Supplementary Files
Keywords
community project
indigenous community
nature tourism
tourism product
How to Cite
Abstract
Birdwatching tourism, also known as avitourism, involves traveling to observe birds as the primary motivation. In recent years, the development of birdwatching tourism products has garnered significant interest in Mexico. However, the participation of rural and indigenous communities in this market remains unclear. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize community-based birdwatching tourism projects in the country. This was accomplished through a digital survey that gathered information on the spatial and temporal characteristics, social organization, economic management, characteristics of the products offered, benefits, limitations, and needs of these community projects. We identified 36 projects, all of which have a recent history. Protected natural areas play an important role in these projects. We observed that the communities are not economically dependent on the projects, and there is a need to certify the guides involved. We found that community-based birdwatching tourism generates positive impacts on environmental education, biological conservation, and biodiversity monitoring. The factors that limit its potential are funding, social involvement, equipment, and training. Through this type of entrepreneurship, there is a unique opportunity to promote community economic, social, cultural, productive, and environmental development.
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