Adverse Environmental Effects of Tourism on Communities in the Ecuadorian Highlands Region

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the adverse environmental effects of tourism activities on various heritage populations located in the sierra or Andean highlands region of Ecuador. The effects being studied have been classified into impacts on the physical, abiotic, biotic, socio-culture and economic environment. The automated method using RIAM (Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix) software was employed in this analysis, which required the preparation of a baseline study in the small communities evaluated. A social perception survey was conducted of local residents regarding tourism, assisted by International University of Ecuador students fulfilling practical coursework requirements. Based on the conclusions of the case studies, some strategic proposals and recommendations were developed that can be incorporated into sustainable tourism management plans in communities with natural and cultural heritage values.

Economic valuation of recreational attributes using a choice experiment approach: An application to the Galapagos Islands

“…These findings are further supported by Mowforth et al (2007), who assert that the development of tourism is a mechanism for protecting natural resources while also providing benefits to the local community. In contrast, the findings of GhulamRabbany et al (2013) and Ruiz (2017) show how tourism development harms the environment, especially when tourist capacity is greater than the area’s ability to cope within its acceptable limits of change, with such harms including soil erosion, increased pollution, contamination of water resources, natural habitat loss, increased pressure on endangered species, and competition for use of resources among alternative purposes. While some studies have examined the economic value of national parks’ attributes (Lee et al, 2018; Lew and Wallmo, 2017; Matthews et al, 2017; Wuepper, 2016), few studies have carried out the investigation in an integrated manner that gives comprehensive consideration of a park’s natural attributes and management characteristics in one study, with especially few attempts having been made on UNESCO World Heritage sites (Cave and Negussie, 2017).…”

Accommodation, Seasonality and Domestic Tourism to National Parks: Implications for Environmental Policy

“…It can also serve as an instrument to finance the protection of natural areas [9]. As stated by Ruiz [10] (p. 348). "Sustainability implies a rational relationship between man and nature".…”

The Economic, Social and Ecological Potential of Gerokgak Reservoir as a New Tourism Destination in North Bali

“…Although many other methods are available for conducting environmental impact assessments, the RIAM method is preferred because it is a very flexible method (Pastakia & Jensen, 1998;Araujo & Haie, 2007;Gibuena et al, 2013;Suthar, 2014). RIAM is able to present various parameters and alternatives to the Analysis on Environmental Impact in a structured, environmentally friendly and transparent way (Li Wei et al, 2014;Ruiz, 2017). Moreover, RIAM overcomes criticism that arises because of subjective assessments and reduces the lack of transparency of other methods (Kuitunen, 2007).…”

“…In line with the synergy process with other supporting aspects, the strategy for developing the EO aspects should be supported by the BE (Biological and Ecological) aspects, which has the second highest value in this study. Public works, such as building roads, cities, recreation areas, tourism or other similar always have an impact on the environment (Ruiz, 2017). If people do not treat nature and maintain the environment, it can have a bad effect on people's quality of life.…”