Eco-Tourism in the Lower Delta Region of the Colorado River & The
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Spatial Journeys: Eco-Tourism in the Lower Delta Region of the Colorado River & the Upper Gulf of California. Item Type Report-Reproduction (electronic); text Authors Clement, Caryl Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 30/09/2021 21:33:36 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/192126 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA LIBRARY 3 9001 04363 1277 YARP LAR.25 LIBRARY USE ONLY tip 16, •-• ---••• • :Lerra— • s ;•••••` - ' , Eco-tourism in the Lower Delta Region of the Colorado River & the Upper Gulf of California SPATIAL JOURNEYS Eco-Tourism in the Lower Delta Region of the Colorado River & the Upper Gulf of California Sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund Caryl Clement Landscape Architecture Master Report College of Architecture University of Arizona June, 2000 Committee Members: Dr. Mark Frederickson, Chairman (Architecture/Landscape Architecture) Dr. Edward Glenn ( (Plant Scientist) Dr. Warren Jones (Landscape Architecture, Emeritus) 411•11111111111 Dedicated to: Martin `Pescador' Adolfo Leon Rivera whose love and dedication to his family, friends and country will always be remembered. I would like to thank the following people for their support and guidance: Chelsea Congdon, Senior Resource Analyst, Environmental Defense Fund Dr. Ed Glenn, Plant Scientist, University of Arizona Jose Campoy, , Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado Field Biologist and Manager, IMADES (lnstituto de Medio Ambients y del Desarrollo Sustentable del Estado do Sonora) Jose Juan Burton, Chairman of the Johnson Ejido Eco-tourism Committee Marta Roman, Biologist, Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado Alejandro Gerado, Field Biologist, Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado Anita Alvarez Williams, University of Mexicali Jason Morrison, Associate of the Pacific Institute And to extend a special thanks to: Dr. Mark Frederickson, Landscape Architecture Professor, University of Arizona whose insights, guidance and sense of humor kept me going. John Heiman, owner of Southwest Trekking whose enthusiasm and "make it happen" attitude was invaluable. Barbara and Howard Clement, my parents,whose unwavering love and support is beyond words. _ Contents Abstract Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - History Chapter 3 - Literature Review Chapter 4 - Research Methodologies Chapter 5 - Analysis And Design Implications Chapter 6 - Recommendations References Appendices Eco-Tourism in the Colorado River Delta and the Upper Gulf of California ABSTRACT The northwestern region of the State of Sonora, Mexico is an area rich with cul- tural and bio-diversity. In recent years, over-fishing of this area coupled with the disap- pearance of the Colorado River Delta waters has caused a marked decline in the fish- ing industry. Local economies have suffered causing a trend of the young adults to move away from their homes in order to find viable occupations. Eco-tourism is a viable alternative, potentially improving the current economic decline of the local communities and maintaining the cultural family structures. Examination of the cultural, economic and environmental needs of the area and the preferences of eco-tourists, indicate the possibilities for a sustainable, low impact eco-tourism program. An integrated form of Eco-tourism is proposed for Cienega de Santa Clara, with other potential sites for Eco-tourism tourism activities identified within the region bounded by the Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve to the north, extending south through to the small fishing village of El Golfo de Santa Clara. The recommendations proposed are based on the integration of the following: the desires and needs of the locals, involvement of the locals at all levels, strategies that are sensitive to the environ ment, the desires and needs of Eco-tourists and the needs of outfitter guide services. A pro-active approach will be implemented in conjunction with a an American based company, Southwest Trekking, through the employment of pilot trips, surveys and struc- tured interviews with locals residents and environmental scientists. 15 ARIZONA e, 42' DESALTING PI ANT IMPERIAL CALIFORNIA DAM ALI•AMER AN CANAL LAGUNA DAM Yuma MOREL OS DAM LCE CA" Welton-Mohawk Drain Map of the Colorado River System (Pacific Institute) SONORA ISLA GOR£ ISLA MONTAGUE \ 50 km El Golfo de AREA OF STUDY )GL)LF OF Santa Clara CALIFORNIA Rio Heudy vvf-Alands. 2 r. Clenega dr2. Santa Clara, 3 = El Doctor wetlands Source: (Asti?'- et at. rm. CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Justification For The Establishment Of An Eco-Tourism Program In The Colorado River Delta And Upper Gulf Of California Region Environmental and Socio-Cultural The need for an eco-tourism program in the Colorado River Delta and the Upper Gulf of California is linked to the heart of this region, the Colorado River Delta. The Colorado River Delta has been greatly impacted by many environmental and socio-cultural issues. Staring in the 1920's, the Bureau of Reclamation constructed a series of dams, diverting water for irrigation purposes and power generation. By the 1970's, the negative impact s of the dams was being felt. Con- cern was raised over the build up of sediment behind the dams and the Colorado River Delta had essentially dried up. The disappearance of the Colorado River Delta waters has greatly impacted the Mexican farming communities located in the historic flood plane of the Colorado River. Farming has become increasingly difficult, due to decreased quantities of water and increased levels of salinity. Farming communities are in a period of cultural flux and are looking for alternative livelihoods. A state of change often provides new opportunities. Eco-tourism is a viable option. The involvement of the local cultures in the establishment and man- agement of an eco-tourism program, during this period of cultural flux, would provide them with increased opportunities to form the future as they see fit. This in turn, would promote a sense of pride, identity and stewardship to their culture. A culture involved in an eco-tourism program not only takes pride in themselves, but also become stewards of the entity that is providing the alternative livelihood – the environment. Thus, preservation through eco-tourism. Economic Eco-tourists are primarily people from Europe, North America, and Japan — people with greater disposable incomes and more leisure time. The average age of an Eco-tourist is between 30 and 50 years old, is a professional or retired, enjoys outdoor activities and has had previous experience traveling abroad. Eco- tourists tend to be relatively wealthy with incomes ranging from $30,000 to $90,000 annually. Eco-tourists enjoy activities such as hiking / trekking, bird watching, nature photography, whale watching, fishing, mountain climbing, wildlife safaris, river rafting, botanical study, camping and research trips. In 1995, 809.5 million people, or 69% of the population of the United States went on pleasure trips. (Sonoran Institute, 1997.) An estimated 5 million Ameri- cans participated in nature tours in 1995. They are tourists who want to experience remote and unique environments that provide both natural and cultural experi- ences. (Sonoran Institute, 1997.) These tourists value environmental, historical and cultural education; are adventuresome preferring "off the beaten path" sites and are not adversely affected by poor facilities/ infrastructure. (Sonoran Institute, 1997.) They seek out uplifting experiences, visually, physically and mentally. The establishment of an eco-tourism program in the Colorado River Delta and Upper Gulf of California Region would provide the type of experience that eco-tourists seek. This in turn would provide economic revenues to the region. 17 Purpose, Objectives and Scope Purpose: Environmental: Establish an Eco-tourism program that conserves the natural environs. Increase the awareness and appreciation of nature for both the tourist and the local people Socio - cultural: Establish an Eco-tourism program that sustains the well being of the local people. Maximize the economic benefits for the local people by involving them in all aspects of the program and by guiding revenues generated from the program directly into their hands. Economic Establish an Eco-tourism program that integrates the needs and desires of the potential market. Identify and develop features within the program, which will attract eco-tourists Maximize the economic gains for both the local people as well as the tour guide. Objectives: Environmental To develop a sustainable Eco-tourism program for the Cienega de Santa Clara Promote the use of canoes on the Cienega Recommend environmentally sound methods of disposing of human waste Develop a checklist for the flora and fauna found within the Cienega Identify other areas of interest and establish linkages between the points of interest identified within the following areas: Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Rio Colorado El Golfo de Santa Clara and beaches to the south Socio - cultural Aid in the development of an Eco-tourism program for the Johnson Ejido. Research and identify the needs and desires of the Johnson Ejido. Identify overnight accommodations