Environmental Components

Description

Physical chemical component (abiotic)

The quantity and quality of the water and the soil are considered to be within the acceptable ranges of impacts; however unfavorable results were detected in the inadequate management of urban solid wastes, noise and air pollution on high traffic days are considered deficient, along with the latent natural risk of eruption of the Tungurahua volcano.

Biological ecological component (biotic)

The flora, fauna, ecosystems and landscapes were evaluated as satisfactory, except for the need to encourage the planting of endemic plant species in city parks.

Socio-cultural component

The sense of identity and perception of local residents was acceptable, but one negative finding was a recognition that the public health system is still insufficient to provide health tourism services in existing facilities; also detected was the importance of merging together public health and tourism and the benefits that this could bring to both tourists and residents.

Economic-operational component

Indicators related to the local economy, tourism activities and alternatives, and employment opportunities were also positive; with the exception of deficiencies in local tourism and environmental management shaped by territorial growth with limited strategic planning for the tourism sector. It was found that there is a certain degree of income inequality and little interchange between tourism companies, political representatives and the general public in the town of Baños.