Diseño de un sendero interpretativo en el bosque de la escuela San Patricio de Fe y Alegría.

Abstract

The objective of this research was the technical design of an interpretative trail in the forest of San Patricio school because it was speculated that this forest has natural resources with great potential to be exploited. In addition, the proposal was developed through interviews with experts from the previous trail and recording the background, consecutively several field trips were made to list the attractions and resources of the trail. The species were identified with the iNaturalist application and then the index of interpretative potential (IPI) was evaluated. The coordinates were also taken for the layout and to calculate the length of the trail with a margin of precision from 2 to 5 meters. On the other hand, a bibliographic review was used to analyze the profile of potential visitors to the trail, complemented by an audience analysis using the focus group technique with surveys of guides in the canton due to the health crisis; therefore, a carrying capacity study was carried out considering sections with irregularities and correction factors were applied. Finally, a unit price analysis (UPA) of tourist facilities and interpretative media was carried out for the implementation of the trail. The results obtained were 3 attractions with low weighting and 16 flora and 30 fauna resources, distributed in categories: High with 21 resources, Very High with 17, and Medium High with 7. With the carrying capacity, the implementation of 3 bridges, 7 sections with handrails, and 171 steps with 9 landings were analyzed. To sum up, the trail had 2 interpretative routes and stations designed with IPI resources, so it is recommended to create an environmental education program and implement the proposal to be included in the canton’s tourism planning.