El Turismo Científico en Colombia Insular: estudio de caso en San Andrés y Providencia para la conservación, la educación ambiental y el desarrollo sostenible

Abstract

Scientific tourism in San Andrés and Providencia is presented as a comprehensive strategy that fuses environmental conservation, education, and sustainable economic development. Initiatives such as coral regeneration and mangrove reforestation not only restore vital ecosystems, but also involve the local community in conservation practices, strengthening their connection with the natural environment. Ecotourism activities, such as bird watching and ecological trails, offer visitors educational experiences that promote environmental awareness and respect for biodiversity. In addition, agroecological farms and the San Andrés Botanical Garden integrate sustainable production with education, providing opportunities for tourists to understand and value responsible agricultural practices and local flora. Purposeful diving allows visitors to participate in marine conservation, combining underwater exploration with activities such as reef clean-ups and scientific data collection. These initiatives not only diversify the tourist offer, but also generate direct economic benefits for the community, promoting a development model that balances environmental protection with the social and economic well-being of the archipelago's inhabitants. However, to maximize the positive impact of scientific tourism, it is essential to strengthen infrastructure, training and community participation, ensuring that activities are sustainable and that benefits are equitably distributed among all actors involved.