Expert Recommendations

Environmental Sustainability

The initiative “Community Eco-Cultural Routes of Durango” launched its pilot phase in 2025 in the state of Durango, reaching three destinations. It has a social, environmental, economic, and governance-focused approach.

The project was created with the objective of developing sustainable tourism products in rural communities through birdwatching, interpretive hiking, and cultural tourism, ensuring low environmental impact while promoting tourism’s contribution to ecosystem conservation and local economies.

The initiative involved the design of thematic routes in natural areas and communities, the installation of signage, and the implementation of training programs for local communities on visitor services and wildlife monitoring. It also included the creation of a community conservation fund and the establishment of the brand “Eco-Cultural Routes” as a label for environmentally responsible tourism in the state of Durango.

Main impacts and results of this initiative:
• Design and implementation of 3 pilot routes: Otinapa, Cañón de Catedral, and Coyotes.

• Initial installation of 30 interpretive and directional signs.

• Training of 15 community guides in sustainable tourism.

• Population monitoring of Xenospiza baileyi with an established baseline (initial estimate of 60–80 individuals in the pilot area).

• Creation of a community fund with an estimated contribution of $50.00 MXN per visitor, allocated to conservation efforts.

• Generation of 30 direct and indirect jobs in rural communities (pilot phase).