PROPUESTA DE UN MODELO PARA IDENTIFICAR IMPACTOS AMBIENTALES DEL TURISMO EN ESPACIOS NATURALES

Abstract

      In this study we propose a model to predict and estimate qualitatively the environmental impact caused by visitors to a tourist area, depending on the type of activities they conduct and the characteristics of the landscape. This method might be useful as a tool to manage the tourism and to plan the recreational areas to find a balance between the demand of the public and the protection of the ecosystem. The application of the model in different recreational areas («Los Chorros del río Mundo)) and the camping sites of ((Peñascosa)) in Albacete; and «El Barco)), in Cuenca) allowed to establish a classification into areas varying in their potential impact. These proved to be very useful to propose new managenlent actions for public use, as well as to distribute the visitors into areas where the potential impact they may cause is smaller.