Abstract
The purpose of this study is to introduce transformation plans that can stimulate responsible ecotourism by using systems thinking to solve ecotourism problems in Korea. Systems thinking is a research method used to understand the operating mechanisms of the variables that influence an entire system, in order to identify its problems. The four types of ecotourism systems are classified as follows: low-infrastructure and resident-initiated, high-infrastructure and resident-initiated, high-infrastructure and government-initiated and low-infrastructure and government-initiated. These systems vary based on the need for tourism facilities and the form of governance. Each type of system is analyzed using the systems thinking process (dynamic thinking, causal thinking, feedback thinking, strategic thinking) at representative ecotourism sites in Jeollanam-do and the following transformation plans are proposed to improve the responsibility at the tourism sites: First, local residents will develop a system to manage and operate ecotourism ventures and establish cooperative governance structures to strengthen the local capacity. Second, ecotourism operators will improve the quality of their educational and interpretative programs and tourist information platforms in order to raise awareness of the responsibilities of ecotourists. Third, ecotourism systems that are improved through ecotourists’ and tour operators' heightened senses of responsibility can sustain ecotourism independently. These transformation plans can be applied to policy proposals for revitalizing ecotourism, to guidelines for improving community resilience and to biological habitat protection plans. This study is meaningful in that it discusses the role of stakeholders in ecotourism planning and promoting responsible tourism and their role in utilizing and conserving natural resources accordingly.
Highlights
For many years, ecotourism has been the focus of discussion as a way to conserve natural and ecological resources and to use them wisely
With Dongcheon Estuary being registered as a Ramsar wetland in June 2016, it is highly likely that ecotourism will prosper in these villages
Ecotourism is committed to natural resource conservation, the well-being of the local community and the sustainability of tourism
Summary
Ecotourism has been the focus of discussion as a way to conserve natural and ecological resources and to use them wisely. The sites of ecotourism development in South Korea are mostly high-quality natural resources (e.g., national parks, ecosystem conservation areas, wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands conservation areas, migratory bird sanctuaries) that are legally restricted for private industrial activities, which has led governmental organizations to initiate ecotourism development. Organizations such as the Korea Forest Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other local self-governing bodies try to blend existing types of nature-based tourism (such as mountain tourism, rural tourism, marine tourism and local festivals) with ecotourism. In their hasty adoption of ecotourism, these agencies do not align with the global trend and fail to consider the fundamental principles of ecotourism development and its potential for local economic vitalization [1]
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