TO PRESERVE THE MOUNTAINS AND THE COMMUNITY: INDIGENOUS ECOTOURISM AS A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Abstract

This research explores the role of community control, various community characteristics, and inter-community coalitions in facilitating the viability of ecotourism projects. The goal is to generate a model that can guide future research efforts about ecotourism projects in indigenous communities. Results from two communities in Oaxaca, Mexico show that in addition to community control, factors increasing accessibility (infrastructure), visibility (public relations) and connectivity (collaboration with other organizations) are important for project success. Community controlled ecotourism may have a positive impact on the community itself, including resource development, decreased migration, and control over cultural and environmental exploitation.