Tourism in Protected Areas: An Opportunity for Conservation?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/PH0537Keywords:
Indicators,, environmental impact, protected areas, sustainable tourism, Delphi method.Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the sustainability and normative compliance of tourism development in Llanganates National Park and the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador. Using the Delphi method, two consultation rounds were conducted with seven experts linked to conservation and tourism. Eight key indicators integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions were identified. The results show consensus that the environmental impact of tourism is low, although challenges persist such as scarce public investment, low private sector participation, absence of sustainability certifications, and limited community involvement in decision-making. It is concluded that, despite regulatory advances, tourism in these areas requires strengthening governance, increasing public investment, and promoting community participation so that it can become a real opportunity for conservation and sustainable development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 María Germania Gamboa Ríos , María Fernanda Montero Garofalo , Judith Catalina Cachipuendo Castillo , Karla Elizabeth Morales Jácome
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