Ecotourism in the State Forest Karst of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Ecotourism and nature-based tourism in karst landscapes are often focused on protected areas and are significant both economically and because of potential impacts. Karst covers nearly a third of the highly urbanized island of Puerto Rico, especially adjacent to the north coast and in the southwest. Much of the island's natureoriented tourism is focused on the karst, because it is the least-fragmented remaining habitat. The authors conducted a literature review and collected data during field research in 2009. The results indicate that the five state (or commonwealth) forests located within the karst of Puerto Rico are a primary focus of ecotourism because they are readily accessible and represent an important resource for low-impact recreation and education. The forests are used by residents and visitors, and they provide opportunities for appreciation and enjoyment of the karst landscape. Ecotourism activities focused on the state forests include hiking, bird-watching, and learning about nature. Without the state forests, levels of ecotourism within the karst would be considerably constrained. So, although they are limited in numbers and extent, they provide a critical recreational and economic resource in the karst landscape.

Island ecosystem services: insights from a literature review on case-study island ecosystem services and future prospects

“…Few studies in this thematic area attempted to quantify services. However, the kinds of analysis that can be done are illustrated by Teh and Cabanban (2007) who carried out a biophysical assessment of the Palau Banggi island's ecosystems to evaluate its suitability for eco-tourism, and Hall and Day (2014) who undertook a study of forest karst in Puerto Rico and its potential to support lowimpact recreation and eco-tourism. Studies that mapped preferences for outdoor recreation and perceived values included those of Klain andChan (2012), Van Riper et al (2012) and Uyarra et al (2009).…”

Análise da aplicabilidade da Matriz SWOT na gestão e planejamento em Ecoturismo: uma revisão da literatura

“…Este método permite avaliar quantitativamente critérios qualitativos com certa simplicidade, elasticidade e eficiência na avaliação dos resultados (CORREIA et al, 2011). Por meio deste método, é possível tomar decisões com base no estabelecimento de prioridades, o que é fundamental para o alcance de objetivos dentro do processo de planejamento (HALL et al, 2014). O AHP permite que os tomadores de decisão atribuam prioridades para cada fator por meio da comparação de pares e auxilia no desenvolvimento de uma Matriz mais analítica (SHRESTHA; ALAVALAPATI; KALMBACHER, 2004;LESKINEN et al, 2006).…”

Ecotourism a solution or deception for conservation: a case of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

“…The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 2015 defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Many countries practice ecotourism for its potential contribution to conservation of environment (Mbabazi, 2018; Hall and Day, 2014). Particularly for the developing countries (DCs), ecotourism seems to be a perfect strategy as it improves the condition of the local communities and also generates sufficient fund for conservation of natural resources (Admasu, 2020; DeFries et al , 2007; Karst and Nepal, 2021).…”