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B. Borsari et al.
and management if it aims to become a significant component of sustainable development (Kiper 2013). Campbell (1999) conceded that this effort demands that its
programmes be ecologically sound, socially and politically just, culturally appropriate, and economically viable. Excellent logistics is an essential attribute of an
ecotourism programme, which emerged from the experience gained at BFI. The
development of ecotourism at BFI/OTU is making steps towards sustainability, as
the data of this case have substantiated. We agree with Azlizam et al. (2015) on
developing a specific set of indicators for monitoring ecotourism sustainability, as a
necessary process that goes beyond the one employed to develop our programmes.
Also, the present economic development and population growth of Panamá is amplifying stresses to biodiversity and natural resources (Tarté 2012). Thus, it appears that
conservation is standing at a crossroads, where its future direction could be supportive
of sustainability, ecotourism and quality of life only if stakeholders will continue
supporting visions for conservation similar to the one presented here. However, the
consistency of political leadership with supportive measures in favour of ecotourism
and sustainable development remains difficult to predict. According to Lieberknecht
et al. (1999), when planning for programmes in ecotourism, it is very important to
consider the politics of the country and the communities, while making sure that
the plan is scaled to the carrying capacity of its natural resource base and that it
involves the locals’ participation. Constructing or improving existing infrastructure
and preparing a competent work force are also important aspects of a planning
process. Therefore, a strong and equitable education system will become an asset to
enhance the preparedness of professionals in ecotourism in Panamá. The employment of regular assessments for these programmes will guide ecotourism toward
success and quality (Patton 1990), or simply expand its knowledge base, to achieve
further improvements. The vicinity to an urban centre can be a plus in the success
of an ecotourism programme, due to additional goods and services being available
to visitors. This aspect was considered when developing ecotourism in the drift
less region of the US Midwest. For example, Borsari et al. (2018) described how
ecotourism in south-eastern Minnesota is not only attractive for its natural beauty
and distinctive geology, but also for the history and culture of its cities, like Winona.
Thus, urban environments become a destination for ecotourists who wish to expand
their experience range beyond excursions in nature. Therefore, we recommend that
the partnership between BFI and OTU be extended to the city of David and to the
Chiriquí province in order to achieve the following objectives:
• Identify and develop more tourism ideas in cooperation with the city, as these
could develop into programmes that will expand an interest in ecotourism in
Chiriquí.
• Establish at OTU a curriculum in tourism to prepare future professional
leaders to operate effectively in the multi-faceted tourism industry, including
eco/agritourism.
• Develop a network of tourist sites and facilities that will offer, through the Office
of Tourism in David, updated information to individuals and groups who want to
visit natural reserves.
B. Borsari et al.
and management if it aims to become a significant component of sustainable development (Kiper 2013). Campbell (1999) conceded that this effort demands that its
programmes be ecologically sound, socially and politically just, culturally appropriate, and economically viable. Excellent logistics is an essential attribute of an
ecotourism programme, which emerged from the experience gained at BFI. The
development of ecotourism at BFI/OTU is making steps towards sustainability, as
the data of this case have substantiated. We agree with Azlizam et al. (2015) on
developing a specific set of indicators for monitoring ecotourism sustainability, as a
necessary process that goes beyond the one employed to develop our programmes.
Also, the present economic development and population growth of Panamá is amplifying stresses to biodiversity and natural resources (Tarté 2012). Thus, it appears that
conservation is standing at a crossroads, where its future direction could be supportive
of sustainability, ecotourism and quality of life only if stakeholders will continue
supporting visions for conservation similar to the one presented here. However, the
consistency of political leadership with supportive measures in favour of ecotourism
and sustainable development remains difficult to predict. According to Lieberknecht
et al. (1999), when planning for programmes in ecotourism, it is very important to
consider the politics of the country and the communities, while making sure that
the plan is scaled to the carrying capacity of its natural resource base and that it
involves the locals’ participation. Constructing or improving existing infrastructure
and preparing a competent work force are also important aspects of a planning
process. Therefore, a strong and equitable education system will become an asset to
enhance the preparedness of professionals in ecotourism in Panamá. The employment of regular assessments for these programmes will guide ecotourism toward
success and quality (Patton 1990), or simply expand its knowledge base, to achieve
further improvements. The vicinity to an urban centre can be a plus in the success
of an ecotourism programme, due to additional goods and services being available
to visitors. This aspect was considered when developing ecotourism in the drift
less region of the US Midwest. For example, Borsari et al. (2018) described how
ecotourism in south-eastern Minnesota is not only attractive for its natural beauty
and distinctive geology, but also for the history and culture of its cities, like Winona.
Thus, urban environments become a destination for ecotourists who wish to expand
their experience range beyond excursions in nature. Therefore, we recommend that
the partnership between BFI and OTU be extended to the city of David and to the
Chiriquí province in order to achieve the following objectives:
• Identify and develop more tourism ideas in cooperation with the city, as these
could develop into programmes that will expand an interest in ecotourism in
Chiriquí.
• Establish at OTU a curriculum in tourism to prepare future professional
leaders to operate effectively in the multi-faceted tourism industry, including
eco/agritourism.
• Develop a network of tourist sites and facilities that will offer, through the Office
of Tourism in David, updated information to individuals and groups who want to
visit natural reserves.