Environmental governance and community-based tourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon: a critical analysis from Orellana

Authors

  • Rita Sulema Lara Vásconez Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Ecuador
  • Lady Alexandra Córdova Jaramillo Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Ecuador
  • Jairo Stalin Calapucha Alvarado Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado de la Provincia de Orellana, Ecuador
  • Diego Alexander Vásquez Jácome Fundación Familia Salesiana Salinas, Ecuador

Keywords:

Internal organizational communication; teamwork; public sector; institutional management; decentralized autonomous governments

Abstract

Introduction: The Amazon faces critical levels of degradation, driving the search for economic alternatives such as community-based tourism. However, its sustainability is not automatic and depends on governance structures. This study critically analyzes the environmental dimension of community-based tourism in the Puerto Francisco de Orellana canton (Ecuador) to examine how organizational models influence the mitigation of ecological impacts. Materials and methods: A qualitative-comparative approach was used, employing documentary analysis of local case studies and a systematic review of indexed literature, triangulating information to identify patterns in environmental planning, waste management, and governance. Results: Models with collective ownership of assets and formal environmental planning show greater coherence between tourism activity and conservation. In contrast, initiatives with external dependence or weak institutionalization show greater vulnerability, reflected in problems such as pressure on water bodies and inadequate waste management. Discussion: Sustainability is not guaranteed by the existence of natural capital, but rather by the quality of local governance. External technical and financial dependence emerges as a factor of structural fragility. Conclusions: The ecological resilience of community-based tourism is determined by the degree of environmental institutionalization. It is recommended to strengthen participatory monitoring systems and voluntary certifications to consolidate governance and long-term sustainability in these fragile Amazonian socio-ecosystems.

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Published

2026-03-12

How to Cite

Lara Vásconez , R. S., Córdova Jaramillo, L. A., Calapucha Alvarado, J. S., & Vásquez Jácome, D. A. (2026). Environmental governance and community-based tourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon: a critical analysis from Orellana . Maestro Y Sociedad, 23(1), 805–811. Retrieved from https://maestroysociedad.uo.edu.cu/index.php/MyS/article/view/7505

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2026)

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Artículos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rita Sulema Lara Vásconez , Lady Alexandra Córdova Jaramillo, Jairo Stalin Calapucha Alvarado, Diego Alexander Vásquez Jácome

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