 2) flecha que indica tololoche y cabaña neveria 3)flecha que indica portillo de la mina y cabaña neveria 4)flecha que indica terrero
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas Solo en lugares
indicados
35
cabaña y cabaña neveria 5) flecha que indica terrero cabaña y cabaña neveria
Construir escaleras
2 1) La huerta-tololoche 2) tololoche-portillo de la mina
Algunas lugares son muy espinadas. 5-10 Escaleras de madera
Actividades /obra complementaria -Señalizar el Terrero Cabaña en la brecha principal enfrente de las cabañas que indiquen los restrictivas ambientales. Observación: Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP -En el largo plazo es factible instalar un puentes sencillo en donde cruza la neveria. -En el largo plazo es factible instalar escaleras de madera (10) entre La Huerta y Tololoche Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.)
36
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: PENA BOLUDA Inicio: Vidrieria Final: Peña Boluda Distancia (Kilómetros): 1.11 Distancia (Miles): 0.69 Dificultad: Esfuerzo Tiempo (horas): 45 minutos Elevación inicio-final (metros): 2980-3302 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 9777-10833 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x Visitar las peña
Camping Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x En la peña boluda
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
37
Biodiversidad. • Bosque de pino (pinus) • Zona de poleo (cerca de Vidrieria) • Salvia • Tigridia orthantha • Tillandsia (muchos diferente especias) • Laurel • Madroño • Animales: puma (hasta la peña), jabalí (Pecari), venado, tigrillo
Necesidades de la ruta Actividad/Obra Cantidad Ubicación Observación Descripción Señales descriptivas/ restrictivas
1 1) Inicio – Vidrieria
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar zona de descanso
1 En la peña boluda
Modelo atril de sendero de madera y lamina, pagina 146 manual CONANP
1) descripción del biodiversidad, restrictivas ambiental
Actividades /obra complementaria -Señalizar la brecha principal hasta vidrieria en dos lugares donde entronque las brechas. Observación: Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP -En el largo plazo es factible arreglar las escaleras de madera en el camino que llega a la Peña Boluda. -También, es factible instalar mas escaleras de madera (3-7) hasta la peña.
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Tirar Basura Fogatas
38
Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.) -Lleva un suéter por el viento en la peña
39
COMUNIDAD AGRARIA DE SAN PABLO ETLA FICHAS DE SENDEROS PARA TURISMO DE NATURALEZA Nombre de Ruta: MOGOTE DEL POZO Inicio: Crucesita Final: Che Mediano Distancia (Kilómetros): 8.20 Distancia (Miles): 5.10 Dificultad: Medio Tiempo (horas): 2.5 Elevación inicio-final (metros): 2480-2880 Elevación inicio-final (pies): 8136-9448 Actividades Permitidas: Actividades NO Permitidas
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES Caminata a pie x Grupo de 15 por
máximo con 1 guía
Cabalgata a caballo x Grupo de 5 por máximo con 1 guía
Observación de aves x Observación de naturaleza
x
Camping Recorrido en Bicicleta Educación Ambiental x Observación de paisaje
x En Mogote del Pozo
ACTIVIDAD OBSERVACIONES
40
Biodiversidad: • Zona de encinos y pinos (Quercus-pinus) • Encino hoja delgada • Manzanita/pinguica (Arctostaphylos pungens) • Animales: venado, coyote, zorras, cacomixtle, jabali
Necesidades de la ruta
Motocross Extracción de plantas Extracción de animales
Modelo display de Madera y lamina, pagina 140 manual CONANP
1)mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades 2) mapa de la ruta, restrictivas ambiental, distancia, elevación inicio y final, dificultad, actividades
Señales dirección 2 1) entronque con sendero en la colorada 2) Entronque con sendero en la ventana del mogote del pozo 3)entronque con la brecha en manzanal
Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP
1) flecha que indica mogote del pozo, la brecha, y manzanal 2) flecha que indica mogote del pozo, manzanal, y Che mediana 3)flecha que indica mogote del pozo
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar zona de descanso
1 Mogote del Pozo
Modelo atril de sendero de madera y lamina, pagina 146 manual CONANP
1) descripción pasaje, restrictivas ambiental
41
Actividades /obra complementaria -Señalizar la entrada del sendero que juntan con la colorada sobre la brecha principal en el punto que indiquen el acceso a la ruta del Mogote del Pozo. Observación: Modelo atril vertical (47 x 47) de madera y lamina, pagina 147 manual CONANP -En el largo plazo es factible instalar una mirador de madera a lo alto de Mogote del Pozo Recomendaciones para el visitante -Lleva agua (un litro) -Pantalones largos -Lleva protección del sol (gorra, sombrero, camiseta, etc.)
Señales ubicación/ acondicionar zona de descanso
1 Mogote del Pozo
Modelo atril de sendero de madera y lamina, pagina 146 manual CONANP
1) descripción pasaje, restrictivas ambiental
Zona de fogata 1 Mogote del Pozo
8 pierdas largas en un circulo
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Website Content
Florencio Villapablo (who also helped me on the pamphlet) is in the process
of making a website for ecotourism in San Pablo Etla. Even though the design of the
website is already in place, he lacks all the content for the website. With my
investigations of ecotourism in San Pablo Etla (mainly from meeting different
community members) I wrote up the basic content for the website. The English
version is currently completed, and the Spanish version is still under review for
translation. It is hoped that all the important information about the services,
activities, history, and biodiversity of San Pablo Etla will be posted online in the
coming months, making it available for English speaking foreign tourists as well as
Mexicans.
43
INTRODUCTION TO ECOTOURISM Etla means "donde abunda el fríjol" (the abundance of beans). San Pablo is in honor of one of the 12 apostles of the Catholic religion. Ecotourism is a means of sustainable travel that focuses on minimizing environmental impacts, improving local economies, and preserving cultural traditions. The Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." The ecotourism project in San Pablo Etla hopes to unite environmental conservation with the local community members of the Central Valley in Oaxaca, Mexico and foreign tourists interested in adventure travel. Oaxaca city and the surrounding valley offer tourists a wide range of activities and cultural experiences. From the dry desert landscape to the high altitude mountains of the Sierra Norte, the Oaxacan Valley provides a huge range of biodiversity and natural exploration. Oaxaca city alone in 2007 had 811,584 visitors (Secretaría de Turismo). Adjacent to Oaxaca city, the community of San Pablo Etla is part of the district Etla in the Central Valley. Because of its location near the city of Oaxaca it is one of the most accessible tourist destinations. Hiking, mountain biking, birding, horseback riding, relaxation, and more, San Pablo Etla offers some of the most exciting ecotourism adventures in Oaxaca. LOCATION
In between the southern and northern mountain ranges of Mexico lies the Central Valley of Oaxaca. One of the three valleys that comprise the Central Valley is the Valley of Etla, where San Pablo Etla is found. San Pablo Etla lies northeast to Oaxaca city and is along the northern stretches of the Rio Atoyac, one of the main tributaries that feeds into the city and out to the Pacific Ocean. Ranging from 5,000 feet up to the tallest point at 10,833 feet, San Pablo Etla’s mountains form part of the Sierra Norte or the Sierra Juárez. Because of the range of elevations, San Pablo Etla offers nature lovers hundreds of different plants, animals, and birds. The mountains range from a deciduous oak tree forest up to a pine forest in the higher elevations. Due to its close proximity to Oaxaca city, the town of San Pablo has been a fairly accessible destination for visitors and in 2000 it was recorded that the sector of commercial and tourism brought in 63% of their economic revenue. However, the land farther up in the mountains (a 15-‐30 minute drive from the center) is still unvisited and underdeveloped.
With the rapid growth of urban life in Oaxaca, San Pablo Etla has began to expand and adapt to these modern influences. Since San Pablo Etla’s mountains captures some of the water that feeds into the larger city, the town of San Pablo Etla is considered to be a very important ecological place. In an attempt to protect this supply of water and control the urban expansion, the community of San Pablo Etla has sectioned off a natural protected area up in their mountains. Governmental agencies, like CONANP and SEMARNAT, and non-‐governmental agencies, like INSO, are offering up support and helping develop their ecotourism initiative there.
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HISTORY OF SAN PABLO ETLA’S LANDS When the first Spanish missionaries came to Oaxaca around 410 A.C. , the land of San Pablo Etla was originally Aztec territory. Two evangelists, Pedro and Pablo, first went to San Agustin (an adjacent town in the Valley of Etla) before making their way to San Pablo. Many parts of the Central Valley have been subjected to thousands of years of agriculture use. Although mountainous areas are less obviously disturbed, San Pablo Etla has also been effected by agricultural use, fires, and cutting of trees to sell to adjacent towns for construction. From the beginning of the 20th century the community of San Pablo Etla, along with the rest of Mexico, has been taking advantage of the wood resource. It is calculated that 95 percent of forest exploitation is concentrated in temperate forests in Mexico and that 90 percent of production is with pine trees, like that found in San Pablo Etla (Gomez 2007). 80 percent of the wood in Mexico, they only gain 1 percent of benefits (Gomez 2007). San Pablo began to really benefit from their forests in the early 60’s when the Fábricas de Papel Tuxtepec (Paper Factory of Tuxtepec) granted permission to exploit the forest for commercial use. However, twenty years later the community realized the environmental impact it was having on the forest and stopped the exploitation for paper (Gomez 2007). For this reason it is possible to distinguish a mosaic of vegetation corresponding to the different levels of disturbances that the forest suffered. Now, the community only takes advantage of the pine trees that have been plagued by the bark beetle (Dendroctonus sp). The wood is sold to the general public and to other sawmills near by in tablets. In 2005 San Pablo Etla sectioned off almost half of its land to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Comisión Nacional de Area Naturales Protegidas CONANP), as a conservation area. However, almost no one knows about the project, and the implications and advantages of this protected area. In addition, the community took part in a paid program for environmental services with the Commission of National Forests (Comisión Nacional Forestal CONAFOR) in 2004. The money from CONANP and CONAFOR has served for the development of projects like the bottling of spring water that comes from the Neveria, the construction of offices, and the construction of cabins for the ecotourism project. CLIMATE Sub-‐humid temperate zone with rains in the summer. The climate is more mild and humid than other nearby valleys. San Pablo Etla in its coldest month has a temperature between 27° F and 65° F. Annual precipitation of 500mm. San Pablo Etla has a climate typical of the mountainous zones of the central and south of Mexico, giving rise to types of vegetation that are able to grow in more humid areas. BIODIVERSITY
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The potential for ecotourism in Mexico, especially Oaxaca, is huge. Mexico is a destination that offers 30,000 plant species, 1,040 species of wild birds, 957 species of reptiles and amphibians, 2,500 species of butterflies, and 119 natural protected areas (SECTUR 2006). Due to the coastal, mountainous, and desert climate zones, Oaxaca is the state that offers the greatest biodiversity in all of Mexico. With the different ecological zones (humid tropical, sub-‐humid tropical and temperate) it is calculated that Oaxaca has more than 50% of the national total of plants and animals, and 63% of the national total of birds (SiPaz 2010). With the richest biodiversity in Mexico, it is calculated that the state of Oaxaca has 8,431 plant species, 1,431 vertebrates, and more than 3,000 invertebrates (Instituto de Biología 2005). Among the top three states in Mexico with the most land covered in forest, forestry is part of Oaxaca’s potential richness. CONANP currently administers 150 federal natural areas that include over 17.8 million hectares. For thousands of years there has been a strong relationship between the plants, animals, and humans in Oaxaca generating knowledge about the use for medicine, food, fiber, and construction. The Base de Datos Etnobotanicos de Plantas Mexicanas (BADEPLAM) has calculated that there are around 7,000 species of utile plants. All of these plants represent a basis of activities for semi-‐rural to rural communities, like San Pablo Etla. This interaction between the culture of the community members and their natural resources had developed knowledge that is incorporated in the economic and socio-‐cultural structure of community. However, these practices can also significantly alter the ecosystems of the area and unfortunately, there have been little studies of the effects of these activities on the natural resources. Vegetation Zones
1. Thicket spine brushes 2. Oak trees (Quercus) 3. pine trees (Pinus)
Trees and plants you will see every day 8 species of oak (Quercus) 8 species of sage (Salvia). In family of Lamiaceae 5 species of Tillandsia 4 species of Solanum 4 species of Ageratina 4 species of Pinus Wildlife Overview
• Lower elevations; near Aguacatales, Restaurante, Crucesita: fox, rattle snake, Bunny, hare, tlacuache y musarañas (kinds of mole rat), many species of bats, coyote, frogs, species of rats
• Higher elevations: near Neveria, Vidrieria, and Peña Boluda: puma, wild boar, deer, tigrillo (species of cat), wild horses
HIKING
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San Pablo Etla offers a wide range of hiking trails. Shorter easier routes to longer strenuous climbs for backpackers, there is something for everyone.
Prices: Individual entrance fee: 30 pesos per person (not including transportation) Guided Tour: 200 pesos per group for 5 hours. Extra 75 pesos per person for transportation there and back. Tours leave every Saturday at 10am from Bienes Comunales in the Casa Comunal. Discount price for student. Route Aguacatales 1: You start by passing by the Salinas (saltmines), which is located lower down and is characterized by exposed rock. There is a large amount of diversity and density of species as the trail climbs up to a zone of deciduous oak trees. The land around this route was once cultivated, so one can see the new species of thickets and shrubs growing in and rehabilitating the area. The route ends at Aguacatales or avocado trees. There are around 10 huge avocado trees offering shade and a perfect place to spend time enjoying lunch, camping, or hanging out by the river that passes by. The leaves of the avocado tree can also be collected and used for flavoring in typical Oaxacan recipes, like beans, tamales, meat dishes, and soups. Route Aguacatales 2: Starting near the entrance to the protected area, one climbs along the mountainside with a beautiful view of the valley below. The trail climbs up through many deciduous oak trees until the junction at El Sillon. From El Sillon the trail takes you back down into a canyon where a river flows through and the many oak trees become thicker and shadier. At the Aguacatales or avocado trees the route ends right next to a river that flows down into the community of San Pablo Etla. It is a perfect place to spend the day or camp out over night. You might be accompanied by animals like foxes, cows, hares, and different species of mole rats. Route Camino Real: This more difficult and longer route starts in the upper parts of the community of Santa Cruz Etla (which is on route to the mountains from San Pablo Etla). As it climbs up through the canyon it parallels a river that feeds into Rio Atoyac, one of the main tributaries providing water to communities below. Walking up the mountainside this zone has a large density of trees and is covered in organic
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material from the large amount of leaves that fall from the oak trees. Coming to La Huerta, where a source of spring water is born, the deciduous oak trees begin to be surrounded by many perennial oak trees and even taller pine trees. Route Neveria Walking through the oak and pine forest this shady route offers a natural wonder of one some of the largest species of agave plants. The route first climbs up to Portillo de La Mina and then begins a fast decline down to Terrero. The humid climate in this area is very similar to that of a cloud forest and offers similar wildlife. Because of this, around Terrero has some of the best birding in all of San Pablo. Wild horses, pumas, or the rare coyotes that wonder in the higher elevations might also greet you. Route Peña Boluda Starting at La Vidrieria, you are welcomed by a wide range of colorful flora and fuana. Climbing up to a height of 10,883 feet in the pine forest, you are also surrounded by many laurels, madrones, air plants that grow out of the tree trunks (tillandsia), salvia, and poleo (a typical plant used for tea). You might be lucky enough to see the rare pumas, coyotes, or deer that wonder up to the peak. Route Magote del Pozo This fantastic day hike is mostly dominated by decidious oak trees. Foxes, deer, and coyote are also found roaming around this part of the mountains. Passing the junction at La Ventana the route takes you up higher to a beautiful lookout point where the whole valley below can be seen. MOUNTAIN BIKING Some of the best single-‐track routes in Oaxaca are found in the San Pablo Etla mountains. Ranging from 4000 feet to over 10,800 feet the trails offer something for advance riders as well as beginner and intermediate skills. For more information on riding check out Mountain Bike Oaxaca at http://www.mountainbikeoaxaca.com/ HORSEBACK RIDING Horseback riding is a perfect combination of an outdoor experience and cultural immersion in Oaxaca. With levels for every rider, San Pablo Etla has some of the best countryside and shady trails offered in the Central Valley. Contact Victor Santiago 951 218 8879 for more information BIRDING As part of the forests of the Sierra Norte, some of the best birding can be found in San Pablo Etla. Lying in the mountain foothills only 20 minutes from Oaxaca city, San Pablo Etla is an accessible destination to over 220 different species of birds. Ranging from thorn scrub and oak trees at around 5,000 feet above sea level to tall pine trees up to 10,800 feet, the range of birds is vast.
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There are many places to rent rooms and find a place to stay in the third section (tercera sección) of San Pablo Etla. This will make birding more convenient, and the birder who does this will probably record hundreds of species without even leaving the property. Eighty species of birds that are seldom seen in the United States have been observed in San Pablo Etla. Those seen in the United States are only rarely seen in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Of these, 40 have never been seen in the US at all (although they are not considered endemics because they have ranges to South America). Of these 80, fifty-‐three are common to fairly common. There are 19 Mexican endemics seen in San Pablo Etla. Some of the endemics commonly seen in San Pablo Etla include: Dusky Hummingbird, Bumblebee Hummingbird, Mountain Trogon, Gray-‐breasted Woodpecker, Greenish Elaenia, Pileated Flycatcher, Pine Flycatcher, Social Flycatcher, Golden Vireo, Brown-‐backed Solitaire, Orange-‐billed Nightingale-‐Thrush, White-‐throated Robin, Blue Mockingbird, Gray Silky-‐flycatcher, Red Warbler, Golden-‐browed Warbler, Rufous-‐capped Brush-‐Finch, Chestnut-‐capped Brush-‐Finch, White-‐throated Towhee, Bridled Sparrow, Oaxaca Sparrow, Elegant Euphonia. North American migrants spend up to six months in San Pablo Etla and many are easily observed. RESOURCES Field Guide: A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America Steve N.G. Howell and Sophie Webb Publisher: Oxford 1995 Available: ABA Sales / Oaxaca: Amate (Plates of North American migrants are not included. A North American Field Guide is advisable to complement Howell) Bird Finding Guide: Birds & Birding in Central Oaxaca, 2nd Edition John M. Forcey Publisher: John M. Forcey 2009 Available: ABA Sales / Oaxaca: Amate Bird Song: Birds of Mexico: MP3 Sound Collection Peter Boesman Publisher: Birdsounds.nl 2006 Available: ABA Sales LOCAL BIRD TOUR GUIDES Roque Antonio Santiago Cuauhtemoc # 5 Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, México. C.P. 70420
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Phone: 011 52 (951) 524 4371 E-‐mail: [email protected] http://www.mexonline.com/oaxacabirdingtours.htm Eric Antonio Email: [email protected] http://www.oaxacanatureadventuretours.com Manuel Grosselet Email: [email protected] www.tierradeaves.com CORRECTIONS / ADDITIONS to The BIRDS of SAN PABLO ETLA: Bill Stecher Email: [email protected] Telephone from US: 011.52.951.520.4025 MOTOCROSS On the way up to the mountains in San Pablo Etla there is a motocross track and a small airplane runway for recreational use. Most weekends there are different events that take place. Watch, participate, or train on the new motocross track. For more information contact Christhian Blanco 951 187 6896 SERVICES Cabins Up in the mountains of San Pablo Etla two wood cabins are available to rent. Whether you arrive by foot, horse, or car, the cabins offer a relaxing escape in the middle of a beautiful forest. Each with solar operated lighting, a working fireplace, washroom with hot water, beds, and an outdoor fire burning stove. There are t2 double beds and a futon, comfortably housing up to 6 people each. Children’s swings and Jungle-‐Jim are also provided.
Prices: 150 pesos per person for 24 hrs For transportation up to cabins: extra 150-‐200 pesos per person depending on group size to pay for chauffeur and gas of vehicle (the smaller the group the more expensive) Discount for students (100 peso transportation) Transportation from Bienes Comunales leaves every Saturday at 10am For reservations contact Bienes Comunales: 951 219 0387 o 951 439 6566 (24hrs every day) Restaurant
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Enjoy a newly built restaurant near the entrance to the park. It consists of a large dining room with an ecological kitchen using wood stoves that prepares local foods. It is able to accommodate about 300 people. A beautiful view of the whole valley below and the mountain can be seen from the restaurant. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HAPPY TRAVEL What to Bring: -‐Day trips: liter of water, sun protection (hat, long sleeves, sunscreen), long pants thorn bushes, raingear if needed, map -‐Overnight trips: map, 2-‐3 liters of water or water purification system, food, insect repellent, matches/lighter, a knife, trowel, mini first aid kit, -‐Optional: compass, GPS, binoculars, guide book Leave NO Trace Principles:
1. Plan ahead and prepare: know where you are going, and prepare for different weather conditions.
2. Travel and camp on designated places 3. Dispose of waste properly: pack it in, pack it out policy. Pack out all trash, left
over food, toilet paper, and litter. Dispose of solid human waste in catholes 6 to 8 inches deep at least 100 feet from water, campsite, and trails. Cover when finished.
4. Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, and natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing non-‐native plants species
5. Minimize campfire impacts: Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings. Use down wood.
6. Respect wildlife: observe wildlife from a distance, no hunting. 7. Be considerate of other visitors: respect the experience of other visitors. No
motorcycles or ATVs allowed.
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Recommendations for Further Ecotourism Development
Based on my research of ecotourism with a case study in San Pablo Etla, I
recommend that San Pablo Etla take these next steps to further the ecotourism
project:
• Establish a stronger ecotourism committee that meets weekly and is
dedicated to the goals of the project providing a co-‐operative space for
community decision making
• Build a base in which women and children sell local products as well as work
in the local co-‐operative restaurant that was just recently built. As well as
establish regular hours of operation for the restaurant.
• Market studies to identify other sources of demand, and the costs and
benefits of different entrance fees for tourists. The limits to ecotourism
growth should be assessed to maintain economic benefits
• Biological studies on the biodiversity of the area (the plants, trees, bird
counts, wildlife, etc.) need to be assessed in order to obtain better
management guidelines
• Strengthen the quality and uniformity of the information provided during the
guided tours and on the available signs
• Continue the training of guides and encourage the local youth to take on
these jobs
• Encourage local community members (especially women and youth) to go up
to the mountains in order to facilitate the feeling of ownership of their land
and the ecotourism initiative
• Form trail maintenance crews to paint trail markers on trees, build stairs,
benches, picnic tables, fire rings, etc. in designated areas
• Finance the printing of the pamphlet, map, and maintenance of the website.
Distribute these resources in community centers and popular destinations
for tourists (hostels, hotels, cafes, schools in Oaxaca city)
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• Minimize the threats to the project by facilitating a compromise with other
competitors (ie. Adjacent communities and members of the third section)
Conclusion The San Pablo Etla case study provides insight into the practical hurdles that
must be achieved to develop a sustainable ecotourism infrastructure in a semi-‐rural
to rural community in Mexico. Although there is a lack of data analyzing the specific
costs and benefits of San Pablo Etla, I was still able to evaluate the general costs and
benefits of the social, economic, and political agendas to better understand how to
implement an ecotourism project. Utilizing previous resources on ecotourism
development, a clear parallel can be made for San Pablo Etla’s specific case.
However, it must be noted that San Pablo Etla has its own social, economic, and
political dynamics that must be put into a larger context when implementing such a
project. Based upon this analysis, recommendations are proposed demonstrating
that ecotourism community-‐based management in San Pablo Etla is moving towards
sustainability.
Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the community of San Pablo Etla for their
unconditional participation, especially the Comisariado, Primitivo, for his leadership
and accessibility along all the stages of this project. I would also like to thank The
National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) for the sponsoring of
this project, especially with the help of constructing the map. I would like to thank
Florencio Villapablo for his contribution on the making of the pamphlet and the
website, to Jim/Jaime Austin for his support and hard work on the ecotourism
project, to Bill Stecher for providing the list of birds and being so welcoming, to
Eugenio Padillo Gomez for his studies on the ecology on San Pablo Etla, and Eric
Ramirez for his additional support and friendship.
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Works Cited “Biodiversidad de Oaxaca.” Instituto de Biología, la Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de Mexico. Calendario 2005. <http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx>
Budowski, Gerardo. “Tourism and Conservation: Conflict, Coexistence, or