Management Plan for Access to the Ancón Pozo 001 Geosite, Santa Elena Canton. (#1674)

Authors

González Tomalá, Maritza

Moreno Alcívar, Lucrecia

Herrera Franco, Gricelda

Campoverde Campoverde, Daniel

Garcés Vargas, Juan

Abstract

Geosites have been exploited for tourism on a small scale within Ecuador. The objective of this research is to create a management plan proposing strategies that allow for the sustainability of the Ancón Pozo 001 geosite through geotourism, promoting geoeducation, and geoconservation. The study stages are: i) identification of environmental and social vulnerability factors, and surveying of students; ii) design of access structures; iii) elaboration of a Management Plan based on the financial analysis obtained. Results indicate the existence of displacement due to planar faulting and marine erosion as a result of wave action, proposing the construction of a breakwater as a preventive measure; the SWOT analysis shows the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the community where the Ancón Pozo 001 geosite is located. It was determined that local governments do not have enhancement plans due to a lack of awareness of the value of this place, considering it a cultural heritage of the nation and the geology it is composed of. Management measures proposed include the construction of an access road, installation of railings on a viewpoint-type platform, and staircases for access to the beach.