Sustainable tourism and clean water project for two Guatemalan communities: A case study

Sustainable tourism in protected areas as a driver for environmental conservation and community development in Guatemala

“…In terms of tourism research, a large focus is placed on popular tourist attractions in Guatemala (e.g., Tikal and Antigua) and their development. Research on protected areas focuses on several regions of Guatemala other than Izabal (Bonham, Sacayon, & Tzi, 2008;Hearne & Santos, 2005;Smith & Ley, 2009) or is otherwise dated (Perlack et al, 2001). Sustainable tourism must also take into account economic, social, and environmental pillars.…”

“…This section presents examples of sustainable tourism ventures in natural areas in Guatemala in order to provide an insight into the contemporary development of tourism and themes of community development. Beginning with Chisec, Alta Verapaz, located in central Guatemala, the administration and success of an ecotourism venture involving several lagoons was hindered by business-related legalization processes under Guatemalan law, as well as the use of the lagoons as communal washing sites for over 200 families (Smith & Ley, 2009). As Smith and Ley (2009) point out, the use of lagoons as washing sites resulted in significant amounts of pollution from soaps and bleach chemicals.…”

“…Guatemalan sustainable development organization, and the United States Peace Corps, artificial wetlands were constructed as a means to treat the polluted waters (Smith & Ley, 2009). Not only did this enhance the environmental state of the lagoons but it also enhanced the health and economic status of community members (Smith & Ley, 2009).…”

Constructed Wetlands in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Review of Experiences during the Last Decade

“…This CW technology is the most spread full-scale CW technology in the LAC region, being studied to evaluate the potential of retention of heavy metals [54], light metals [38], and organic pollutants [175]. Their role is valuable in the restoration of ecosystem processes [155], but problems related to a high nutrient release, hosting breeding grounds to vectors such mosquitos, and the potential for algae growth hinders the use for wastewater treatment [158]. VF VF technology is widespread in European countries; nonetheless, in the LAC region, it does not seem to be widespread with a lack of implementation when compared with the HSSFW or the FWS technology.…”