Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Tourism and Economic Context

Abstract

The objective of the study is to analyze integrated coastal zone management in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and to discuss its challenges and opportunities in the face of constant changes in tourism and economic realities. The methodology used is based on the analysis of ten key elements to analyze national coastal management: policies, regulations, institutions, strategies, instruments, information, education, resources, managers, and participation. The main results indicate that Ecuador received support in terms of training and international financing for ICZM, but this has not been sufficient to guarantee correct management, due to a high discontinuity in economic and administrative political factors. All this has harmed the development of tourism and the dynamization of the economy in coastal areas. It is advisable to apply new policies where gastronomic and cultural aspects are strengthened.

An Attempt to Characterize the “3S” (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches

“…Indeed, the impact of floating litter is increasingly reported worldwide [64,65], and litter has negative effects on beach tourism by reducing local tourism incomes [63]. Preliminary results on continental Ecuadorian beaches were reported by Mestanza et al [66], but further efforts are required to identify litter sources and litter spatial and temporal variability. Discharges are linked to sewage effluents and/or rivers.…”

Coastal Scenic Evaluation of Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Human Impacts and Management Issues

“…At present, State tourism offices/departments and environment portfolios, through various projects with public and private organizations, seek to convert Ecuadorian beaches into quality tourism destinations by means of an integrated management with the active participation of all social actors, this way generating awareness and incrementing the respect for the environment [7,46,47]. Diagnostic actions are being carried out to improve the infrastructure and tourist services in coastal areas.…”

“…Despite all the problems the Galapagos Islands have faced, especially linked to the presence of introduced species, they constitute one of the best conserved archipelagos around the world, and a world leader in the management of fragile ecosystems. The extraordinary flora and fauna, the geological characteristics, etc., have transformed this park into an important world center for scientific research and nature tourism [7,23].…”

“…Ecuador, on the other hand, presents an almost unique potential in its tourism offer where the importance of nature and communities is enhanced. However, it still shows important limitations in its tourism policy such as the lack of institutions [7,48,49], quality of service, economic resources and joint actions with the private sector [50,51]. It is important to strengthen cultural and gastronomic aspects in order to potentiate tourism in the coastal profile, considering that the traditional aspects of the 3S (Sea, Sun and Sand) tourism in the continental Ecuador are not among the best in Latin America [52,53].…”

“…Ecuador is no stranger to these actions; the participation of government actors, trade unions, social organizations and communities has generated a great boost to tourism. Tourism is currently considered a State policy and a priority issue on the national political agenda as one of the country's main economic activities [7]. These policies aim to attract a greater number of foreign tourists and to boost the local economy in a sustainable manner.…”