Criterios de sustentabilidad en áreas naturales y rurales orientadas al desarrollo local y la aplicación de buenas prácticas en turismo

The research project is carried out by the Universidad del Salvador (USAL), the Universidad Autonomade Entre Rios (UADER) and the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grandedo Sul, Brazil and it’s main objective is to consolidate an interagency forum for reflection andresearch and for analysis, discussion and exchange of experiences related to the implementation oftools for assessing and measuring sustainability - cultural, environmental and economic - in touristsites, especially deployed in natural and rural areas. The two touristic sites chosen for the study arethe Natural Reserve Las Piedras, Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios, Argentina; and the archaeological sitelocated in a rural area of Sao Miguel Missoes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.The research project team agreed to use as a measuring tool Global Criteria for destinationsthat broadcasts the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Said Criteria allows for an analysis of sitemanagement effectiveness, social and economic benefits, cultural heritage preservation and environmentalcare, from a touristic perspective.The conclusions derived from using this tool are: regarding the effectiveness of site management,both sites have reached the same percentage (42%) of application of indicators; however, agreat difference exists between them concerning the remaining indicators. The archaeological siteSao Miguel de las Missoes complies with over 50% of the aspects linked to social and economicbenefits and preservation of cultural heritage. On the other hand, only the Natural Reservation “LasPiedras” exceeds 50% regarding environmental care indicators.In the case of the Natural Reservation, it is extremely important to advance towards participatorymanagement, which includes observation and systematic survey of natural and cultural heritage,and consequently, the design and put to practice of a management plan. Regarding the archaeologicalsite Sao Miguel de las Missoes, we suggest a better interaction between the public agents thatare involved, the development of education strategies regarding heritage – specially teaching aboutthe value of intangible cultural heritage-, taking care of water resources and better solid residuemanagement.