The impact on social peace and the environment of during the Covid-19 pandemic tourism in the Machalilla National protected area: towards an integral perspective.

Abstract

Protected Areas in Ecuador cover 20% of the national territory. More than 19 million hectares are dedicated to the care of flora and fauna, allowing the conservation of biological systems. The are related to promoting educational, environmental issues and mostly tourism. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact generated by tourist activities in the Machalilla National Park (PNM) during the covid-19 pandemic on Police criminometry (to measure social peace) and on the perceptions of environmental impact. The research approach is directed qualitatively and quantitatively, supported by techniques such as statistical data from the David System of the National Police, participant observation and surveys. For data collection, we used field observation journals and a Google Forms questionnaire for a population of 45 tourists, among nationals and foreigners. The results indicate that tourism activities within the PNM have been significantly affected by the pandemic since activities such as trips, some shopping stores, training centers, bars, restaurants involve a high degree of personal contact. Likewise, there is an increase in violent crime in this territory. Since protected areas are considered spaces that generate economic income for local and rural communities, we promote the hypothesis explaining criminometric behavior as a result of the breakdown of local economic expectations.