Socio-economic analysis of tourist and

recreational activities in Luis Peña

Channel Natural Reserve (LPCNR),

Culebra and its effects on conservation

efforts

María José Andrade Núñez and Abimarie Otaño

Coastal Environmental course

CIAM 6117

SeaGrant Pre-proposal

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation is widely known.

There is ample evidence of how it can contribute to alleviate social and

economical problems in communities within or adjacent the protected areas.

In this regards, nature-based tourism or ecotourism activities developed in

protected areas can contribute on its conservation, as well as in the social

and economic characteristics of local community and business.

Nevertheless there is a need of a long term evaluation of the tourism

activities on protected area, its conservation and socio-economic effects on

local communities.

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Currently there is a lack of knowledge about the impacts of recreational

and tourist activities in Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve (LPCNR)

and how they can be contributing economically and socially to Culebra

citizens. In addition to this, there is no knowledge about how tourist

activities can be contributing in the protection of LPCNR.

GOAL Is to develop a socio-economic analysis of nature-based

tourism activities developed in the LPCNR in order to

determine the impact of the protected area on local community

and the possible effects and contribution of nature-based

activities to the protection of the area.

TOURISTIC ATTRACTIVE

OBJECTIVES Determine the socio-economic characteristics of nature-based

activities developed in the LPCNR.

Evaluate the importance of the marine and coastal resources of

the LPCNR in the development of sustainable nature-based

tourist activities.

Evaluate and compare the conservation perception and

environmental knowledge (i.e. natural resources, regulations)

of local and foreign people and business owners.

Determine and recommend strategies for the implementation of

an integrated management plan where tourists, owner of

business and local community could promote the marine

reserve conservation through law enforcement.

Luis Peña Channel

Natural Reserve

STUDY SITE

METHODOLOGY Literature and web survey in order to create a database of the nature-based business in

Culebra.

Semi-structured questionnaires to local people of Culebra, owners of tourist business, tourists, environmental leaders, NGO’s and students.

Interview to Tourism Agency, the Authority for the Conservation and Development of Culebra and related agencies in San Juan and Culebra.

Analysis: SPSS statistical program, Quantitative data regarding economic activities will be analyzed

using basic statistical methods such as t-test and ANOVA.

ACTIVITIES

Provide workshops in collaboration of

governmental agencies, NGO’s and local

business to promote sustainable economic

initiatives. (i.e. Green Certifications, artistic,

photography, environmental interpretation).

Environmental educational workshops and

activities that integrates the students and local

community into the diverse conservation efforts.

Integrate the community in the data gathering

process.

© Taller de Arte, Culebra. J. A

TIME TABLE Year 1

Activities 2013 January February March April May June July August September October November December

Research activities

Literature and web survey of nature-based

bussines in Culebra

Semi-structured interviews (local people,

nature-based bussines, tourists, NGO

leaders)

Gather socio-economic data from

government agencies and other relevant

offices

Data Analysis

Reports

Educational activities

Environmental educational workshops to

local community, owner of nature-based

bussines, and toursist.

School activities related to conservation and

protected areas

Community data gahtering

TIME TABLE Year 2

Activities 2014 January February March April May June July August September October November December

Research activities

Semi-structured interviews (local

people, nature-based business,

tourists, NGO leaders)

Gather socio-economic data from

government agencies and other

relevant offices Data Analysis

Reports

Educational activities

Environmental educational

workshops to local community,

owner of nature-based business, and

tourists

School activities related to

conservation and protected areas

Community data gathering

It would help to determine ways in which local community,

environmental organizations, tourist business and tourists can

contribute in the management of the protected area.

It would help to determine the economic and social benefit of the

marine protected area for the local economy.

Provide recommendations to the DNER for the integration of local

people and tourist business in the vigilance and law enforcement in

the LPCNR.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

Thanks!

Questions?