EL ECOTURISMO COMO LÍNEA DE DESARROLLO EN LAS HACIENDAS RECREATIVAS DEL CANTÓN MONTALVO

Abstract

The Province of Los Ríos takes its name from the variety of rivers, the humidity and productivity of its lands allow for a diversity of flora and fauna that promote a wide range of crops and adventure tours. The World Tourism Organization (2002) defines ecotourism as a form of tourism whose main motivation is based on the appreciation of nature or the predominant cultures in that area, which includes educational elements and reduces the negative impacts of the activity. Montalvo is located in the foothills of the western mountain range; the location conspires for the formation of waterfalls and spas. This research seeks to inventory the main species of flora and fauna in the area to develop ecological conservation, which is the protection, preservation, management or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them. (La Cruz, L. 2010). The methodology included: field observation, interviews with the actors involved, and representation with GIS. The application of methodological procedures fosters interest in the conservation of natural and cultural resources in a productive area