Pre-proposal presentation by Maria Jose Andrade and Abimaria Otaño for CIAM 6117

1. Socio-economic analysis of tourist and
recreational activities in Luis Peña
Channel Natural Reserve (LPCNR),
Culebra and its effects on conservation
efforts
SeaGrant Pre-proposal
María José Andrade Núñez and Abimarie Otaño
Coastal Environmental course
CIAM 6117

2. PROJECT BACKGROUND
 The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation is widely known.
There is ample evidence of how it can contribute to alleviate social and
economical problems in communities within or adjacent the protected areas.
 In this regards, nature-based tourism or ecotourism activities developed in
protected areas can contribute on its conservation, as well as in the social
and economic characteristics of local community and business.
 Nevertheless there is a need of a long term evaluation of the tourism
activities on protected area, its conservation and socio-economic effects on
local communities.

3. RESEARCH PROBLEM
 Currently there is a lack of knowledge about the impacts of recreational
and tourist activities in Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve (LPCNR)
and how they can be contributing economically and socially to Culebra
citizens. In addition to this, there is no knowledge about how tourist
activities can be contributing in the protection of LPCNR.

4. GOAL
 Is to develop a socio-economic analysis of nature-based
tourism activities developed in the LPCNR in order to
determine the impact of the protected area on local community
and the possible effects and contribution of nature-based
activities to the protection of the area.

5. TOURISTIC ATTRACTIVE

6. OBJECTIVES
 Determine the socio-economic characteristics of nature-based
activities developed in the LPCNR.
 Evaluate the importance of the marine and coastal resources of
the LPCNR in the development of sustainable nature-based
tourist activities.
 Evaluate and compare the conservation perception and
environmental knowledge (i.e. natural resources, regulations)
of local and foreign people and business owners.
 Determine and recommend strategies for the implementation of
an integrated management plan where tourists, owner of
business and local community could promote the marine
reserve conservation through law enforcement.

7. STUDY SITE
Luis Peña Channel
Natural Reserve

8. METHODOLOGY
 Literature and web survey in order to create a database of the nature-based business in
Culebra.
 Semi-structured questionnaires to local people of Culebra, owners of tourist business,
tourists, environmental leaders, NGO’s and students.
 Interview to Tourism Agency, the Authority for the Conservation and Development of
Culebra and related agencies in San Juan and Culebra.
Analysis:
 SPSS statistical program, Quantitative data regarding economic activities will be analyzed
using basic statistical methods such as t-test and ANOVA.

9. ACTIVITIES
 Provide workshops in collaboration of
governmental agencies, NGO’s and local
business to promote sustainable economic
initiatives. (i.e. Green Certifications, artistic,
photography, environmental interpretation).
 Environmental educational workshops and
activities that integrates the students and local
community into the diverse conservation efforts.
 Integrate the community in the data gathering
process.
© Taller de Arte, Culebra. J. A

10. TIME TABLE Year 1
Activities 2013 January February March April May June July August September October November December
Research activities
Literature and web survey of nature-based
bussines in Culebra
Semi-structured interviews (local people,
nature-based bussines, tourists, NGO
leaders)
Gather socio-economic data from
government agencies and other relevant
offices
Data Analysis
Reports
Educational activities
Environmental educational workshops to
local community, owner of nature-based
bussines, and toursist.
School activities related to conservation and
protected areas
Community data gahtering

11. Year 2
TIME TABLE
Activities 2014 January February March April May June July August September October November December
Research activities
Semi-structured interviews (local
people, nature-based business,
tourists, NGO leaders)
Gather socio-economic data from
government agencies and other
relevant offices
Data Analysis
Reports
Educational activities
Environmental educational
workshops to local community,
owner of nature-based business, and
tourists
School activities related to
conservation and protected areas
Community data gathering

12. POTENTIAL BENEFITS
 It would help to determine ways in which local community,
environmental organizations, tourist business and tourists can
contribute in the management of the protected area.
 It would help to determine the economic and social benefit of the
marine protected area for the local economy.
 Provide recommendations to the DNER for the integration of local
people and tourist business in the vigilance and law enforcement in
the LPCNR.

13. Thanks!
Questions?