Indigenous Knowledge and Tourism on Protected Areas Under Constitutional Sumak Kawsai in Ecuador: Policies and Legislation

Abstract

This thesis aims to expose the deficiencies in Ecuadorian legislation in protecting Indigenous culture and Indigenous knowledge within the tourism economy located within Indigenous traditional lands and protected areas of Ecuador. It delves into the vulnerabilities linked to Indigenous intangible cultural heritage within the tourism industry. The goal is to highlight the differences between Indigenous community tourist centres and tourist operators. These inequities extend beyond financial aspects; they also involve more general issues regarding the expression and conservation of Indigenous intangible cultural heritage. In addition to illuminating these challenges, this research offers potential mechanisms that the Ecuadorian State could adopt to safeguard Indigenous knowledge and promote responsible utilization of it by tourism operators.