Diseño de un sistema de indicadores de sostenibilidad ambiental desde el enfoque de desarrollo regional alternativo aplicado al turismo rural en Usme

Abstract

This research project addresses the gap between the rhetoric of sustainable tourism and its practical implementation in protected areas and buffer zones, arguing that standardized global indicators are insufficient for managing complex local territories. Given the dissonance between theoretical models and the realities of rural Usme, Bogotá, the design and validation of a situated and participatory system of environmental sustainability indicators is proposed. Methodologically, the design integrates a characterization of tourism dynamics under the Alternative Regional Development Approach (ARDA), followed by the formulation of indicators according to the guidelines of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2005). Finally, the proposal is qualitatively validated through a participatory process with the local community using a Likert scale, aimed at selecting and legitimizing the metrics based on their territorial relevance. The final product is a situated management tool that, by prioritizing community knowledge and establishing strategic recommendations for long-term monitoring, contributes to a more equitable tourism model and legitimate and informed territorial governance.