Turismo científico como actividad sustentable para el cantón Manta, Manabí, Ecuador.

Abstract

The current project is to carry out a study to identify the benefits and disadvantages that the practice of scientific tourism as a sustainable activity in the rural area of the Manta canton would contribute. The research is exploratory, descriptive and documentary, the analytical-synthetic method is used. In addition, research techniques (survey and interview forms) are applied. These tools are used to gather the opinion of the inhabitants of the San Lorenzo sector and of two tourist actors from the local community. The results show that there is a lack of knowledge on the part of the local population, in relation to the development of sustainable tourism activities in this area. The main positive aspects are: construction of knowledge, strengthening of the economy, care and preservation of resources and local development. Regarding the negative aspects, 70% of those surveyed agree that this activity does not produce harmful effects. While the interviewees agree that this activity is favorable, since it allows the sector to be categorized, it also generates excellent economic items. In addition, this has a considerable impact on increasing the support of national and international institutions to care for and protect the natural and heritage resources and the diverse flora and fauna existing in this area. At the end, a proposal is prepared with several strategies focused on increasing this activity, since 99% of those surveyed agree with the development of this activity linked to scientific tourism in their community.