Limit of Acceptable Change, Sustainability Tool in a Tourist Attraction in Peru

Abstract

Human activity has negative impacts; methods and techniques have been developed to achieve harmony in the ecosystem. One method in tourism is the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC). The objective was to determine the acceptable limits of change in the Huagapo cave using a quantitative-qualitative approach through literature review, interviews, surveys, and the application of this methodology. It was found that zone 1 (parking area) has the presence of invasive vegetation. Zones 3, 4, and 5 have a high degree of impact on endemic vegetation. Zone 6, a primitive trail, has a medium impact on the trail width, with invasive vegetation (eucalyptus, cypress) and invasive animals (dogs, pigs) threatening endemic flora and fauna (quinumal, amphibians), affecting biodiversity and ecological balance. It is concluded that zones 1, 3, 4, and 6, with high and medium impact, require efforts in preventing deterioration and maintaining the balance of the tourist attraction.