Biodiversity and Culture’ Theme Park: An Educational-Environmental and Tourism Strategy, La Paz Parish, Carchi Province

Abstract

The La Paz parish, in the province of Carchi, does not have a star tourist product for local economic development, and allows for a “demand type” of tourism. The purpose of this research was to design a theme park with a sustainable approach, which benefits the quality of life of its inhabitants, considering the richness of the native flora and its intangible cultural heritage. The proposed objectives were: (a) To determine the ethnobotanical patrimonial value of the identity cultural wealth; (b) Botanically and systematically identify floristic species; (c) Design the theme park of biodiversity and culture, as a recreational, scientific, environmental and tourism strategy. A field investigation was used, descriptive and documentary, with qualitative approach, action-participatory research. The representative sample of key actors was the senior adults able to share their traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, tourism guides and tourism entrepreneurs of the sector. The results showed a high percentage of medicinal species, herbs, with characteristic aromas, used by the residents in the treatment of various diseases. The design of the theme park is represented by a long-tailed hummingbird, symbol of the birdlife of this area and much appreciated by tourists; its structure integrates four areas: recreation, educational, cultural activities, sculptures of emblematic species of the sector, such as the paramo deer, spectacled bear and an orchid garden; components to generate in the visitors an environmental conscience and to value the patrimonial wealth of the zone, because their patrimony is kept alive and safeguarded for their generations.