Perception of rural youth with respect of ecotourism in the Chimayoy Environmental Center, Municipality of Pasto, Colombia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the perception of rural young people about ecotourism. Through qualitative research, surveys and situational analysis with simple random sampling were designed and applied. The rural youth consider as main problems the inadequate use of natural resources (62%), the lack of commitment of youth for the care of natural resources (73%), and little knowledge about ecotourism (78%). Also, environmental education workshops and guided walks are highlighted as ecotourism activities. The minimal integration of the community was identified as a weakness, the talent as a strength, and institutional support were identified as an opportunity. This allows the generation of training strategies in project formulation, environmental education and ecotourism. It is concluded that the rural youth have appropriation for their territory, constituting an opportunity for the structuring of projects of tourist enterprise.