Sustainable Tourism in Natural Protected Areas
Viviana Vasquez
Tourism in natural areas is experiencing a boom like never before. Travelers around the world are seeking experiences in nature, and this has led to an increase in visitation to places of high biodiversity and protected natural areas. While this may be great news for tourism, it also poses significant challenges in terms of conservation and sustainability.
The Mexican Standard on Acceptable Change Limits and Tourist Carrying Capacities
In 2022, Mexico took an important step by publishing the Mexican Standard on Acceptable Change Limits and Tourism Carrying Capacities in Natural Protected Areas (NOM 189). This standard establishes clear guidelines and sound criteria for determining how many visitors these areas can receive without jeopardizing their ecological and social integrity. It also provides a framework for public-private cooperation in tourism management. However, the implementation of NOM 189 is not without its challenges. Tourism management in natural protected areas involves balancing economic interests with environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities. Adequate regulation, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and visitor education are just some of the areas where challenges are being faced. Despite this, this situation also presents exciting opportunities. Public-private cooperation can generate mutual benefits: tourism operators can prosper economically while contributing to nature conservation and the development of local communities. In addition, sustainability has become a selling point to attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers.
The Importance of Public-Private Cooperation
Against this backdrop, public-private cooperation has become a key element in managing tourism responsibly and sustainably in natural protected areas. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to balance the growing demand for tourism with environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities.
The Mexican Standard on Acceptable Change Limits and Tourist Carrying Capacities
In 2022, Mexico took an important step in this direction by publishing the Mexican Standard on Acceptable Change Limits and Tourism Carrying Capacities in Natural Protected Areas. This standard establishes clear guidelines and sound criteria for determining how many visitors these areas can receive without jeopardizing their ecological and social integrity. It also provides a framework for public-private cooperation in tourism management.
Your Participation Counts
Manos Locales Network invites you this September 28 at 16:00 H (CDMX) to the virtual meeting called "Mexican standard for limits of acceptable change and tourism carrying capacities in natural protected areas: opportunities and challenges for its implementation". A space where together we will explore the reality and complexity of tourism management. Your participation is essential to co-create solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Join us to co-learn more about how the Mexican standard is being implemented and to explore the challenges and opportunities we face. Together, we can work towards a future where tourism and conservation coexist harmoniously.
Sign up now and be part of this initiative that seeks a more responsible and sustainable tourism in our beautiful natural protected areas! Your commitment makes the difference.
