1

COMMUNITY TOURISM
A Model for a Regional Network in the Bajo
Lempa

Monterey Institute of International Studies

Team El Salvador 7
Arianne Rene Dilts
Amy Kessler
Annie Rousse

January 2013

Acknowledgments
Hearing the experiences and visions of the people from the Bajo Lempa has
been an enriching and motivating experience, both personally and
professionally. We thank them for sharing their stories and ideas with us,
especially those individuals we were privileged to have met during the
community meetings. We further thank them for their hospitality in showing
us their communities and beautiful surroundings.
We extend a special thanks to Ins Davila, Giovanni Diaz, Luis Ramos and
Noh Reyes for sharing their knowledge and guiding our study. Without their
direction, expertise and organizational support, our efforts would not have
been as fruitful. We additionally would like to thank David Marroqun, Jos
Dolores Rojas and Ricardo Hernndez as well as La Coordinadora staff,
especially German Reyes and Ana Reyes, for their logistical support and
hospitality.
Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of our
interpreter Brittany vila. Her role was essential in facilitating in-country
communication.
We would further like to thank our host families for welcoming us into their
homes and providing us a delicious taste of El Salvadorian food. Through
them we were privileged to gain a better understanding of El Salvadorian
culture and life.
Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation for the guidance and
expertise of our TES 7 coordinator, Adele Negro. Without her support, our
work would not have been possible.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction..............................................................................1
II. Methodology............................................................................6
III. Results and Recommendations.................................................9
IV. Conclusions...........................................................................22
Appendix I: Methodology.............................................................26
Appendix II. Albums of Community Tourism.................................28
Appendix III. Community Profiles.................................................58
Appendix IV: Glossary.................................................................65

I. Introduction
1.1 Context
As a joint effort between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the U.S.
Government, the Partnership for Growth with the government of El Salvador
may lead to an inflow of investment to the Bajo Lempa region in the coming
years; thus, it is important to prepare communities to best take advantage of
these funds. A likely possibility for the application of this investment is
toward the development of tourism throughout the region.
Situated at the western end of the Bay of Jiquilisco along the Pacific coast of
El Salvador, the Bajo Lempa is an ecologically rich center for biodiversity
home to some of the largest mangroves in Central America. The bay and its
surrounding area provide habitats for a diverse array of wildlife and offer an
abundance of resources of interest for an ecotourism network, including
mangroves, fish, crab and mollusks, birds, and sea turtles.
The development of an ecotourism network would offer the region a number
of socioeconomic benefits, including improvements to the quality of local
infrastructure, the creation of jobs and opportunities that could involve local
youth, and the generation of an additional source of income. If structured
correctly, such a tourism network would encourage development without
placing pressure on the regions delicate ecosystems. Instead, it would
encourage communities to conserve and protect their natural resources,
while providing them with an incentive and the support needed to do so.
With the regions high potential for ecotourism, the Partnership for Growth
presents both an opportunity and a threat to the communities of the Bajo
Lempa. On one hand, the incoming funding could provide the resources to
develop the necessary infrastructure to build a successful tourism network.
However, on the other hand, many community leaders fear that if the
investment comes in too fast or without proper pre-established planning, it
could lead to the construction of large commercial resorts. Such large-scale
development would be likely to isolate generated income and employment
opportunities, preventing communities from realizing the potential
socioeconomic benefits that they could otherwise receive from the
development of tourism in the region.
To increase the likelihood of greater inclusion of community members in
tourism development, it is essential for the communities of the Bajo Lempa
to articulate their visions of regional tourism. Additionally, for the
development of tourism in the region to be sustainable, communities should
construct an integrated network of community tourism. By including all

2
communities in the Bajo Lempa and diffusing the impact of tourism
throughout the region, the tourism network could better prevent the
exploitation of any one communitys resources while helping to preserve the
natural resources of the region as a whole. Furthermore, an inclusive tourism
network could also help to ensure that each community is incorporated in
the development plans so that they can share in the benefits from the
investment.
Within this context, we as the Team El Salvador 7 (TES 7) Ecotourism Group
focused our study on two main objectives:
1. To help communities define and articulate, both through words and
graphics, the regional vision of community tourism
2. To develop a model for a regional network of tourism by establishing
short, medium and long-term recommendations for the communities
This report explains how we applied and accomplished these objectives for
seven key communities in the Western Sector of the Bajo Lempa: Las
Mesitas, Los Clix, La Chacastera, La Canota, Los Lotes, La Babilonia, and
Isla Montecristo. The remaining sections of Part I provide a summary of the
lessons we learned based on previous research, as well as the evaluation of a
successful model for existing tourism development in one community in the
region. Part II explains the methodology we used to achieve our objectives.
Part III presents the results of our findings and elaborates upon short,
medium, and long-term recommendations for each community. Finally, Part
IV provides a summary of the key conclusions of this report.

1.2 Previous Research

In January 2011, the Team El Salvador 5 (TES 5) Environmental Team began
the investigation to facilitate the process of designing a community
ecotourism network for the Bajo Lempa, specifically for the communities of
Zone 1. Their team conducted a series of community-mapping workshops to
help each community reflect on the feasibility of their goals for an
ecotourism network, and offered specific recommendations for each
community and for the zone as a whole. Altogether, they visited five
communities in Zone 1: Isla de Mendez, El Aguacate, Ceiba Doblado, San
Juan del Gozo, and Los Llanos. Their recommendations provided the starting
point for Team El Salvador (TES 7) to evaluate development progress and
identify what had been the persisting challenges of regional tourism in the
last two years.
As the TES 5 report indicates, a great disparity in the stages of development
of the five examined communities still exists. Of the examined communities,

3
Isla de Mendez already the most developed of the five had made the most
progress in achieving the recommended short-term goals, including mainly
improvements to general infrastructure. For the most part, the less
developed communities had remained organized and hopeful toward future
development goals for tourism; however, they had found it more challenging
to implement the recommendation suggested by TES 5. Overall, a significant
gap remains in establishing the foundations for an intercommunity-based
approach to tourism that could link communities together to share resources
and maximize the benefits of tourism. Box 1 summarizes the main lessons
the TES 7 team learned in the evaluation of the previous project.
Box 1. Lessons Learned from Team El Salvador 5

Isla de Mendez: Achievements and Persisting Challenges

The community has successfully made short-term

improvements to local infrastructure. The attainment of these
basic improvements has been the first step toward regional tourism
development, and the community is now prepared to work toward
more elaborate medium and long-term goals.

The community should gain a better understanding of its

potential to provide a linking role in a community network. As
a leader in the region, Isla de Mendez should assume a leadership role
in sharing resources with other communities and guiding the
development of the region. For example, using their existing facilities,
they could expand the current waste management program to include
neighboring communities. This will help to maintain a cleaner
environment on a wider scale that, as a whole, will attract more
tourists to the region.

The development of tourism should be a community-led

initiative. The community should strive for a more active role in
enacting recommendations and continuing to make improvements on
its own without external oversight.

The community should create and post a map that includes all
sites of interest in the region. Communities like Isla de Mendez
that are already able to attract tourists should increase the flow of
information in order to guide visitors to participate in touristic activities
in other communities in the region. Encouraging tourists to visit other
nearby communities may also encourage them to stay longer in the
region. As Isla de Mendez is currently the only community in Zone 1
with the appropriate infrastructure to provide overnight lodging, this
would mean that the longer tourists spend in the region, the more
nights they would stay in Isla de Mendez. The end result would be a
shared benefit and revenue generation for all communities.

The community could be more creative with human resources.

In addition to developing physical infrastructure, community members
could develop greater awareness of potential opportunities for
community involvement in the tourism industry.

There is a persisting need for increased communication with

neighboring communities. Consistent communication between
communities in the region is essential to ensure the continuity of
projects and to proceed forward with a better and more unified vision.

Isla de Mendez should collaborate not only with the

communities in Zone 1, but also with the communities in the
greater Bajo Lempa, particularly those of the Western Sector.
The more extensive the regional network, the easier it will be to attract
tourists and maintain a higher level of tourism in the region.

Los Llanos and El Aguacate: Achievements and Persisting

Challenges

These communities are well organized and have actively

participating members. Participation is a vital component of the
community-based approach and will be a key resource in establishing a
tourism network.

These communities have been very creative in the use of their

limited resources. They have demonstrated creativity in recycling
and repurposing physical materials to compensate for the resources
they lack. They should continue to implement this resourcefulness in
projects geared towards tourism.

Any project that can attract tourism should also help to meet
the basic needs of the community. These communities consider it
a priority to first ensure the well-being of their own community
members. The development of basic infrastructure, such as the
consistent provision of potable water and electricity, are also
necessary to support hosting visitors in the community. Projects in
these communities might focus on improvements to ensure the basic
needs of the local people, and most likely this would help to provide
the necessary infrastructure to develop tourism at the same time.

Communities should work together with Isla de Mendez and

the other communities in the region. These communities
expressed a degree of disappointment with the municipalitys
tendency to prioritize more developed communities. However, instead
of branching off independently and further isolating themselves form
access to resources, they should aim to foster a collaborative network.

Communities must guarantee the protection of natural

resources. As access to financial resources is so limited, further
development must not jeopardize the availability or quality of the
existing natural resources that these communities do have.

Shortcomings of Previous Research:

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure the distribution of

information and final project findings to all stakeholders. It is unclear
from the evaluation of the past project exactly who received a final
copy of the report or to what extent recommendations were explained
and understood. Future projects must ensure that all participating
communities receive the final recommendations and, more
importantly, that they understand what future steps to take.

It is also imperative to provide consistent follow-up with communities

to guarantee that any obstacles that arise are promptly addressed so
that development for community tourism continues to progress.

1.3 Ciudad Romero: An Existing Model for Tourism in the Region

In addition to evaluating the progress of the communities that participated in
previous research, we also observed the existing model for Ciudad Romero
a local community that currently provides a well-established example of how
community tourism can be organized. Ciudad Romero embraces its
uniqueness and value as a historical site, and has created a tourism model
based on its rich history. The story of Ciudad Romero as told by various
community leaders provides important lessons that should also be
considered in future planning for the region. Box 2 highlights some of the
key features of their model for tourism that have allowed for success.
Box 2. Ciudad Romero: An Existing Model for Community Tourism

Current Tourism:

Family homestays: provide an intimate opportunity for cultural

immersion.

La Coordinadora Center: provides a community space for activities

and lodging.

Historical site: represents the oldest community in the region.

Farm tours: offer the opportunity to explore their unique agricultural

6
techniques.

Partnerships: work in close collaboration with the Mangrove

Association.

Active groups: demonstrate consistent participation from all

subgroups within the
community.

How They Define Their Role:

Ciudad Romero seems to recognize its central role within the regional
community network. They provide a central hub that first brings varied
delegations into the region and encourages them to explore neighboring
communities.

Together, the lessons learned from TES 5 and Ciudad Romero as the current
examples of tourism in the region provided a baseline to explore the
opportunities for a more extensive regional tourism network. These
examples demonstrated what have been certain limitations to development
in the past, and indicated what might be leading factors for success in the
future. Building on this established baseline, we helped expand the vision of
a regional tourism network to the Western Sector of the Bajo Lempa.

II. Methodology
In order to achieve our main project objectives, our team of four students
from the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) conducted
research in the Western Region of the Bay of Jiquilisco, El Salvador, from
January 7, 2013 to January 13, 2013. Our research was guided and
facilitated by the Mangrove Association and its governing local communitybased organization La Coordinadora of the Bajo Lempa. Prior to our arrival in
El Salvador, we corresponded with these local organizations to focus and
structure our research.
2.1 Selection of Communities
Once we were on site, the initial stage of our research was to gain an
understanding of each communitys vision and current capacity for tourism.
Due to time constraints, we were unable to visit communities from all three
sectors of the Bajo Lempa. Thus, we requested to hold community meetings
with several key communities throughout the region. We envisioned that
other similar communities in the area could then replicate the models
developed from these representative communities. Focusing on the Western
Sector, the Mangrove Association helped us select six of the eight regional
communities to visit: Las Mesitas, Los Clix, La Chacastera, La Babilonia, Los
Lotes, and Isla Montecristo. During our research, we also met with
representatives from La Canota, Ciudad Romero and Isla de Mendez.
After selecting the communities with the aid of our Mangrove Association
liaisons, we then made a list of the representative sectors and organizations
for each community. Our liaisons contacted the point person(s) of each
sector and community organization and arranged for us to hold a meeting
with each community. Due to the proximity and small size of Los Clix and
La Chacastera, as well as La Babilonia and Los Lotes, we arranged to hold
two joint meetings for these neighboring communities. Thus in total we held
four on-site community meetings: 1) Isla Montecristo, 2) Los Clix and La
Chacastera (with additional representatives from La Canota), 3) Las Mesitas,
and 4) La Babilonia and Los Lotes.
2.2 Meeting Protocol
For each community meeting, we began by briefly introducing ourselves and
explaining our relationship with the Mangrove Association, as well as the
purpose and methodology of our study. The community members present
likewise gave brief introductions. The first part of each community meeting
was a three-step activity. At each step, we posed a question to the

8
community members, for which they then responded individually on one to
three pieces of paper. For those that needed help writing, we worked with
the individuals to capture their ideas on paper. Next, each member came to
the front of the room and explained his or her responses. He or she then
posted his or her responses on easel paper for everyone to see, attempting
to group the responses by reoccurring themes or ideas (Appendix 1.
Methodology). When necessary, we helped guide the grouping of responses
by suggesting themes that had already been formed. After all the
community members had explained and grouped their responses, we asked
if anyone would like to make any changes to the categorized themes and/or
if anyone thought anything was missing. The three questions we posed were
the following:
1. How do you identify yourselves as a community? What differentiates
your community from other communities?
2. What would you like to see improved or developed with respect to
tourism?
3. What is your vision of tourism for the future?
2.3 Brainstorming a Vision
After completing the above activity, we asked for the community members to
brainstorm a shared vision of community tourism, keeping in mind the
responses and common themes elicited from the first activity. During the
brainstorm, we allowed for community members to express their thoughts
and concerns more freely, building off the previously articulated ideas. We
concurrently documented their ideas on easel paper for everyone to see,
clarifying key themes when necessary and reiterating the central ideas as
they were repeated.
2.4 Photo Documentation
For the final part of each community meeting, we provided the community
members present with four cameras to share among them: two disposable
and two digital. We instructed the community members to take photos then
and there of the sites or activities in their community that they considered
either unique or desirable to develop for tourism in the future. We explained
that the photos could highlight certain aspects of their community that make
them proud and/or represent potential for future community tourism
development. The community members left for approximately one to two
hours, after which they returned to describe what photos they had taken and
why. Additionally, we asked them how they envisioned the subject of their

9
photos within a framework of community tourism and how they would like to
see it be developed in the future (Appendix I. Methodology).
2.5 Site Visits
After each community meeting, we took a tour of the community to visit the
sites that the community members had mentioned during the meeting, as
well as any additional sites of interest for tourism. We recorded the location
of each place we visited and took supplementary photos of each site, holding
informal interviews with any community members that we encountered.
2.6 Concluding Phase
From the responses and information that we gathered during the community
meetings, we then formulated the shared visions of community tourism
contained in this report. We aspired to portray the ideas and intentions of
the community members as accurately as possible through the shared
visions. As such, we included both the direct words of the community
members, along with our articulation of their ideas, to compose a
comprehensive shared vision for the whole region. The final regional vision
reflects the themes that were common to and emphasized by each
community.
To provide a visual representation of their ideas and aspirations for
community tourism, our project team then constructed an Album of
Community Tourism for each community (Appendix II. Albums of Community
Tourism). We used both the photos taken by the community members and
the supplementary photos that we took during our tours of the communities.
The Albums of Community Tourism highlight the activities and sites that
each community could currently offer tourists, as well as ideas to develop
community tourism in the future.
In these albums, we also included community profiles that present compiled
data on the social and economic status of each community (Appendix III.
Community Profiles). We collected this data mainly from the Diagnstico
Socioeconmico de 8 comunidades del sector occidental de la Baha de
Jiquilisco, a special socioeconomic report prepared by the Instituto de
Ciencias del Mar y Limnologa de El Salvador (ICMARES) in 2009.
Additionally, we supplemented these figures with our own field observations.
On the basis of the shared community visions, we developed a model for
regional tourism, designating specific recommendations for each community.
We created tables to organize these recommendations into short, medium
and long-term objectives. We also expressed this model visually by
designing community tourism maps that highlight each communitys

10
respective touristic specializations, in addition to the potential for an
integrated regional tourism network.

11

III. Results and Recommendations

3. 1 Shared Community Visions
To define the regional vision for community tourism, we composed the
following shared visions:
Las Mesitas: Las Mesitas envisions a sustainable and self-realized
development of community tourism that improves the quality of life and
protects their natural resources for current and future generations. To do
so they articulate the need to develop a plan for the sustainable
extraction and use of their natural resources with a multigenerational
emphasis. They additionally state the need to maintain and strengthen
relations with supporting organizations such as the Mangrove Association
and MIIS, as well as improve the documentation of community projects
and meetings. Finally, they emphasize the need to ensure that
community members are directly involved in the design and
development of tourism so as to guarantee that they will be the primary
beneficiaries.
La Chacastera, Los Clix, and La Canota: The communities of La
Chacastera, Los Clix and La Canota envision a unified and inclusive
development of community tourism that protects their natural resources
in addition to providing a variety of job opportunities for income
generation, specifically for the youth. They stress the importance of
comprehensive community collaboration through democratic processes.
Specifically, they articulate the need for a community group in charge of
tourism development, as well as the need to improve their waste
management program through stronger community organization and
educational campaigns. They further emphasize the need for long-term
planning to ensure that development benefits future generations,
improves the quality of life, and strengthens a range of work-related
skills of current community members. Finally, they envision community
tourism that is based on mutual respect and understanding, that
conserves the safe and tranquil environment of their community, and
that strengthens their peaceful relations nationally and internationally.
Los Lotes and La Babilonia: The communities of Babilonia and Los
Lotes envision strengthening their organizational and individual
capacities to develop a communal tourism based on the sustainable use
of their rich natural resources and fertile land. Such communal tourism
would highlight their strategic location next to the river mouth as well as
their agrarian culture and local food production. They emphasize the

12
need to improve institutional support and infrastructure in order to
ensure a safe and secure environment for tourism development.
Isla de Montecristo: Isla Montecristo envisions a collaborative and
inclusive development of community tourism that protects their natural
resources in addition to providing a variety of job opportunities for
income generation and training for employment, specifically for the
youth and women. They stress the importance of long-term planning to
ensure that the peaceful and safe environment of their community is
maintained as well as the purity of their surrounding air and nature. To
do so, they articulate the need to develop a plan for sustainable
extraction and conservation of their natural resources.
3.2 Shared Regional Vision
The shared regional vision of community tourism was defined as follows:
The communities of Isla Mendez, Las Mesitas, Los Clix, La Chacastera,
La Canota, Los Lotes, La Babilonia, and Isla Montecristo envision the
inclusive and self-realized development of regional community tourism
that protects their natural resources in addition to providing a variety of
job opportunities for income generation, specifically for the youth.
Communities emphasize the need for multigenerational consideration
and long-term planning for the sustainable extraction and conservation
of their natural resources in order to ensure that development benefits
future generations in addition to improving the quality of life of current
community members. They further stress the need to strengthen their
organizational capacity and comprehensive collaboration through
creating a democratically run community group in charge of tourism
development. Such a group would ensure that community members
were both the primary players involved in the design and development
of tourism as well as the primary beneficiaries. Finally, the communities
envision a model of community tourism that is based on mutual respect
and understanding, that maintains the peaceful and safe environment of
their communities, and that maintains the purity of their surrounding air
and nature.
3.3 Albums of Community Tourism
We created photographic representation of the shared visions in the Albums
of Community Tourism for each community. Each album contains an
assemblage of photos that represents each communitys current and
envisioned potential for tourism development (Appendix II. Albums of
Community Tourism).

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3.4 Recommendation Tables

Based on the regional shared vision, we formulated specific
recommendations for each community, including short, medium and longterm objectives. These recommendations are intended to serve as
guidelines in establishing an order of priorities for each community to follow
in developing the regional model for a community tourism network. Table 1
indicates the common objectives for all communities, and Tables 2-5
indicate community-specific goals.
Table 1. Recommendations for All Communities
Tourism
Committee

SHORT-TERM
Create a distinct tourism
committee for each
community to organize
progress, and:
Oversee
communication with
other communities
Encourage community
participation by
engaging local groups
(i.e. youth, women,
etc.)

MEDIUM-TERM
Evaluate and organize
tourism progress

LONG
Continue to
organize tou

Take charge of advertising

and publicity

Continue to
advertising a

Continue to ensure security

and peaceful atmosphere

Continue to
and peacefu

Install street lighting

Continue to ensure tourism

does not exploit natural
resources

Train and
guards fo
activities

Continue to
does not exp
resources

Ensure security and

peaceful atmosphere
Ensure tourism does
not exploit natural
resources
Educate the community
on tourism
opportunities

Communicati
on

Establish point-person
from each community
committee to
communicate with TES,
Mangle

Establish clear lines of

regular communication
between communities

Maintain clear lines of regular

communication between
communities

Maintain cle
communicat
communities

Define tourism
specializations for each
community

Maintain clear
documentation of
improvements, work in

Maintain cle
of improvem
progress, vis

14

Advertising/
Publicity

Begin clear documentation

of improvements, work-inprogress, visitor
information

Maintain communication
with TES, Mangle

Increase signage in
communities

progress, visitor information

Maintain communication with

TES, Mangle

Each community should

participate in regional
advertising

Maintain com
TES, Mangle

Offer inform
tourism activ
and internat
agencies

Create a website
Create radio
advertisements
Create regional brochures
Waste
Management

Establish a waste
management committee
for each community with
responsibilities to:

Install more waste bins

throughout communities

Establish com
recycling pro
educational

Train community members in

tourism hospitality

Continue tra
hospitality

Include English lessons

Continue to
lessons

Continue tra
guides

Maintain cle

Collaborate with
tourism committee
Collaborate with
ADESCO and Mangle
Educate the community
on waste management
Create anti-pollution
campaigns

Human
Resources

Install more waste bins in

touristic sites

Train tour guides for

touristic routes

Provide trainings for:

Fishermen to show
tourists how to catch and
prepare
fish/shrimp/punche crabs
Fishermen to show
tourists how to make nets

Natural

Maintain cleanliness of

Mangrove tour guides to

identify plant and animal
species
Maintain cleanliness of

15
Resources

mangroves, forests, shrimp

farms

mangroves, forests, shrimp

farms

mangroves,
farms

Maintain efforts to reduce

exploitive activities

Maintain efforts to reduce

exploitive activities

Maintain effo
exploitive ac

Comply with PLES

mandate

Comply with PLES mandate

Comply with

Work with resource rangers

Work with re

Work with resource

rangers

Maintain sustainability plan

Maintain sus

Create sustainability plan

16
Table 2. Las Mesitas: Recommendations Table
Infrastructur
e

SHORT-TERM
Investigate access to
potable water
Clean and maintain main
road

Clean public latrines

Clean canals and remove

wood

Acquire megaphone at
Look-Out Tower

Improve signage for

community off main road

MEDIUM-TERM
Acquire potable water (offer
bottled water)

Improve main road

Improve/repair access road to

beach

Maintain canal cleanliness

Improve sanitation

LON
Build tilapi

Acquire lan

Improve tra
network to
Mendez

Maintain latrines on trail

Remodel/refurnish information
center
Establish market at
information center to sell
artisanal goods, fruits,
drinks
Install hammocks

Transportatio
n

Establish transportation
network with Los Clix, La
Chacastera, La Canota

Improve transportation
network to include other
neighboring communities: La
Babilonia, Los Lotes, Isla
Montecristo
Establish horseback/bike
route to neighboring
communities

Advertising/
Publicity

Increase signage off main

road:

Participate in regional
advertising

Womens Cooperative
Bakery

Highlight tourism stations

along Mangrove Trail and
Womens Cooperative Bakery

Mangrove trail
Tourist
Lodging

Establish homes available

for tourists lodging

Create plan for future tourist

lodging

Build caba

Information
Site

Designate community
center as tourism
information site

Provide at information site:

Update info
touristic ro
available

Post TES map of tourism

network at information site

Regional brochures
Information on touristic
routes/activities
Information on mangroves,
punche crabs, shrimp
farms

17
Historical information
Information on connecting
to other communities
Touristic
Routes

Define potential routes

Mangrove tours

Set up tour
once built

Build ranch
and grill/st
(for fee) ca
cook what
on tours

Mangrove tour
Identify plant and
animal species
Offer lessons on how to
trap and prepare
punche crabs

Shrimp pond tours

Beach tours
Horseback tours
Coconut palm tours

Establish routes

Shrimp pond tours

Offer lessons on how to
make shrimp nets
Offer lessons on how to
catch and prepare
shrimp

Make map of all possible

routes

Coconut palm tour

Show how coconuts are
planted/produced for
sweets, oils, products

Food/Bevera
ge

Maintain shrimp ponds

Put up signs to indicate routes

Offer horseback/bike tours

Create gardens to pick-yourown fruits and vegetables

Create food stand at

information center with local
foods

Table 3. Los Clix, La Chacastera, and La Canota: Recommendations

Table
Infrastructure

SHORT-TERM
Clean canals
Decide what to do with
church open space
Ideas: build bookstore,
park, clinic, internet
caf, or church
building

MEDIUM-TERM
Improve roads

Build dock on canal

Clean and repair Los Clix

pool
Build rancho
Sell fruits on site

Repair La Canota
schoolhouse to use as a
communal building/flood
shelter

LON
Create park
Sell fruit
site

Build cab
lodging

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Transportatio
n

Establish transportation
network with Las Mesitas

Improve transportation
network to include other
neighboring communities:
La Babilonia, Los Lotes, Isla
Montecristo

Improve tran
network to in
Mendez

Update infor
routes/activi

Improve fish

Establish horseback/bike
route to connect
neighboring communities
Advertising/
Publicity

Acquire more lancha-boats

Increase signage off main

road:

Participate in regional
advertising

La Chacastera
Restaurant

Highlight:
La Chacastera
Restaurant

Each communitys
information site

Shrimp cooperatives
Los Clix pool

Information
site

Designate Los Clix

information site and La
Chacastera Restaurant as
tourist information sites

Provide at information sites:

Regional brochure
Information on tourist
activities in region

Post TES map of tourism

network at information
sites

Information on
connecting to other
communities

Sell products at information

sites:
Fruits, punche crab,
shrimp, sweets

Touristic
Routes

Define potential routes:

Mangrove tour

Mangrove and Hidden

Island tours
Identify plant and
animal species

Tour to Hidden
Island

Establish routes

Make map of all possible

routes

Fish tour
Offer lessons on how
to catch and prepare
fish and on how to
make nets

Put up signs to indicate

routes

Acquire kayaks/canoes to
rent out to tourists

Sell artisa
Rent out

Improve man

Build ran
where tou
bathe/sw

19
Food/beverag
e

Sell fruits and vegetables

on site at La Chacastera
Restaurant

Fix floor and rood at La

Chacastera Restaurant

Sell fruits and vegetables at

Los Clix pool

Increase cap
Chacastera R
more people

Produce win
fruit to sell a
restaurant

20
Table 4. Los Lotes and La Babilonia: Recommendations Table
Infrastructure

SHORT-TERM
Clean up boat loading
points

Increase signage at:

MEDIUM-TERM

Improve main road

Boat loading points

Build rancho with

hammocks at boat loading
points

Touristic resting
points

Set up site to sell

products

Forks in the road

LONG

Build a (durab

Coordinate
Montecristo

Pave main roa

allows)

Better equip la

Post tide chart

Build public latrine

Transportatio
n

Establish plan for

transportation network
with Isla Montecristo

Strengthen physical
infrastructure for flood
protection

Repair La Babilonia
schoolhouse to also serve
as a multipurpose
communal building

Improve transportation
network with Isla
Montecristo

Seats
Shading

Coordinate boat
schedule

Community
Advertising/
Publicity

Information
site

Establish regional
horseback/bike route to
connect neighboring
communities

Acquire lancha-boats

Increase signage to boat

loading site and tourism
information site

Participate in regional
advertising

Highlight boat loading site

and touristic routes

Select a home at a
central location for La
Babilonia and Los Lotes
to serve as temporary
tourism information site

Construct ranchos at the

boat loading sites to
replace tourism information
site and provide:

Serve as
headquarters to hire

Regional brochure
Information on touristic
routes/activities

Music
Lifejackets

Construct a pe
for tourism inf
entrance of Lo

Update inform
routes/activitie

21
Information on
connecting to other
communities

tour guides

Touristic
Routes

Post TES map of tourism

network at information
site

Define potential routes

Fruit plantation trails

Establish plantation tours

that show tourists how to:

River trail

Make sugar cane honey

Make map of all possible

routes

Make traditional sweets

Make sugar cane juice
Milk a cow
Make home-made
cheese

Food/beverag
e

Coordinate with tour

guides to provide
snacks/fruit for tourist
groups including:
Coconut water
Sugar cane juice
Fresh fruits and
vegetables

Put up signs to indicate

routes

Offer tours on horseback

Acquire kayaks/canoes to
rent to tourists

Set up a vending point at

the rancho at boat loading
point

22
Table 5. Isla Montecristo: Recommendations Table
Infrastructure

SHORT-TERM
Maintain potable water
infrastructure (offer
bottled watered)
Clean up boat loading
points
o

Coordinate with La
Babilonia and Los
Lotes

MEDIUM-TERM
Improve main road

Maintain potable water

infrastructure (offer bottled
water)

LONG
Maintain potab
infrastructure
water)

Build a (durab

Build rancho cover with

hammocks at boat loading
points
Set up site to sell
products

Install trash bins

Coordinate
and Los Lot

Upgrade cashe
plant

Install mac

Post tide chart

Train emplo

Build public latrine

Transportatio
n

Establish plan for

transportation network
with La Babilonia and Los
Lotes

Improve transportation
network with La Babilonia
and Los Lotes

Better equip la
Seats
Shading

Coordinate boat
schedule

Music
Lifejackets

Tourist
Lodging

Reinstate program for

tourists to stay with
families

Community
Advertising/
Publicity

Increase signage off

main road and at boat
loading points for:
Restaurant

Build more cab

Participate in regional
advertising

Highlight turtle hatchery

Construct a rancho (near

boat loading point)

Construct a pe
for the informa

Provide at information site:

Update inform
routes/activitie

Turtle hatchery
Information
site

Designate site near boat

loading point as tourism
information site

Post TES map of tourism

network at information
site

Regional brochure
Information on
restaurant/places to get
food/beverage
Information on touristic
routes
Information on
mangrove, bird, turtle,
fish, lizard, crocodile
species

23
Historical information
Information on
connecting to other
communities
Touristic
Routes

Define potential routes

Mangrove tour

Mangrove tour
Identify animal
species: birds,
lizards, crocodiles

Turtle tour
Fishing tour
Fruit trails
Mango, coconut,
jocote
Sell fruit

Food/beverag
e

Make sign for outside of

the restaurant and
throughout town

Play Salvadorian music

at the restaurant

Improve fishin

Sell artisan

Rent out fis

Set up tour of
processing pla
developed

Build restauran

Fishing tour
Offer lessons on how
to catch and prepare
fish and on how to
make nets

Make map of all possible

routes

Establish routes

Fruit trails
Add Cashew trail
Make and sell jelly

Put up signs to indicate

routes

Set up vending point by

river

3.5 Community Maps

We designed three maps to visually display the proposed model for a
regional tourism network: Map 1 for Las Mesitas, Los Clix, La Chacastera,
and La Canota; Map 2 for Los Lotes, La Babilonia, and Isla Montecristo; and,
Map 3 for all of the communities together. The indicated points of interest
highlight the existing resources and infrastructure within each community to
illustrate the potential pathways for linking tourism opportunities between
communities. Altogether, these maps serve as visual representation of how
the communities of the Western Sector of the Bajo Lempa could feasibly
implement the proposed recommendations by building upon existing
resources and collaborating for tourism development.
The legends indicate the existing tourist attractions in each community,
including the mangrove forests (Mangroves 1-4), shrimp ponds and fishing
spot locations (Shrimp Ponds/Fishing Spot 1-4), swimming areas (Swimming

24
Area 1-3), resting point ranchos (Rancho 1-7), fruit orchards and local farms
(Fruit Orchard 1-6), and restaurants (Restaurant 1-3). The map shows how
each community could offer a unique experience based on their specific
availability of resources.
According to the proposed recommendations, each community might
consider establishing an information site to provide tourists with regional
information on touristic routes and activities, as well as information on how
to schedule a tour or organize transport to and from other communities.
Some communities, like Las Mesitas and Los Clix, already have a
community center, which could easily be transformed into this space
(Information Site 1-2). Los Lotes and La Babilonia, however, do not currently
have a communal building. As the map suggests, in the short-term they
might instead designate a community members home near the entrance to
Los Lotes to serve as the temporary information site (Information Site 3).
Isla Montecristo, on the other hand, has an existing rancho (Rancho 7) at the
boat loading point that would serve as a convenient location to establish a
temporary information site.
The maps also show the unique existing infrastructure and resources that
each community has to contribute to the development of a diverse network:

Las Mesitas has a look-out tower (Look-out Tower), which could be

included as a panoramic vista point along the mangrove tour.

If repaired, the abandoned school in La Canota could serve as a

communal building and flood shelter (Community Center 1).

Los Clix has an open space across from the community center
(Church Open Space) that could be developed to serve multifunctions, including a church, bookstore, park, clinic, or Internet
caf.

Los Clix also has a pool (Swimming Area 1) that could be

renovated to create a park.

Isla Montecristo offers tourists the opportunity to visit the turtle

hatcheries (Turtle Hatchery).

Together these resources provide unique activities that each community

could offer along the network, all together contributing to a more
comprehensive, integrated regional tourism network.
Map 1. Las Mesitas, Los Clix, La Chacastera, and La Canota

25
POTENTIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK

LEGEND
Mangroves

Rancho

Boat loading point

Community center

Shrimp ponds

Fruit orchard

Restaurant and bakery

Horseback route

Information site

Church open space

Swimming Area

Transportation to
Isla de Mendez
Look-out Tower

Bike route

Map 2. Los Lotes, La Babilonia, and Isla Montecristo

POTENTIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK

LEGEND
Mangroves

Rancho

Boat loading point

Community center

Fishing spot
Restaurant
Information site
Swimming area
Bike route

Fruit orchard
Horseback route
Turtle hatchery
River delta

In addition mapping out existing resources, the maps also indicate how
communities might improve the transportation network among communities,

26
in support of the short, medium, and long-term recommendations as listed in
the previous section of this report. Specifically, Map 1 shows where the
communities could establish bicycle and horseback routes (Bike Route,
Horseback Route) between touristic sites to connect Las Mesitas, Los Clix,
La Chacastera, and La Canota via land. Map 2 shows a water-based
transport system comprised of a total of four boat loading points: Anchor 1 in
Los Lotes, Anchor 2 and 3 in La Babilonia, and Anchor 4 in Isla Montecristo.
Both maps further demonstrate how these two transportation networks could
also be connected, facilitating transportation to and from all communities in
the region both by land and water. Furthermore, Map 2 also pinpoints a
location to coordinate transportation to and from Isla de Mendez
(Transportation to Isla de Mendez) as well, further expanding the
transportation network in the long-term.
In conclusion, Map 3 shows the overall potential network to link all seven
communities together. The red boxes summarize the main points of
attraction for each community. This final map also serves as an example of a
similar map that could be posted at all of information centers to clearly
inform tourists of all available opportunities in the region.
Map 3. Regional Tourism Network

Swimming area
Boat loading point
Horseback route
Rancho
Restaurant

27
Church open space

Look-out tower

Turtle hatchery

Mangroves

Bike route

Shrimp ponds/Fishing spot

Fruit orchard

Information Site

River mouth

Community Center

28

IV. Conclusions
In continuation of TES 5s 2011 study and in preparation for potential
incoming investment with the Partnership for Growth, the TES 7 Ecotourism
Group conducted research in six communities: Las Mesitas, Los Clix, La
Chacastera, La Canota, Los Lotes, La Babilonia, and Isla Montecristo. Our
project had two main objectives:
1. The definition and articulation of the regional vision for
community tourism: This was realized in two formats: i) in written
form- through the creation of shared vision statements, both for each
community and for the region as a whole, and ii) in visual formthrough Albums of Community Tourism that showcase the community
values and opportunities for tourism in each community.
2. The development of a model for a regional tourism network:
Based upon the shared vision of community tourism, we devised
specific recommendations for each community in the short, medium,
and long-term. We formed these recommendations with the goal of
establishing a model for a regional network of community tourism that
recognizes and promotes the specializations of each community. In
addition to the of list recommendations, another critical element of this
model was the creation of community maps that visually illustrate the
pathways for future collaboration and coordination of resources among
communities of the Western Sector of the Bajo Lempa.
Our findings in this report provide a baseline understanding as to where the
Bajo Lempa currently stands in regards to local tourism, and suggest what
steps communities might take in order to develop and build upon a
collaborative regional network. We offer each community a unique set of
recommendations that will allow for a unique specialization among a
diversified community tourism network. To coordinate and facilitate
development, we recommend that each community create a tourism
committee to organize and oversee tourism progress. This committee would
aim to involve as many members within the local community as possible,
while also maintaining clear lines of communication with neighboring
communities to encourage synergistic and comprehensive collaboration.
Furthermore, all communities should strive to protect and maintain the
health and pristine nature of the mangroves, forests, and other natural
resources. Together with the regions unique historical culture, this natural
biodiversity provides a unique central attraction with high potential to
develop the local ecotourism industry.

29

30
Appendix I: Methodology

Picture 1. Methodology for constructing the shared vision of community

tourism; Question 1: How do you identify yourself as a community?

31

Picture 2. Methodology for constructing the Albums of Community

Tourism; community members explanations of the photos: Tourism of Los
Clix, La Chacastera and La Canota: Present and Future

32
Appendix II. Albums of Community Tourism

Bienvenidos a

Las Mesitas

Los murales del Centro de Interpretacin ilustran la viveza de

la comunidad y su riqueza natural.

ALBM DE TURISMO COMUNITARIO

EXPLORANDO LA COMUNIDAD
Las Mesitas es una comunidad grande y diversa con mucho para
descubrir.

Se puede montar a
caballo
para pasear por las
calles.

En la comunidad,
abundan los arboles de
coco. Su fruta se puede
procesar para obtener una
variedad de productos,
incluyendo
dulces y aceites.

EL MAN DE LAS MESITAS

La Cooperativa de mujeres elabora y vende pan fresco recin

horneado.

Se prepara una
gran seleccin de
pan para todos los
gustos, incluyendo
pan de leche, pia,
y chocolate.

Se puede visitar la
Cooperativa para
conocer como se
elabora el pan
artesanal.

UN TOQUE ARTISTICO
El Grupo de jvenes elabora joyera artesanal.
Se puede seleccionar toda clase de joyera:
aritos, pulseras, collares, o anillos.

Las artesanas son hechas de materiales naturales, incluyendo

madera, semilla, hueso, coco, y morro.

UNA RIQUEZA NATURAL

El sendero turstico presenta la oportunidad de descubrir la riqueza
natural que posee Las Mesitas, desde los bosques dulces hasta los
manglares.

El sendero pasa por El Llorn, el sitio

dnde el agua salada se encuentra con
el agua dulce.

Los cayucos son el medio de

transporte para viajar por los
canales y disfrutar de los manglares.

 Los manglares de Las Mesitas representan un ecosistema vivo y

vibrante.

La glorieta ofrece un sitio para descansar en compaa de los

manglares.

Existen varias estaciones tursticas en el sendero donde los visitantes

pueden descansar y disfrutar de la panormica.

El recorrido empieza en
la torre de alerta que
adems sirve como
mirador.

La vista de la torremirador ofrece una amplia

panormica de la regin.

PESCANDO COMO UNA TRADICIN

En Las Mesitas, la pesca es una tradicin y una forma de vivir.
El punche representa una parte importante de la dieta y la cultura.

Se utilizan trampas para atrapar los punches.

 Se atrapan pescado y camarones con atarrayas hechas a mano por

los mismos pescadores.

Se puede observar la Cooperativa camaronera en accin.

Visin compartida de Las Mesitas:

Las Mesitas apuesta por un desarrollo sostenible del turismo
comunitario que mejore la calidad de vida y proteja los recursos naturales
para las generaciones futuras y actuales. Para lograrlo, han expresado la
necesidad de desarrollar un plan para la extraccin y uso sostenible de los
recursos naturales con un nfasis en las varias generaciones. Tambin
reconocen la necesidad de mantener y fortalecer las relaciones con
organizaciones de apoyo como Mangle y el Instituto Monterey, y quieren
mejorar la documentacin de los proyectos y reuniones de la comunidad.
Finalmente, destacan la necesidad de capacitar a los recursos humanos e
involucrarse directamente en el diseo y desarrollo del turismo para
asegurar que los miembros de la comunidad sean los beneficiarios
principales.

Agradecimientos a:
Ana Maritza Rivera
Jos Gonzales
Julio Cesar Landaverde
Jos Antonio
Jess Gonzlez
Pedro Castro
Juan Bonilla
Marvin
por su contribucin en la toma de fotografas y por compartir las ideas y
visiones de turismo comunitario que aparecen en este lbum.

Bienvenidos a

Los Clix
La Chacastera
y

La Canota

Las comunidades de Los Clix y La Chacastera son conocidas por sus

cooperativas camaroneras.

ALBM DE TURISMO COMUNITARIO

TRES COMUNIDADES,
MARAVILLAS SIN LIMITE
Los Clix, La Chacastera, y La Canota ofrecen una riqueza de recursos
naturales y tradiciones culturales.
La isla escondida preserva una seccin de bosque de manglar
virgen.

Las comunidades realizan actividades agrcolas y ganaderas

a pequea escala.

DESARROLLANDO PARA EL FUTURO

Estas comunidades demuestran potencial para desarrollar actividades
tursticas.
En el futuro, se pretende restaurar la piscina comunitaria de Los
Clix
y construir un parque donde los visitantes puedan descansar.

Los Clix posee un amplio espacio donde se podra construir un centro

comunitario para diversos usos: mercado, clnica, cyber, parque, entre
otros.

BUENA ALIMENTACIN
El comedor de La Chacastera est ubicado a unos metros de la
carretera.
Existe un rancho que ofrece un variado men de platillos locales,
con vista hacia los estanques camaroneros.

Existe un rancho que ofrece un variado men de platillos locales,

con vista hacia los estanques camaroneros.

UNA GRAN VARIEDAD DE FRUTAS

Las comunidades cuentan con una variedad de frutas.

Se podra disfrutar
de una deliciosa agua
de coco recin cortado.

Las huertas de
pltano adems de la
fruta ofrecen sombra
para descansar.

UN TRABAJO COLECTIVO
Las comunidades de Los Clix y La Chacastera trabajan en
cooperativas camaroneras.
Cuentan con varios estanques, algunos se pueden apreciar
desde la carretera.

En el futuro, se pretende mejorar la produccin en los estanques

para ofrecer camarones frescos a los visitantes.

Visin compartida de
La Chacastera, Los Clix y La Canota:
Las comunidades de La Chacastera, Los Clix y La Canota apuestan
por un desarrollo unificado e inclusivo del turismo comunitario que proteja
sus recursos naturales y que provea oportunidades de trabajo para la
generacin de ingresos, especficamente a travs de la capacitacin de
los jvenes. Enfatizan la importancia de la organizacin colectiva y la
colaboracin comunitaria a travs de procesos democrticos.
Especficamente, expresan la necesidad de tener un grupo de la
comunidad que se encargue del desarrollo del turismo y de mejorar el
manejo de los desechos slidos con la organizacin comunitaria y con
campaas educativas ms fuertes. Tambin hacen hincapi en la
planificacin a largo plazo del desarrollo para que beneficie a las futuras
generaciones y que mejore la calidad de vida de los miembros actuales de
la comunidad. Finalmente, apuestan por un turismo comunitario que se
base en el entendimiento y respeto mutuo, que conserve el ambiente
seguro y tranquilo de su comunidad y que fortalezca sus relaciones
nacionales e internacionales de paz.

Agradecimientos a:
Rosa Elena de Soriano
Ramn Antonio Corea
Irma del Carmen Landaverde
Jos Atilio
Carmelo Flores
Israel Daz
ngel Senz
Miguel ngel Murcia
por su contribucin en la toma de fotografas y por compartir las ideas y
visiones de turismo comunitario que aparecen en este lbum.

Bienvenidos a

Los Lotes
y

La Babilonia

Los rtulos indican el camino hacia Los Lotes y La Babilonia.

ALBM DE TURISMO COMUNITARIO

UNA TIERRA FRTIL

Con una tierra frtil, las comunidades de Los Lotes y La Babilonia se
prestan para una agricultura prolfica, a la vez que ofrecen un amplia
rea verde
En las parcelas se produce maz, verduras y otros vegetales en
abundancia.

En estas comunidades, la actividad ganadera permite

la produccin de leche y queso.

UN RECODO DEL RO LEMPA

La orilla del Ro Lempa cuenta con varios sitios tranquilos para baarse
y descansar.
Los turistas vienen a La Babilonia para pescar, cocinar, y quedarse
la noche disfrutando del ro.

De los embarcaderos, se puede abordar las lanchas para dirigirse a

la Isla Montecristo.

FINCAS FRUTALES
Los visitantes de las comunidades pueden visitar fincas que ofrecen
una variedad de frutas y vegetales.
Aqu se puede realizar un recorrido para observar como se cultivan
el coco, el pltano y la yuca, entre otros.

En el recorrido, se puede probar las frutas frescas que abundan

por todos lados.

RECORRIDOS CON TRADICIONES

El recorrido por las finca presenta la oportunidad de conocer las
tradiciones productivas de Los Lotes y La Babilonia.

En el recorrido se puede
disfrutar de los productos
derivados de la caa
producidos en trapiche,
como la miel de caa, el
dulce de panela y el jugo
de caa.

O tambin, se puede probar

y disfrutar de una rica caa fresca.

Visin compartida de Los Lotes y La Babilonia:

Las comunidades de La Babilonia y Los Lotes apuestan por el
fortalecimiento de sus capacidades organizativas y de recursos humanos
para que puedan desarrollar el turismo comunitario basndose en el uso
sostenible de sus abundantes recursos naturales y tierra frtil. Tal turismo
comunitario hara hincapi en su ubicacin estratgica (puesto que est al
lado de la bocana del ro) en su cultura agrcola y en su produccin local
de comida. Enfatizan la necesidad de mejorar el apoyo institucional y la
infraestructura para asegurar un ambiente seguro para el desarrollo del
turismo.

Agradecimientos a:
Mara Elena Murcia
Irma Allende
Leonicio Hernndez
Ofilio Andrs
Teodosio
por compartir las ideas y visiones de turismo comunitario que aparecen
en este lbum.

Bienvenidos a

Isla Montecristo

La tortuga marina es una de los animales ms reconocidas de la isla.

ALBM DE TURISMO COMUNITARIO

UN PARASO NATURAL
Isla Montecristo ofrece un paraso natural desde el momento del
desembarque.
Los ranchos ofrecen sombra para descansar a la orilla del ro Lempa. 7

Se puede llegar en lancha desde La Babilonia o Los Lotes.

Se tiene una vista panormica espectacular a la vez que un ambiente

tranquilo.
Existen varios sitios donde se puede descansar a la orilla del mar.

Tambin, hay ms de 7 kilmetros de playas vrgenes.

BUENA ALIMENTACIN
Los 2 comedores de la isla ofrecen buena alimentacin.
En el men se incluye como plato tpico el pescado.

Se ofrecen como productos frescos toda clase de mariscos y

pescado.

UNA GRAN VARIEDAD DE FRUTAS

Se cuenta con una gran abundancia de frutas locales.
En el futuro, se pretende procesar los maraones que abundan en la
isla.

Las palmas de coco ofrecen fruta fresca y sombra para descansar.

UN ENCUENTRO
CON LAS TORTUGAS MARINAS
Se puede visitar los viveros donde se incuban las tortugas marinas.

De aqu, se liberan los neonatos.

Recin liberados, los neonatos

se dirigen en direccin hacia el mar.

Visin compartida de Isla Montecristo:

Isla Montecristo apuesta por un desarrollo colaborativo e inclusivo

del turismo comunitario que proteja los recursos naturales y provea
oportunidades de trabajo para la generacin de ingresos, especialmente
para los jvenes y las mujeres. Enfatizan la importancia de la planificacin
a largo plazo y de asegurar que el ambiente de la comunidad se
mantenga seguro y tranquilo. Adems, quiere mantener la pureza del aire
y de la naturaleza. Para lograrlo, han expresado la necesidad de
desarrollar un plan para la extraccin sostenible y la conservacin de sus
recursos naturales. Destacan la necesidad de capacitar a los recursos
humanos, particularmente la incorporacin de los jvenes en la realizacin
de los proyectos de desarrollo.

Agradecimientos a:
Brenda Leticia Argueta
Boanerges Lobo
Giovanni Daz
Jos Dimas Molina
Luis Orellana
Pedro Murcia
por su contribucin en la toma de fotografas y por compartir las ideas y
visiones de turismo comunitario que aparecen en este lbum.

Appendix III. Community Profiles

Perfil Comunitario: Las Mesitas
DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias

321
70

ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca
AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Comit(s)

pesca, acuicultura,
agricultura, empleo formal
e informal
$600+

camarones, pescado
3
51
No
Si
redes agalleras, atarraya

maiz, frijol
vaca, cerdo, ave
83%
67%
1 panadera
0
Si
Si
No
No
Si
No
No
Si
Si
No
Artesanas, bosque dulce,
caones
El 35
Si
De mujeres

Grupo Local

Si

Perfil Comunitario: Los Clix

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca

161
40

acuicultura, empleo formal

e informal
$600

camarones, pescado
2
1
Si
Si
Atarraya

AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters

coco, mango, limn,

guineo, maranon
maiz, frijol,ganadero
79%
79%
1 comedor
No
No
Si
No
No
No
No
No
Si
Si
No
caones

TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Grupo Local

Camaroneras, Mujeres
ganaderas
Si
Si

Perfil Comunitario: La Chacastera

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca

80
21

pesca, acuicultura
$800

pescado
1
23
No
Si
atarraya

AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Comit(s)
Grupo Local

coco, mango, limn,

guineo, maranon
maiz, ganadero
cerdo, ave
37%
53%
1 comedor
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Si
Si
No
Caones

Pescadores, Camaroneras
Si
Medio Ambiental
Si

Perfil Comunitario: La Canota

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca
AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Comit(s)
Grupo Local

110
29

empleo formal e informal

$400

camarones, pescado
4
3
No
No
atarraya
mango, maranon, coco
maiz, frijol
vaca, cerdo, ave
63%
63%
No
No
No en uso
No
No
No
No
No
No
Si
Si
No
Caones
Pescadores, Camaroneras
Si
Si
63%

Perfil Comunitario: Los Lotes

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca
AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Comit(s)
Grupo Local

71
18

agricultura (ganadera)
$500

pescado
No registrado
No registrado
Si
Si
No

guineo
maiz
78%
100%
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Si
No
Si

Si
Si
78%
100%

Perfil Comunitario: La Babilonia

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca
AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Grupo Local

59
18

agricultura (ganadera)
$675

pescado
1
3
No
No
No

guineo
maiz
41%
76%
No
No
No en uso
No
No
Si
No
No
No
Si
No
Si

Si
Si
41%

Perfil Comunitario: Isla Montecristo

DEMOGRFICA
Numero de habitantes
Numero de familias
ECONOMA
Fuente(s) principal(es) de
ingreso
Promedio de ingreso anual
per cpita
PESCA
Productos marinos
principales
Numero de pescadores
Numero de puncheros
Acceso a cayucos
Estanque camaroneros
Mtodo(s) de pesca
AGRICULTURA
Frutas principales
Cultivos
Animales
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Cobertura elctrica
Cobertura de agua potable
Comercios de alimentos
Sitios de alojamiento
Escuela
Centro comunal
ACTIVIDADES TURISTICAS
Guas tursticos
Recorridos terrestres
Recorridos acuticos
Comercio de alimentos
Acceso a la playa
Acceso al ro
Acceso a los manglares
Acceso al embarcadero
Sitio(s) o actividades de
inters
TEJIDO SOCIAL
Cooperativa(s)
ADESCO
Comit(s)
Grupo Local

104
23

pesca, agricultura
$750

pescado, cangrejo,
camarones
11
23
Si (4 por cada 10 familias)
Si
No

maran, coco, jocote,

mango
maiz
78%
9%
2
1 + experiencia con
estancia con familias
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Si
Viveros de tortugas,
iguanas
Pescadores, Camaroneras
Si
Medio Ambiental
Si

Appendix IV: Glossary

Community center: (el centro de interpretacin) communal building
currently used for community gatherings
Community tourism: a form of tourism that is envisioned and developed
by the communities and that secures the widespread sharing of
benefits throughout the communities
Eco Viva: works in partnership and solidarity with low-income
communities in Central America with the objective of achieving
environmental sustainability, economic self-sufficiency, social justice
and peace; works directly with the Mangrove Association and La
Coordinadora in the Bajo Lempa as well as Team El Salvador
(www.eco-viva.org)
Fund for the Americas Initiative El Salvador (FIAES): bilateral
agreement between the governments of the U.S. and El Salvador;
originated in 1993 when the two governments agreed to forgive
approximately $465 million in bilateral debt; funds from FIAES have
been distributed through USAID to local community organizations in
El Salvador to finance community led environmental, disaster
response and development projects (elsalvador.usaid.gov)
Information center: centrally located kiosk or community building that
provides visitors with informational brochures on the region (history,
culture, flora and fauna, etc), touristic routes and activities, and
information on connecting to other communities (including a map of
the tourism network); the center would also serve as a location to
schedule tours
La Coordinadora: (La Coordainadora of the Bajo Lempa and the Bay of
Jiquilisco) a local community-based organization created by a social
movement in 1996 by the rural communities of the Bajo Lampa in
order to improve their organizational capacity and tackle the
development challenges the communities face
(manglebajolempa.org)
Lancha-boat: Small motorized riverboat that can seat 10-15 people
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): an independent U.S.
foreign aid agency that aims to help lead the fight against global
poverty through forming partnerships with developing countries
committed to good governance, economic freedom and support for
their citizens; the U.S. Congress created the MCC in January 2004
with strong bipartisan support (www.mcc.gov)
Partnership for Growth (PFG): a joint economic development program
between the governments of the U.S. and El Salvador with the
objective of identifying key issues or obstacles preventing El
Salvador from developing; created in 2011 by a U.S. Government

delegation consisting of representatives from USAID, the Millennium

Challenge Corporation and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury,
Justice and Commerce; El Salvador is one of only four countries in
the world selected to partake in the program; the Bajo Lempa
Region has recently been named a cite for expected investment
through the PFG (sansalvador.usembassy.gov)
Plan Local de Extraccin Sostenible (PLES): Local Plan for
Sustainable Natural Resource Extraction; established in 2011 by the
Mangrove Association and the Environmental and Natural Resource
Ministry of El Salvador in collaboration with local stakeholders and
the support of the FIAES, Eco Viva, and the University of El Salvador;
regulates the extraction of crab, fish and shrimp, and the
deforestation or use of mangroves (manglebajolempa.org)
Punche crabs: a specific species of crab found in the Bajo Lempa that is
a main source of livelihood and nutrition for many families in the
region
Rancho: a building with a hatch/straw roof that can serve as a place for
people to rest and take cover from the sun/rain (typically small)
Resource ranger: (los guardarecursos) contracted through the
Environmental and Natural Resource Ministry of El Salvador and the
Mangrove Association, the resource rangers manage the natural
resources and environmental legislation of the region
The Mangrove Association: (La Associacin Mangle) local communitybased organization that works to improve the quality of life for the
people and communities of La Coordinadora of the Bajo Lempa and
Bay of Jiquilisco, Usultn Department; created in 1999 by members
of La Coordinadora of the Bajo Lempa (manglebajolempa.org)
Transportation network: connecting the communities through a
regional network of trails for bicycles or horses with stations at each
community to park the bike or leave the horse secured; a couple
communities would also serve as the central locations to rent bikes
and schedule horse tours
Regional tourism: community tourism spread throughout the Bajo
Lempa Region