Socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing the formulation of tourism projects in Florencia (Caquetá, Colombia)

Abstract

Objective: To define influencing factors in the formulation of tourism projects in the municipality of Florencia (Caquetá, Colombia).

Methodology: For the development of this article, data collection was carried out using a non-probabilistic sampling method, selecting: 1. Nature Tourism (TN) ventures in the municipality mentioned (the locality chosen for analysis), and 2. Professionals involved in the formulation of conservation and sustainable tourism projects (identified as local experts); these two samples were subject to analysis, complemented by a literature review and the application of techniques such as surveys and interviews, which provided information that was subsequently systematized using SPSS and Atlas.ti software. This process allows for presenting qualitative results with greater analytical capacity.

Results: The importance and necessity of social, economic, and environmental factors were compiled and identified in the project formulation process. In this sense, the contribution of each factor is argued, and their orientation towards strengthening local capacities in the territories, particularly in Florencia (Caquetá) is emphasized. There is a need for the development of TN initiatives, an activity seen as a catalyst in underdeveloped and forgotten territories.

In coherence, the study begins by recognizing the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality under analysis, which stands out for various demographic and geographic characteristics that make it attractive for tourism activities. While authors like Garzón and De Val Martín (2022) recognize the potential of TN, it is also necessary to emphasize the need to generate actions that conserve its diversity. Thus, it is crucial to delimit social, economic, and environmental aspects that lead to benefits for stakeholders, the population, and the territory as a whole.

Specific categories of analysis are considered; first, the social component, which includes territorial valuation, is viewed as a planning axis that contextualizes the territory by considering the various actors and their respective needs in space and time (Molinares and Díaz, 2022); followed by the formation of TN, territorial planning, and management —three components that strengthen local capacities. The latter is a pressing need for this territory, as Sánchez et al. (2021) affirm that “there is an urgent need to develop awareness and environmental consciousness actions through environmental education processes” (p. 12).

These categories also contribute to the valuation of the territory, encompassing an understanding of this concept from a social and cultural construction perspective. Continuing, tourism promotion approaches and community participation are considered, acting as emphatic tools to understand community needs and thus improve the management of natural wealth. It is essential to indicate that local community participation in tourism development addresses sustainability issues and contributes to image building (Pascoli, 2021).

Additionally, the articulation of actors in the value chain is included in the analysis, who contribute to boosting tourism and promoting local appropriation (Álvarez and Lavao, 2022). All these criteria, combined with the involvement of political actors, build tools and unify public policies in favor of TN development, an aspect that leads to recognizing the current state of the territory and the needs to be addressed (Sánchez, 2023; López and Balanta, 2022; Velásquez, 2017; Sandoval, 2023).

Secondly, recognition, income generation, and regional development are presented as benefits derived from economic factors that foster growth and development for the population. The study analyzes economic growth and consolidation, the level of tourism development, the creation of tourist routes, positioning, and local development. These categories collectively contribute to community needs and define how to enhance participation in spaces. A noteworthy aspect is that the study community is largely knowledgeable and has been involved in TN projects, indicating interest in cooperating with the municipality's tourism development (Narváez et al., 2023; Contreras, 2021; MinCIT, 2022).

Thirdly, environmental factors were considered. Fernández et al. (2022) indicate that TN must be managed by the community to promote conservation and define concepts of control and mitigation of biodiversity damage while maximizing qualitative benefits for the territory and its population. This includes promoting TN practices, environmental conservation, and sustainability, raising environmental awareness, and developing and valuing heritage, which integrate the analysis categories of this factor. In general terms, it is indicated that generating environmental strategies and promoting tourism create visibility (Tomalá, 2022); thus, topics such as space organization and the use of tourist potential attractions are addressed, which aligns with environmental conservation and sustainability, representing positive environmental impacts.

This aims to conserve the available heritage and consequently reduce social inequality gaps in a territory that has been a victim of Colombia's internal conflict (Caquetá), which in turn broadens the territory's exposure; this last aspect is one of the most important variables for generating TN projects, as conserving environments allows for displaying an image consistent with TN objectives.

In addition, these factors collectively reveal that environmental conservation and sustainability are related to the articulation of tourism value chain members, focusing on: a) strengthening governance for tourism development; b) generating a unique culture; c) linking organizations, corporations, and universities; and d) collective interest in positioning Florencia as a TN destination. The priority for territories should involve a sustainable relationship between humans and nature (Tamayo, 2023).

Conclusion: In summary, the studied social factors include: 1. Visibility of the territory, and 2. Benefits and income for local communities and value chain members. Economic factors reduce gaps in inequality, ignorance, and lag concerning communities, the territory, and TN activities. In environmental factors, the need to link economic practices with ecosystem conservation is highlighted; thus, TN initiatives should prioritize natural and strategic areas through proper protection and management.

Development mechanisms and models for TN must be adapted to generate projects and strategies that align with nature preservation, based on planning associated with the analyzed factors, which build, enhance, formalize, and train TN in the municipality. This is achieved through the use of tools that support and govern appropriate functioning based on the conservation, management, and training of physical, economic, social, and environmental resources. Ultimately, each of the components in the three analyzed fields serves as a starting point to promote activities that favor TN, focusing on the care and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the municipality of Florencia.