RESORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE VENEZUELAN CENTRAL LITTORAL: THE CASE OF NAIGUATA

Naiguata is a small coastal town in the Federal District of Venezuela some 24 miles from Caracas (Map 1). Because of this proximity to Caracas, land use patterns have been significantly affected in recent decades by resort development. Accelerated growth of the Metropolitan Area of Caracas has created a need for recreational facilities away from the congestion of the capital.' Naiguata has satisfied that need to some extent, but, for several reasons, future growth and expansion are limited. The town is located on a narrow peninsular-like site hemmed in between the steep flanks of the Coastal Range mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Much of it is covered with unconsolidated material, and has a rocky shoreline exposed to powerful wave action. Future economic and social development in Naiguata is severely limited by the restricted extent of the site. The community cannot support unlimited growth without destroying what vacationers go there to enjoy.