Evaluation of the Territorial Potentials for thePractice of Birdwatching Tourism in the Carrizal-Chone Water Corridor (Ecuador)

The main objective of this paper is to study the territory and environmental resources to identify the potential for the development of birdwatching tourism in the Carrizal-Chone water corridor, located in the province of Manabí, Pacific Coast region (Ecuador). To this end, the environmental and social characteristics of the territory were analyzed with the support of a literature review, fieldwork, direct observation techniques and a series of interviews with local stakeholders. An inventory of the most representative birdlife species was also carried out to subsequently systematize the information in a sustained registration matrix, using a series of tools such as bird inventory sheets, binoculars, Global Positioning System equipment, and photographic surveys. Through the final evaluation of the results, 126 bird species and 37 families have been identified; it has been possible to verify that 70% of the managers are familiar with birdwatching tourism and, in addition, there are natural and cultural tourist services and attractions with significant ecotourism potential.