Forest owners' perceptions of ecotourism: Integrating community values and forest conservation

Ambio. 2015 Mar;44(2):99-109. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0544-5. Epub 2014 Jul 23.

Abstract

The use of forest land for ecotourism has been well accepted due to its ability to provide income to local people and to conserve the forest. Preparing the forest with infrastructure to attract and educate visitors has been reported of importance. This study applied Q methodology in a small rural community of the State of Puebla, Mexico, to reveal forest owners' perceptions to build infrastructure in their forest as part of their ecotourism project. It also discloses forest owners' underlying motives to use their forest for ecotourism. Ecotourism is perceived as a complementary activity to farming that would allow women to be involved in community development. Low impact infrastructure is desired due to forest owners' perception to preserve the forest for the overall community well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Agriculture
  • Attitude*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / economics
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
  • Female
  • Forests*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • Recreation / economics
  • Recreation / psychology*
  • Travel / economics
  • Travel / psychology*