Estado del Arte de la Gestión Local y la Participación Empresarial en la Recuperación de la Laguna de Guatavita

Abstract

The Laguna de Guatavita, located in the municipality of Sesquilé, Cundinamarca, is an ecosystem of significant historical, ecological, and cultural value, particularly known for its connection to the legend of El Dorado. However, the lagoon faces multiple conservation challenges, primarily due to water degradation, attributed to pollution, excessive sedimentation, and overexploitation from tourism. These issues, combined with inadequate management and scarce resources, have negatively impacted its biodiversity and its natural recovery capacity. This study’s main objective is to analyze local management and business participation in the conservation of Laguna de Guatavita. The research aims to identify the main challenges in local management and explore the roles and responsibilities of businesses in the ecosystem’s recovery and conservation processes. To address these objectives, the study will review recent articles on environmental management and sustainable tourism, integrating relevant theories such as the concept of sustainable development proposed by Amartya Sen, Donaldson and Preston's stakeholder theory, and Polman and Winston’s “Net Positive” approach. The study will focus on analyzing existing literature on local management in the recovery of Laguna de Guatavita to identify the key challenges faced in the conservation process. Additionally, it will investigate business participation in the recovery and conservation efforts, evaluating the roles and responsibilities involved. Using a qualitative approach that includes document review and public policy analysis, the study seeks to identify actions that can promote a sustainable tourism model that favors the ecological preservation of the lagoon while fostering local economic development. This will involve promoting cooperation between the community, local authorities, and businesses in the region.