The Sierra Gorda de Querétaro, a seedbed of hope

Although tourism refers to an economic and social activity, which involves the movement of people to destinations outside their usual environment in order to enjoy different experiences, there is also another crucial and important aspect, not only from the point of view of the visitor, but also from that of the person who is in the place: the local population.

In this context, the impact of tourism is not only measured by the generation of jobs, the economic contribution or the number of visitors, it can also be evaluated based on the way in which tourists interact with local communities and vice versa. Therefore, the contribution of tourism goes beyond the tourist plant, which is made up of businesses such as hotels, restaurants and means of transportation. Thus, tourism planning and management that involves the different tourism stakeholders can maximize the economic, social and cultural benefits in destinations.

This is how the community plays a crucial role as a manager of resources and the territory, especially in the context of sustainable tourism. Since the local inhabitants are the ones who best know their natural, cultural and social heritage, it is important that they are the ones who continue to make decisions regarding its use; it is important to consider mentoring or advice from other allies to achieve a greater scope, since the participation of all those involved in environmental conservation and resource management ensures that tourism development considers ecological balance and the well-being of future generations.

The Sierra Gorda, a guardian manager

The Sierra Gorda is a tourist and awareness destination par excellence, due to its impressive biodiversity, which includes a variety of ecosystems such as tropical forests, scrublands and mountain areas. In addition, the integration of various projects with nature-related objectives and the participation of local communities and tourism service providers from this perspective allows for the creation of a responsible trip. On the one hand, through tourism, the care of Natural Protected Areas is highlighted and, on the other hand, emphasis is placed on the role of the local level in improving the wellbeing of the population and the territory.

Organizations such as Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda I.A.P., a movement of civil society organizations that make up the Alliance for the Conservation of the Sierra Gorda, composed of Bosque Sustentable A.C., Productos y Servicios Turísticos Sierra Gorda S.A. de C.V., Joya del Hielo A.C., and Viva Sierra Gorda, who promote, together with an interdisciplinary team and the tenants, the living laboratory of best cultural practices in favor of the Earth to promote sustainability in the Sierra Gorda, Joya del Hielo A.C. and Viva Sierra Gorda, who, together with an interdisciplinary team and the tenants, promote the living laboratory of best cultural practices in favor of the Earth to promote sustainability and tourism from the perspective of regeneration. From this perspective, "rural communities are the best allies in the conservation of the Querétaro Biosphere Reserve," reflects the work and results of this type of project where the community becomes the guardian of its territory and resources.

"La Casita Ecológica", a space for hope

The "Casita ecológica", located in the heart of the Querétaro Biosphere Reserve, is an environmental project that seeks to promote, with the help and leadership of its founder, a sustainable tourism associated with environmental education; the design of the house is based on ecological principles, using local and sustainable materials. The structure incorporates ecological construction techniques such as the use of adobe, local woods and palm roofs, which helps to maintain a balance with the natural environment.

It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about conservation practices, the sustainable management of natural resources and the biodiversity of the area, considering that it is home to unique species of flora and fauna. This type of initiative promotes local economic development, since the inhabitants participate in the activities and the work of the local hosts is also made visible in this space, which contributes to improving their living conditions and, above all, transmits to visitors a way of life that involves harmony with nature.

In this context, the local population of the Sierra Gorda plays a fundamental role in the development of the tourism sector, which is integrated by values linked to conservation, cultural identity, sustainability and regeneration. This is why the active participation of the communities not only offers tourists a unique and enriching experience, but also benefits the region, its territory and its socio-cultural context.

Link "La Casita Ecológica": https://lacasitaecologicasierragorda.com/es/index.pp

Article written by César Armando Martínez Pérez, a student of the Bachelor's Degree in Cultural and Natural Tourism Management at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro.