Application of geographic information systems to assess ecotourism potential: the case of the Save River Basin, in Mozambique

Abstract

Properly planned ecotourism is an activity that can enable sustainable tourism development, rural development and regional integration. This article takes a physical-spatial approach and uses the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify areas potentially suitable for the development of ecotourism, with the Save River basin in Mozambique as a case study. Based on landscape characteristics - topography, land cover and protected areas, and attributes of human origin - human footprint index, rivers, roads and population density, the results indicate that the selected area has enormous potential for the development of ecotourism. About 71.72% of the area has high or moderate fitness, mainly due to the combination of its proximity to several protected areas with different management categories, the existence of extensive and unique landscapes, flora and fauna and low human population density. These results can support the decision-making process for the implementation of sustainable tourism in rural areas and ensure the proper use of resources and rural development.