Ecotourism Development and Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: Objectives, Conflicts and Resolutions

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation and sustainably utilizing natural resources improve the benefits of ecotourism development. Ecotourism development makes values for sustainably using biodiversity creating economic development opportunities. This study reviews literature and reveals objectives, conflicts and resolutions for achieving biodiversity conservation through ecotourism development in Sri Lanka. This paper describes conservation objectives in terms of preserving and fostering biodiversity, habitat restoration and managing biodiversity, and making values for natural assets through ecotourism activities. Degradation and destruction of habitat, overexploitation and illegal extraction of species, emissions of greenhouse gasses for climate change, contamination and pollution of the environment, and spread of exotic species are identified as the main conflicts. Conservation resolutions are discussed on education and awareness-raising activities for biodiversity conservation, in-situ conservation and ex-situ preservation of species, integrating biodiversity into ecotourism development, integrating management of biodiversity and ecotourism, linking ecotourism industry and conservation organizations, ecotourism policy and legislations for biodiversity conservation, and imposition of rules and regulations. Policy solutions and building capacity among institutions and other stakeholders for governance and sustainable conservation of biodiversity are key for sustainable ecotourism development.