Fortalecimiento del Parque Nacional Yacuri mediante el diseño del plan de Comunicación, Educación y Participación Ambiental (CEPA)

Abstract

Abstract: The Parque Nacional Yacuri (PNYc) is a protected area in southern Ecuador, focused on the conservation of large mammals such as the Andean bear and home to an important lacustrine system. This study presents a proposal for the CEPA Plan (Communication, Education, and Public Awareness) for the protected area, based on the identification of education, communication, and environmental participation needs through participatory workshops with PNYc staff and interviews with local stakeholders within the area of influence. Threats to the area were identified, including solid waste management, impacts from inadequate agricultural practices, and forest fires, which have affected Andean forest cover and water resources. Based on the collected information, the CEPA Plan proposal was designed, establishing actions such as awareness campaigns, environmental education on biodiversity and good environmental practices, and community participation. These actions are aimed at PNYc staff, nearby communities, and tourists, with the goal of involving communities in the park's management processes, strengthening knowledge on biodiversity and protected area management.