Visitors’ education through environmental interpretation in Protected Natural Area: Samalayuca Dunes, Mexico.

Abstract

Samalayuca Dunes is a system of wandering dunes or fine intercontinental sands composed of silica dioxide. It is the most exceptional in the region and constitutes one of Mexico's most important representations of dunes. It is the habitat of 248 native species of plants, and 154 native species of fauna, with a high number of endemisms and more than 50 archaeological sites, most of which are petroglyphs. Based on the high value of this destination, the following research questions were formulated (i) How much is this wildlife space worth? and (ii) What to do with tourism activities to support wildlife, and what strategies to apply to make it happen in Samalayuca Dunes? Therefore, the general aim of this study was to promote visitors' education through environmental interpretation of wildlife in the Protected Natural Area of Samalayuca Dunes. It constitutes projective qualitative participant research using empirical and theoretical methods. As a result, the foundations and practical experiences related to environmental education and interpretation planning and implementation are presented according to sustainability principles. It is concluded by emphasizing the importance of visitors' environmental education and interpretation for promoting better wildlife tourism practices in Samalayuca Dunes.