Assessment of the landscape for the sustainable development of tourism in the community of San Francisco, Ecuador

The community of San Francisco, located in the province of Manabf, Ecuador, faces the challenge of developing tourism sustainably in a natural environment. This research aims to conduct a descriptive assessment of its landscape value, in order to support landscape preservation and guide tourism activity planning in the region. The methodology involved data collection through online surveys, field evaluations, and collaboration with the local community. Findings revealed the delineation of five landscape units based on land use: natural forest, anthropized natural forest, agriculture, cultivated pasture, and the San Francisco community. The high visual quality and moderate landscape fragility demonstrate the great potential for tourism under careful planning and management. It is crucial to promote tourism activities focused on appreciating nature and scenic beauty, such as hiking, cycling, camping, and agrotourism, to foster a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development. Additionally, integrating local products into the culinary offerings aimed at tourists serves as a means to support and bolster the local economy.