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The Market Ready Tourism model promotes regenerative tourism in the Cañada de Cuicatlan.

In the heart of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, an innovative project is transforming the way tourism is experienced and managed. The Cañada de Cuicatlán region, often overshadowed by busier destinations in Oaxaca, is home to a biocultural treasure that has remained virtually untouched. Now, with the Market Ready Tourismimplemented by La Mano del Mono (LMDM)biocultural tourism is being promoted as a tool for regeneration and sustainable development for local communities.

A Road to Regeneration: The Rio Grande Proposal

The Market Ready model is articulated around the Rio Grande River Routea proposal presented by Dr. Nelly Robles to the INAH. This route stands out for its spectacular scenery and deep cultural heritage. Although the project has attracted the interest of national authorities, budget cuts in key institutions such as INAH and the CONANP have posed significant financial challenges. However, collaboration with strategic allies, such as Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance (ChiFA), and the willingness of local communities provide a solid basis for moving forward with implementation.

Communities in the region, such as Dominguillo, Quiotepec and Jocotipac, are determined to become major players in this tourism development. Places such as the Cueva de las Manitas in Dominguillo have already been identified as priorities, with plans to build an interpretive center funded by CHiFA. The professionalization of tourism in these areas, which have archaeological and natural attractions, has become a key pillar of the project.

Tourism Potential and Challenges

The potential of the Cañada de Cuicatlan to become a biocultural tourism destination is undeniable. However, its development is not without challenges. Despite having acceptable roads connecting it to cities such as Oaxaca and Tehuacán, some of the main attractions require challenging hikes, which limits access to certain groups of tourists. To mitigate this challenge, interpretation centers are being designed at key points along the route, which will allow visitors to connect with the cultural heritage without sacrificing accessibility.

In addition, the region is looking to attract experienced tourists, particularly those interested in the biocultural heritage of Oaxaca. The business plan includes a strategy to attract academic tourism and school trips, ensuring the stability of the tourist flow throughout the year and mitigating the impact of seasonality.

Community Governance and Biocultural Regeneration

One of the most salient elements of the Market Ready model is its focus on strengthening the community governance. The communities will not only receive training in tourism issues, but will also be involved in the conservation and regeneration of their natural and cultural environment. This approach guarantees that tourism will be a additional source of incomerespecting traditional livelihoods and preserving the biocultural legacy of the region.

For this to be possible, inter-institutional collaboration is essential. La Mano del Mono (LMDM)The company, in alliance with organizations such as CHiFA, has established a work plan that includes training and technical support, aimed at creating a tourism offer that respects the environment and local traditions.

A Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Model

Despite the challenges, the commitment of communities and strategic allies is propelling the Market Ready model into a regenerative future. The Rio Grande River Route is not only emerging as a new jewel on the tourist map of Oaxaca, but also as a model of sustainable tourism that connects visitors with the environment. Deep Mexico. As the project moves forward, its success will depend on maintaining a focus on the biocultural regenerationThe company is committed to the development of a new form of tourism, ensuring that local communities are the main beneficiaries of this new form of tourism.

Tourism in the Cañada de Cuicatlan will not only allow the discovery of unique landscapes and archaeological remains, but will also offer an immersion in the living traditions of the communities, preserving their resources and culture for future generations. Market Ready Tourism is laying the groundwork for tourism that respects and regenerates, creating an authentic connection between visitors and the guardians of this priceless biocultural treasure.

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