Proposal for an ecotourism interpretive path – educational in the protected area Refugio de Vida Silvestre Río Escalante – Chacocente, Carazo, Nicaragua

Abstract

Ecotourism is an environmentally responsible tourism modality that promotes the conservation of natural resources in various areas that have spaces and destinations with diverse natural resources. In this sense, you can find this type of tourism in natural spaces such as protected areas in Nicaragua. The study was carried out in the Río Escalante - Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, located between the municipality of Santa Teresa, department of Carazo and Tola, department of Rivas, with the aim of making a proposal for interpretive ecotourism-educational trails in this protected area. Three methodological stages were considered: (1) that of organization, review of information, coordination with MARENA entities, and planning of reconnaissance visits; (2) Taking field data, routes, observations in situ, geo-referencing of points and trails, and identification of species of arborescent flora, wild avifauna and natural potentials; and (3), analysis and description of the information collected for the preparation of the station proposal (thematic stops), the thematic map, the design of interpretive signs and editing of the teaching material (booklet). As a result, a map of two linear-circular ecotourism-educational interpretive trails was drawn up with nine stations (five for the Lagarto Cola Chata trail and four for the Tamarindo trail), proposing the designs of five interpretive signs; and a booklet as an educational material called "Doing Environmental Education", which is aimed at tourists, community members, researchers and students, and contains important information for the conservation of the biodiversity of the Río Escalante - Chacocente Wildlife Refuge and the promotion of tourism sustainable in this area of ​​ecological importance for the country.