Dr. Enrique Mundaca, academic of the School of Agronomy of the Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) and director of the ANID ATE230028 - Ecos of Climate Change Project, was invited to the renowned podcast "En Pocas PalaVRAs", produced by the Academic Vice-Rectory of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH).
In this episode, recorded within the framework of the International Symposium on Ecocultural Tourism, Dr. Mundaca delved into the conceptual, theoretical and applied development of ecocultural tourism, an emerging paradigm that proposes a balanced relationship between nature, culture and sustainability.
Towards a new definition of contemporary tourism
During the interview, Dr. Mundaca explained that the concept of ecocultural tourism arises as an evolution of traditional ecotourism, which - in many cases - is limited to incorporating local communities as passive participants within a conventional tourism structure.
In contrast, ecocultural tourism proposes an epistemological change: a redefinition of tourism as a relational, participatory and formative practice, where visitors and local communities become active agents of knowledge, values and experience exchange.
"Ecocultural tourism was born out of the need to overcome the limits of traditional ecotourism. It is not just about visiting landscapes or communities, but about living and understanding ecological and cultural systems as an interdependent unit," explained Dr. Mundaca.
This approach responds to the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as the commodification of cultural identity, environmental degradation and the disruption of local ecological cycles. In response, ecocultural tourism proposes a model that integrates conservation, knowledge and participation, promoting a more sustainable, educational and emotionally meaningful practice.
Three conceptual pillars of ecocultural tourism
Dr. Mundaca precisely defined the theoretical foundations that support this new model:
- Conservation of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, understood not only as biological spaces, but also as integrated systems of landscape, life and culture.
- Recognition and transmission of local traditional knowledge, knowledge that articulates agricultural, ritual, linguistic or spiritual practices with sustainable management of the environment.
- Valorization of the ecocultural identity, understood as the symbiotic result between the ecological and cultural dimensions of a territory.
This theoretical framework, said the researcher, not only redefines tourism practice, but also establishes a conceptual guide applicable to the design of public policies, community projects and sustainable territorial development programs.
Tourism, science and transdiscipline
One of the most innovative aspects of Dr. Mundaca's proposal is his transdisciplinary approach, which invites us to break the traditional boundaries between academia, the State, the private sector and civil society.
This model seeks to integrate scientific research with the needs and aspirations of the communities, generating collaborative and socially useful knowledge.
"Ecocultural tourism is not limited to theoretical study; it requires joint work between scientists, local communities, authorities and entrepreneurs. It is at this intersection where true social and environmental innovation takes place," Dr. Mundaca emphasized.
The academic stressed that this transdisciplinary methodology constitutes a paradigm shift in the relationship between university and society, replacing the idea of knowledge transfer with that of co-creation of knowledge, where the role of academia is to listen, learn and accompany.
A theoretical framework for sustainable action
Dr. Mundaca emphasized that ecocultural tourism is not an isolated project, but a theoretical basis with national and international potential. Its adoption would make it possible to establish consistent strategic guidelines for sustainable tourism planning in Chile, avoiding the fragmentation of initiatives and promoting the continuity of public policies in the long term.
"For the first time we can think of a theoretical guideline that transcends fashions and political cycles, providing coherence and continuity to the development of sustainable tourism projects throughout the country," he said.
This approach, he added, offers a viable alternative to the global environmental crisis, making it possible to rethink tourism practices from an ethic of care and reciprocity between human beings and nature.
Conclusion: a vision of a sustainable future
Dr. Enrique Mundaca's intervention in the podcast "En Pocas PalaVRAs" constitutes a substantive contribution to the debate on sustainability, culture and territory. His proposal for ecocultural tourism not only provides a solid conceptual basis, but also opens a practical route to integrate scientific knowledge, environmental conservation and social justice in the same horizon.
His work, developed together with Dr. Pablo Lacoste and other researchers from the Southern Cone, is part of the ongoing effort of the ANID ATE230028 - Ecos of Climate Change Ring Project to understand and strengthen the links between biodiversity, local knowledge and resilience to climate change.
"Ecocultural tourism is an invitation to look at nature and communities not as resources, but as teachers. Only in this way can we build a sustainable and truly humane future."
Listen to the complete episode:
"En Pocas PalaVRAs" Podcast | Dr. Enrique Mundaca, academic of the UCM School of Agronomy.