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 Rural tourism  Chiloé is an archipelago that contains an exceptionally rich ecosystem with various unique plant and animal species, wonderful landscapes and a lively culture, which make it a very attractive and distinctive place.However, this perfect context for tourism has not to date been able to develop itself successfully. In fact, the situation prevailing has not gone for the better during the last years, in a sense that all of the conventional and destructive uses of the forest as fuelwood are maintained. Since a lot of communities in Chiloé suffer high poverty, it is a BMCh priority to offer alternative ways to live from the natural resources, while increasing the families income. This is where rural tourism could play an important role as a good way to promote sustainable development, where the campesinos could find economic benefits in conserving their forests. Projects C, Q and Q are BMCh's projects that are worth outline. These centres are indeed offering spaces where the increasing number of tourists eager to practice outdoor activities can enjoy the natural beauty of the Island and experience the daily lives of people in rural Chiloé. Chanquin This is an indigenous community that offers tourist services enjoyed by thousands of visitors from all over the world, in an area where the ocean and the forest become one. Quiao This is a rural community located right in the middle of primary forests, that has incorporated in its activities resource conservation and alternative use of the environment. Quilque Indigenous community heading from resource exploitation towards a sustainable management of the lands through tourist offer, such as guided treks in the forest and along the beautiful Lake Huillinco. Results and challenges These initiatives increased the income of the families involved, by training them to offer better services to the tourists, to protect their environment, to interact with foreign visitors and sharing their culture. In the future, BMCh would like to strengthen the participating organisations and develop links among them, in a matter to propose a more attractive and competitive offer. |
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 Chacabuco 468, Castro, Chiloé Phone: (65) 63 8384 Fax: (65) 63 8385 e-mail: bmchiloe@telsur.cl |