Impact of Tourism Activities on Human Health and the Environment of a Riparian Ecosystem in Mexico

Abstract

Historically, humans use natural resources for recreational purposes such as tourism. Studying the state of conservation and evaluating the impact of tourism on riparian ecosystems, is basic information to propose mitigation measures and environmental control. The objective of this study was evaluated the impact of tourism on the environmental characteristics of the riparian ecosystems of basin Jamapa, Veracruz, Mexico. (a) water quality (analyzed physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of water); (b) intensity of landscape use (161 questionnaires were applied to tourists and managers of riparian ecosystems; it was asked about the environmental damage and to human health, and this was classified with a problem tree), and (c) landscape quality (tourist´s assessment of the aesthetic appearance of the landscape and the presence of pollution indicator plants), were three environmental indicators evaluated. Indicators classify this riparian ecosystem with high degree of environmental deterioration: water presented fecal microorganisms that affect human health such as gastric and skin problems; the waste generated by tourists pollutes the riparian ecosystem, causing a decrease in its quality and environmental value; on the riverbank, plants have indicatory of contaminated soils. Influence in the area with public policies of conservation and sustainability, would allow a sustainable ecotourist to use and improve human health.