Plan de acción para la implementación del aviturismo como alternativa de transición económica sostenible en concertación con la comunidad del municipio de Garagoa - Boyacá

Abstract

Colombia, considered a megadiverse country, stands out as an especially attractive option for bird watching because its territory is home to the largest number of bird species in the world. In addition to the wealth of species, Colombia has a large number of endemic species (79) and almost endemic species (193), (Garzón & Myers, 2016). In this context, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the birdwatching potential of the Caldera Arriba and Caldera Abajo villages in the municipality of Garagoa in consultation with the community, the institutionality and the adequate management of natural resources around the transition processes towards green and conservation economies. To carry out this evaluation, two main objectives were considered. Initially, a diagnosis of the territory was carried out; of a biotic, abiotic and socioeconomic nature, in which the natural attractions were identified, the institutional tools to facilitate the implementation of the action plan, the socio-environmental and economic problems of the population and the potential of the bird diversity of the study area was validated. The second objective was to formulate an action plan to promote the development of bird tourism by determining the main strategic areas of action through the development of a SWOT matrix to identify weaknesses, opportunities, strengths and threats in order to move from traditional economic activities such as livestock farming to low-impact and sustainable economic activities. The results obtained through this research demonstrated the potential of bird tourism as an alternative for sustainable economic transition. In turn, it was possible to identify the level of acceptance by the inhabitants of the area of ​​influence of the project, which is essential to achieve that the action plan in consultation with the community is successful. Additionally, political instruments were identified that currently promote this transition and in turn the conservation of resources in the territory for the maintenance of bird species and habitats, such as Resolution 1294 of 2021 and the National Bird Conservation Strategy -ENCA- 2030. Finally, an Action Plan focused on the development and promotion of bird watching in the study area was formulated through which two programs were defined; Program 1: Knowledge for bird conservation, which has 2 projects (Conservation of endemic species under threat and education aimed at bird tourism) and Program 2: Strengthening local advocacy mechanisms, which also has 2 projects (Support for business creation and coordination with RNOA, and Strengthening institutional and community capacity). This action plan seeks to position the municipality of Garagoa and especially the Caldera Arriba and Caldera Abajo villages as a key destination for the development of activities for the observation and study of wild birds as a specialized segment of ecotourism in the department of Boyacá.