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Agroecological tourism invites people to connect with nature, while discovering the beauty it offers. This activity allows the recovery of ecosystems while generating direct income for the community.

“It is a multiple activity, which, in addition to being recreational, educational, environmental and ecological, allows one to open up to the world, and to make known more about what Ecuador is, its people, its culture, its lifestyle and its way of living. work the land, even more, the awareness of the products that are consumed”,

Indicates Franklin Mora, a researcher at the International University of Ecuador (UIDE).

 

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Saint Joseph of Mashpi | Image courtesy of Quito Tourism

 

The people of the parishes of Quito, belonging to the Chocó Andino, live in the seventh biosphere reserve of Ecuador, declared by UNESCO. There, the soil is fertile and hundreds of unique species in the world inhabit it, having enormous potential for agroecological tourism.

People who opt for this type of activity opt for planting and harvesting products, hiking, observation, caring for animals and other types of recreational activities.

The prices to do this type of activity vary. In the case of bird watching, prices range from USD 90 to over USD 1,000 per person, depending on the offer and the exclusivity of the bird to be admired. In countries like Mexico, the observation of exotic animals exceeded 20 million USD in direct annual income for the communities.

On the other hand, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared that this activity allows the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (UN) to be met. The international entity ensures that agroecological tourism is a viable alternative to boost the economy of rural populations and preserve nature.

In addition, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism, this activity represents more than 1.3 billion USD to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ecuador. The same entity points out that this sector generates more than 409,000 jobs.