Public policy to promote agroecological tourism. Towards a paradigm shift. Reflections, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This essay is the result of a documentary review that, firstly, proposes an approach to the cycle of a public policy on agroecological tourism, and secondly, offers reflections, challenges and opportunities for the promotion of this sector. The analysis indicates that the emphasis on the integration of cognitive, sustainable and environmental paradigms is needed as a possibility to promote agroecological practices that raise the quality of life and integral wellbeing. This requires the unification of multidisciplinary, operational and methodological efforts, focused on achieving sustainability based on the empowerment of local community enterprises, as scenarios from which to take advantage of the natural heritage, the practices associated with agricultural and livestock production; in addition to the promotion of complementary activities that, in relation to one another, generate the strategic coordination of efforts around the supply of a product capable of generating additional income, economic growth and safeguarding the ecological systems necessary to prolong appropriate conditions for human life. In conclusion, this public policy proposal should be understood as the unification of three (3) dimensions, namely: dynamization and promotion of economic activity, strengthening of environmental and ecological culture, as well as training-education for the exercise of global citizenship, as pillars equally shared by those committed to both sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda.