Community ecotourism potential in transition areas of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

This study was carried out in the communities of Rosa Grande, Rancho Alegre, Amparo, El Dorado, Sauni Bas indigenous territory and the core area of the Bosawas biosphere reserve, in the municipality of Siuna, Autonomous Region of the Northern Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. The objective was to characterize the existing ecotourism potential, know the perception of the population, and create a proposal that is aimed at promoting tourist packages.

The research is of the qualitative paradigm, its theoretical methodological approach is ethnographic, and its level of depth is exploratory. The information collection techniques were; observation, interviews, and documentary review.

Five ecotourism sites were identified; The Saslaya National Park, Sauni Bas indigenous territory, and the La Bú River waterfall, these are located in the core and buffer zone of the Bosawas biosphere reserve, the Dorado caverns, the Waylawas caves and hill. The sites are characterized by their scenic beauty, geographical position, culture, and gastronomy. These places are conducive to the implementation of innovative, entrepreneurial projects that strengthen development processes with identity in our municipality.

The perceptions referred to by the community as economic alternatives, cultural promotion, promotion of community development and the proposal are linked to the promotion of site offers through dissemination in the mass media to publicize the existence of their riches and opt for its potential.