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Exploring community and key stakeholders' perception of scientific tourism as a strategy to achieve SDGs in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract:

This research examines the perception regarding scientific tourism (ScT) and its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data were collected in two stages. In the first stage, a survey was conducted in the Kichwa community of San José de Payamino within the buffer zone of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in the central northern Ecuadorian Amazon. In the second stage, workshops and interviews were conducted with key actors interested in the Timburi Cocha Biological Station (TCBS). The results showed that both the local population and the key actors perceived that the activities carried out by the TCBS contributed to achieve at least eight SDGs, empowering the community, especially by recognizing their cultural and ancestral values. This supported the sustainable and economic development of the community. The TCBS had contributed to the community an annual average of USD 5000 in the past 8 years, in addition to other social and cultural benefits provided from the different activities carried out by the TCBS.