ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE CACAO (Theobroma cacao L.) FARMING ECOSYSTEM WITH BLACK HOWLER MONKEYS (Alouatta palliata Gray) IN LA CHONTALPA, TABASCO

Abstract

In the state of Tabasco, the cacao (Theobroma cacao) farming ecosystem is a crop of cultural-economic importance that currently faces pressure to remain. In this farming ecosystem, elements from nature and production are associated, so it has been argued that it has an ecotourism potential that can be used to contribute economic income to producers, and to allow the conservation of species like the black howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) that have found refuge in this system. The potential for ecotourism in the farming ecosystem, with the presence of black howler monkeys, was evaluated in La Chontalpa, Tabasco, México, through the Ecotourism Potential Index (Índice de Potencial Ecoturístico, IPE) in cacao stands, considering 10 aspects in function of the perception of local inhabitants, the favorable habitat for the monkeys, ecotourism elements and landscape elements. When the IPE is equal or higher than 6 it is considered ideal for ecotourism; the values obtained ranged from 5.5 to 6.25 with an average value of 6.0. Results showed that La Chontalpa has the potential to develop ecotourism focused on sighting of black howler monkeys, so although it represents an alternative for income that can be compatible with production and conservation, actions should be implemented to foster and guarantee the establishment and permanence of these kinds of initiatives.