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Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Patrick Brandful Cobbinah

Local support is fundamental in natural resources management (NRM). However, recent studies indicate that NRM in protected areas in developing countries is often faced with local…

Abstract

Purpose

Local support is fundamental in natural resources management (NRM). However, recent studies indicate that NRM in protected areas in developing countries is often faced with local resistance due to its impacts on livelihoods. The purpose of this paper is to examine local attitudes – positive and negative responses – towards NRM in protected areas and implications of NRM benefits on local support for conservation of protected areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was used for this study. Structured questionnaire survey was administered to 310 respondents across four case study communities – Abrafo, Mesomagor, Adadientem and Nuamakrom – around the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA), Ghana. χ2 test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Findings

Findings showed positive attitudes towards NRM in protected areas (85.9 per cent) and high support for conservation of KCA (86.5 per cent). Respondents recognised the importance of the KCA in managing natural resources especially forest and water resources. Positive attitudes towards conservation of KCA were largely influenced by receipt of socio-economic benefits from the KCA, in terms of employment, income and involvement in KCA management. However, those excluded from socio-economic benefits from the KCA also expressed positive attitudes towards conservation, suggesting that support for NRM transcends socio-economic benefits. On the other hand, local people recognised the challenges associated with NRM in protected areas such as increased farm raids by wildlife, loss of access to timber and non-timber forest products.

Originality/value

This paper has revealed that although socio-economic benefits from NRM in protected areas influence local people’s support for conservation, local knowledge of the environmental benefits is equally important. The depth of local knowledge of NRM in the KCA is dependent on educational status and level of involvement of respondents in the KCA in terms of employment, and the effectiveness of educational campaigns by the park officials. Therefore, in the absence of clear development programmes from government and park officials to educate and involve local people in NRM, it appears the conservation objective upon which NRM in protected areas are designed may not be realised.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 August 2022

Madhumita Das and Bani Chatterjee

The quest for alternative approaches to tourism has introduced ecotourism. However, in many instances, ecotourism becomes “green washing” process where revenue generation becomes…

Abstract

Purpose

The quest for alternative approaches to tourism has introduced ecotourism. However, in many instances, ecotourism becomes “green washing” process where revenue generation becomes prominent and protection of environmental assets is kept aside. The present article attempts to examine the impact of ecotourism policy on conservation in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS), Odisha, India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using social exchange theory (SET), the article examines whether ecotourism reduces the dependency of the local communities on natural resources and also the impact of ecotourism on conservation of biodiversity in BKWS.

Findings

The study using a mixed method approach finds that ecotourism in BKWS is able to provide economic benefits to the villagers. The economic benefits from diversified employment opportunities are able to motivate locals to conserve biodiversity. However, the socio-cultural impact is hardly experienced by the villagers.

Research limitations/implications

By examining the linkage of conservation with community development in a diverse society like India, the paper finds the linkage of conservation with development. The paper has also widened the existing ecotourism literature of India and Odisha. The study adopted SET so as to get a comprehensive understanding at the ground level, forming the basis for future research and further conceptual development.

Practical implications

The results of the study will help policy makers to develop an effective conservation strategy by integrating tourism, conservation and sustainable development of the locals so as to make ecotourism a successful approach in BKWS.

Originality/value

For a growing ecotourism site like BKWS, the current study is the first to assess impact of ecotourism on conservation and local people.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2020

Amare Wondirad

The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and examine the challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in Wondo Genet and its vicinity, southern Ethiopia…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and examine the challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in Wondo Genet and its vicinity, southern Ethiopia and thereby forward suggestions to pertinent ecotourism stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method research approach and collects primary data from 412 research participants (400 survey respondents and 12 interviewees). Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis are used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Findings

The research findings unfold several constraints that deter successful ecotourism development along with opportunities that can be used in future development. Ecotourism is suggested as a complementary form of tourism development in Wondo Genet and its vicinity, as the area is known for its natural and cultural resources.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer substantive insights to policymakers, private investors and local communities about the existing challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in the context of emerging destinations. Given time, budget and human resource are acute restraints in developing countries; the current study is relevant in terms of highlighting the most pressing challenges that demand urgent action to unleash the development of a sustainable tourist destination.

Practical implications

The findings of this study also provide crucial practical implications to various stakeholders about the complementary nature of ecotourism and sustainable placemaking to conserve destinations’ environmental resources while improving socioeconomic conditions.

Originality/value

Despite Wondo Genet's immense ecotourism resource potential as one of the prime destinations both in the country and in the region, a huge gap exists in the current literature, where the current study intends to bridge in a comprehensive manner.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2022

Ilkay Yorganci and Erol Emin

This research was motivated by the strong desire of the researchers to make an impact on the protection and conservation of the environment and to make recommendations to enhance…

Abstract

Purpose

This research was motivated by the strong desire of the researchers to make an impact on the protection and conservation of the environment and to make recommendations to enhance sustainable ecotourism development in the Karpaz peninsula, North Cyprus. The aim of the research was first to assess the current challenges faced by those involved in ecotourism and sustainable practices and secondly to develop solutions for these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative applied research was used with the objective of combining the concerns of local entrepreneurs with the knowledge of the members of the ecotourism associations and organisations to raise public awareness, empower locals, bring social change and improve the lives of the local community. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with ecotourism entrepreneurs, members of the Ecotourism Association, the Ecotourism Movement and the Karpaz Ecotourism Cooperative.

Findings

The results showed that the main challenges faced were a lack of finance, a lack of support from the local and national governments and a lack of knowledge regarding ecotourism and sustainable development amongst members of the local community. The solutions are educating the local community about agri-ecotourism, putting pressure on local and national governments to support agri-ecotourism, getting other tourism associations such as tour operators on their side and setting up farming cooperatives for farmers.

Originality/value

The value and originality of this study lie in the use of applied research approach with its social agenda of finding solutions which can be developed from the new knowledge which arises from the study.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2021

Ernest Kafui Kwasi Tsetse, Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud, Charles Blankson and Raphael Odoom

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between stakeholder market orientation (StMO) and sustainability performance (SP) at tourism destinations (TDs).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between stakeholder market orientation (StMO) and sustainability performance (SP) at tourism destinations (TDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative survey, data was collected from 313 tourism business managers, who are the owners or managers of the tourism businesses at the TDs, and was analysed using the partial least square structural equation model.

Findings

Findings indicate that environmental performance is the highest sustainability management practice adhered to at the TDs. Also, community and visitor orientations predicted SP most, with all its hypotheses supported.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the impact of StMO dimensions on SP within the TDs, thereby limiting generalisation to other sectors.

Practical implications

Tourism marketing managers are given the knowledge that StMO strategy is a precondition for effective implementation and adoption of SP strategy.

Social implications

The results have key social implications, in that a sustainability marketing strategy that will assist in the increase acceptance of sustainability programs within the tourism sector has been noted.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is believed to be the first empirical study to test the relationship between StMO dimensions and three SP dimensions. This study will improve the sustainability management of tourism resources in Ghana. It will further aid in meeting some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Tamer M. Elsawy

This study aims to apply the appreciative inquiry approach (AI) to develop a tourism strategy for poverty alleviation in marginalised communities. The focus is to provide…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to apply the appreciative inquiry approach (AI) to develop a tourism strategy for poverty alleviation in marginalised communities. The focus is to provide practical insights for leveraging tourism to drive positive socio-economic change for the impoverished, using Rosetta, a port city in Egypt with cultural and historical significance, as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative applied study uses the four-D phases of AI and thematic analysis to strategise tourism development in Rosetta. Through interviews, focus groups and field visits, the study identifies tourism potential, stakeholder aspirations and actionable strategies for sustainable development. The approach prioritises a bottom-up, community-centric and stakeholder-involved process, aiming for inclusive and equitable growth.

Findings

The study revealed Rosetta’s underutilised tourism potential, emphasising heritage tourism. Although tourism offers some economic benefits, its impact on alleviating poverty in Rosetta remains limited. A holistic strategy for tourism development in Rosetta is proposed for economic growth and poverty reduction, focusing on sustainable management, local empowerment, enhanced marketing, improved infrastructure and diversified tourism offerings.

Originality/value

While AI is not new in qualitative studies, the novelty of this study lies in its application to tourism planning for poverty alleviation in a marginalised community like Rosetta, introducing a comprehensive tourism strategy with an original framework applicable to comparable destinations. The study’s significance is emphasised by providing actionable strategies for policymakers, valuable insights for practitioners and enriching the discourse and methodology on pro-poor tourism for academics, representing a step towards filling the gap between theoretical concepts and practical strategies.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2021

Vera Stanković, Ana Batrićević and Vladan Joldžić

This study aims to highlight the most important preventive measures that should be proposed by policymakers and adopted by (inter)national legislative bodies by changing existing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the most important preventive measures that should be proposed by policymakers and adopted by (inter)national legislative bodies by changing existing or adopting new legal documents. The implementation of these measures should be performed by state bodies responsible for ecotourism, natural and cultural resources protection and ecotourism services users.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical legal approach was applied, based on a systematic review of international legally binding and non-binding documents related to ecotourism, adopted by relevant international organizations. Analysis of norms for preventive protection of natural and cultural values was done and followed by law-reform research in the form of recommendations that should be adopted as binding.

Findings

International legal documents relevant to ecotourism analysed in this paper are divided into two groups. The first regulates exclusively ecotourism issues, whereas the second deals with sustainable development and indirectly refers to ecotourism, as one of its segments. Analysed international legal documents require unambiguous norms regulating preventive protective measures in ecotourism by prescribing actual obligations and prohibitions for relevant subjects. Given recommendations are grouped into five types according to the subjects they are addressing (ecotourism experts, policymakers, legislators, natural and cultural conservationists, local communities, educators).

Originality/value

This study is the first that points to the need to amending international legal documents related to ecotourism through recommendations regarding natural and cultural values’ preventive protection.

目的

这项研究旨在通过改变现有法律文件或建立新的法律文件, 强调决策者应提出并由(国际)国家立法机构通过最重要的预防措施。这些措施应由负责旅游、自然和文化资源保护的国家机构以及生态旅游服务用户来实施。

设计/方法论/方法

在系统审查相关国际组织采用的与生态旅游有关的具有法律约束力和非法律约束力的文件的基础上, 采用理论的法律方法对自然和文化价值的预防性保护规范进行分析, 然后以建议的形式进行了法律改革研究, 这些建议应被采纳为具有约束力的法律条文。

研究结果

本文将与生态旅游相关的国际法律文件分为两组。第一组专门规范生态旅游的问题, 第二组则涉及可持续发展, 而生态旅游也将作为部分内容在这一组进行阐述分析。经过分析的国际法律文件要求明确规范生态旅游的预防性保护措施, 规定有关主题的实际义务和禁止事项。根据所提出的主题(生态旅游专家、政策制定者、立法者、自然和文化保护主义者、当地社区、教育工作者), 这些建议会被分为五类进行阐述和分析。

独创性/价值

本论文首次提出了通过修改与生态旅游有关的国际法律文件对自然和文化价值的预防性保护的必要性。

Objetivo

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo destacar las medidas preventivas más importantes que deberían proponer los formuladores de políticas y adoptar los órganos legislativos (inter)nacionales mediante la modificación de los documentos legales existentes o la adopción de nuevos. La implementación de estas medidas debe ser realizada por los organismos gubernamentales responsables del ecoturismo, la protección de los recursos naturales y culturales y los usuarios de los servicios de ecoturismo.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se ha aplicado un enfoque jurídico teórico, basado en la revisión sistemática de documentos internacionales legalmente vinculantes y no vinculantes relacionados con el ecoturismo, adoptados por las organizaciones internacionales pertinentes. Se ha realizado un análisis de las normas para la protección preventiva de los valores naturales y culturales, seguido de una investigación sobre la reforma legal en forma de recomendaciones que deberían adoptarse como vinculantes.

Hallazgos

Los documentos legales internacionales relevantes para el ecoturismo analizados en este documento se dividen en dos grupos. El primero regula exclusivamente los temas de ecoturismo, mientras que el segundo se ocupa del desarrollo sostenible y se refiere al ecoturismo indirectamente, como uno de sus segmentos. Los documentos legales internacionales analizados requieren normas inequívocas que regulen las medidas de protección preventiva en el ecoturismo estableciendo obligaciones y prohibiciones reales para los temas relevantes. Las recomendaciones dadas se clasifican en cinco tipos según los temas que abordan (expertos en ecoturismo, formuladores de políticas, legisladores, conservacionistas naturales y culturales, comunidades locales, educadores).

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio es el primero que apunta a la necesidad de modificar los documentos legales internacionales relacionados con el ecoturismo a través de recomendaciones sobre la protección preventiva de los valores naturales y culturales.

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Susanne Fredholm

With specific focus on sustainable development of the built environment in Cape Coast, Ghana, the purpose of this paper is to examine practical and conceptual barriers for local…

Abstract

Purpose

With specific focus on sustainable development of the built environment in Cape Coast, Ghana, the purpose of this paper is to examine practical and conceptual barriers for local planning authorities advancing international outreach programmes based on a global discourse on heritage and heritage management.

Design/methodology/approach

A discourse analysis was conducted on documents and programmes produced by international organisations and local planning authorities since 2000. Further qualitative data collection methods included 25 semi-structured interviews, literature and media review and on-site observations.

Findings

The study shows that the dominant global discourse on heritage management being interconnected with tourism development is adopted by local planning authorities. However, the requirements to advance initiated urban redevelopment projects are neither adapted to the economic realities nor institutional capabilities of the local planning system. Instead of adjusting specific Ghanaian notions of heritage or local forms of heritage organisations, negotiating the discourse is potentially a more sustainable approach.

Practical implications

The findings reveal important implications necessary to address from sustainable development perspective. The study can help practitioners to develop strategies based on local African planning contexts rather than western discourses on best practice.

Originality/value

This study discusses the impact of an Authorised Heritage Discourse on local planning of the built environment, and the need to rescale and broaden the scope of such discourses to other levels than the dominating national/global.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 May 2021

Azwindini Isaac Ramaano

This study evaluates prospects of using ecotourism industry to advance community livelihoods in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa.

5400

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluates prospects of using ecotourism industry to advance community livelihoods in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaire surveys, interviews primarily, supplemented by focus group discussions and interviews, primary data has been collected reflective of the potentiality of ecotouristic activities in Musina Municipality. To a lesser extent, field observations contribute to these primary sources. Extra insights are obtained through documentary reviews (secondary sources). Data is analyzed using quantitative statistical techniques supplemented by qualitative approaches.

Findings

The study confirmed substantial ecotourism potential of the Musina Municipality and that this potential is manifest irrespective of geographic and demographic factors. However, the study reports a low current ecotourism impact in the Musina Municipality with consequential minimal benefits accruing to the enhancement of the standard of living in the local community. An inference is made that the key gap area impeding the realization of ecotourism potential in the Musina Municipality is the absence of a well-articulated tourism strategy linked to the sustainable economic development of the communities involved. Several fruitful initiatives for ecotourism consonant with local factor endowments are proposed.

Originality/value

Although, taken in topical isolation, matters of community livelihoods and sustainable development have been increasingly coming to the forefront of research on tourism, few studies have taken a holistic approach predicated on the integration of community livelihood and sustainable development roles of various forms of ecotourism in community development within many rural areas. This study represents the first case study employing an integrated approach to analyze ecotouristic potential of rural Musina Municipality, one of the driest areas in the far North of Limpopo Province, South Africa, characterized by low standard of living juxtaposed with high touristic potential.

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2020

Mohammad Younus Bhat, M.S. Bhatt and Arfat Ahmad Sofi

Biodiversity loss has become widespread since current rates are potentially catastrophic for species and habitat integrity, and the Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir…

Abstract

Purpose

Biodiversity loss has become widespread since current rates are potentially catastrophic for species and habitat integrity, and the Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir (India) is not a distinctive case. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to elicit the willingness to pay (WTP) for biodiversity conservation of the Park.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based choice experiment method was carried out at the Dachigam National Park, an area that is threatened by several anthropogenic pressures. Attributes selected for analysis through choice experiments were endangered species, national park area, research and education opportunities the park withholds. To estimate WTP, a monetary variable involving an increase in entry fee was also incorporated. To obtain the estimates, the authors use the augmented conditional logit model.

Findings

WTP for the selected attributes per visitor turned out to be ₹302.07 for enhancing the population of endangered species, ₹121.91 for improvement in the park area and ₹171.64 for increasing research and education opportunities the park withholds.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study uncovers very important aspects of evaluating the biological resources, albeit with some limitations. The study estimates WTP for biodiversity conservation using a conditional logit model, which is based on a specific area and population sample. It would be better if a broader sample is considered to trace out the findings for meaningful generalization. Besides, the results can be replicated for similar kinds of samples.

Practical implications

With the use of benefits transfer method, this study aims to provide policymakers with useful information to manage biodiversity attributes across the Himalayan region.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to provide a critical understanding of the valuation to facilitate the concerned body for better planning and management of biological resources. The findings of the present study can be used as an indicator of the inherent economic importance of biological resources across the Himalayan range for their better management and conservation that can help in ensuring sustainable utilization of these resources.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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