Ecotourism on the Yucatan Peninsula: Ecotourism potentials in the Rio Lagartos Wildlife Preserve

This case study explores the effects growing pressure for natural resource utilization in developing countries has on one form of recreation, ecotourism, and the potential this form of recreation has to ameliorate the problems stemming from increased resource needs. It is proposed that ecotourism provides opportunities to protect natural resources and aboriginal cultures from the full impact of development pressure. This thesis is explored through the development of ecotourism potentials for the Rio Lagartos Wildlife Preserve. The results of this study indicate that in order for an ecotourism program to be successful in the Rio Lagartos Preserve: (1) There is a need for much site data to be collected. (2) The site's natural resources must be protected and managed wisely as these are the resources which attract the ecotourists. (3) Ecotourism must provide sources of funding which will; (a) act as an incentive to motivate locals to protect natural resources, (b) fund management, environmentally sensitive development, and education programs. (4) Ecotourism development must meet the needs of all the user groups affected by the project.;Recommendations presented in the final chapter discuss these findings in depth and relate them to site specific elements. These findings may have implications to other ecotourism projects. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).