ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM IN CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE, ECUADOR

The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the 50 protected areas of Ecuador. This is considered a good strategic place for hosting unique and representative ecosystems of the Amazon region. It is located in the provinces of Orellana and Sucumbios. This current research study determined the main environmental impacts of tourist in the reserve´s publicly used paths, which will provide a management tool for managers to avoid environmental actions that could threaten conservation, sustainability, and level of satisfaction of the visitors. The main environmental impacts of tourist presence were determined. The methodology was based on field observation and interview with interest groups of the reserve. The main impacts identified in the areas of public use of the Reserve are affections geological (Increase in runoff and Deterioration of substrates in flooded areas). Aquatic (Alteration physical and chemical conditions). Vegetal (Root mismatch). Fauna (disturbance); and Social (Impact local communities).