From biological diversity to cultural diversity: a proposal for rural tourism in Mexico

Oaxaca is an entity located on the Pacific coast of Mexico and is one of the most diverse states from an ecological and cultural point of view. It occupies the first place in floral diversity and it possesses 35% of the existing ethnic groups in the country. Paradoxically, Oaxaca has the highest incidence of malnutrition and mother-infant mortality cases, as well as significant ecosystem deterioration. The Integrated Center for Community Promoters (CECIPROC) is an NGO that during the last 15 years has been focused on creating a training multidisciplinary model. This includes community health, nutrition, ecology, education and organization, framing its actions in the strategy of Primary Health Care, as a contribution to Sustainable Development. The Program benefits indigenous, mestizo and afro Mexican population. Among the main results of CECIPROC's program include: the creation of Infant Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers, an herbarium - including 450 medicinal plants as well as 220 edible plants -, the incorporation of traditional Mexican medicine into the training model and the construction of an ecological sanitation infrastructure. Its primary objective is to create a leisure place with ecotouristic, academic, and cultural activities. This ecosystemic approach to human health considers a new form of coexistence and relationship with nature. It implies the establishment of a dialogue between transculturality and biodiversity, as well as implementing workshops, seminars, meetings and ethno-ecological tours. It also involves ecotouristic visits, recognizing and protecting ecosystem diversity.