Ecotourism Sites Research Articles

The role of the stakeholders in sustainable ecotourism management at Malela Waterfall of Indonesia’s West Bandung

The purpose of this study is to address the issue of low local participation in ecotourism management in Indonesia, specifically at the Malela Waterfall ecotourism site in Cicadas Village, Rongga District, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The research method is action research, which includes observation data gathering, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions. The findings of the study show that by carrying out the process of developing social infrastructure, namely development that prioritizes strengthening human resources in carrying out social service functions in ecotourism activities such as skill training of residents in the field of ecotourism, massive ecotourism outreach, and strengthening social communities—Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and youth organizations as ecotourism actors. This type of development serves to raise awareness and participation among local inhabitants in Malela Waterfall ecotourism in West Bandung Regency. This promotes harmony and mutually beneficial partnerships among all Malela Waterfall ecotourism stakeholders. Furthermore, increasing community participation benefits the well-being of residents in the tourist region.

Ictiofauna y calidad del agua en el sitio ecoturístico “El Remate” Campeche, Mexico: muestreo prospectivo antes del Tren Maya

A prospective punctual sampling was carried out during the rainy season where the quality of the water (nutrients such as: nitrites, sulfates, phosphates and ammonium) and the fish community (ichthyofauna) were measured by means of UVC methodology (underwater visual census), in the ecotourism site “El Remate” which is located in the municipality of Calkiní, Campeche, where an increase in tourism is expected from the “Mayan Train” megaproject. Water quality tests did not reflect a significant anthropic impact on the water body and the ichthyofauna presented ecological characteristics similar to those reported by Torres-Castro et al. (2009), although the number of reported species decreased. The results of this study are proposed as ecological references to continue monitoring this ecosystem and thus address the uncertainty about the impact of the increase in tourist influx on ecosystems of this type. Keywords: UVC methodology, water quality, anthropic impact, Campeche.

Effects of human disturbance on the distribution and abundance of large mammals in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park, Ethiopia

The increasing human pressure has threatened wildlife conservation, even in protected areas. However, findings reporting the effects of human on wildlife conservation are not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the effect of human disturbance on the distribution and abundance of mammals in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park considering the consumptive and non-consumptive modes of human activities. The study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2018 in three selected sites, which were stratified based on human disturbance as nature conserved areas, sites engaged in consumptive livelihood, and ecotourism sites. Data were collected using a line transect method. The distribution and abundance data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA, respectively. There was a significant difference on the distribution of target wild animals in the selected sites; greater kudu (P < 0.001), warthog (P < 0.01), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.03) were highest in the “nature conserved” site. Human disturbance also significantly affected the abundance of warthog (P = 0.028), greater kudu (P < 0.001), and bohor reedbuck (P = 0.024). Greater kudu distribution was limited in nature conserved site. However, Warthog and Bohor Reedbuck were distributed in all sampling sites; nature conserved sites hold the highest population abundance. The results indicate that consumptive local livelihood and ecotourism disturbances adversely affected the distribution and abundance of mammals relative to the nature reserved site. However, ecotourism favored some mammal species from the consumptive local people’s livelihood activities. Thus, to reduce the impact of human disturbances on wildlife conservation, monitoring and controlling the level of human disturbance is urgent. Sustainable practices such as community engagement, awareness creation and alternative livelihood options should be proposed.

Ecological assessment and conservation performance of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary: A differential assessment of protected and unprotected zones

Evaluating human impacts on the structural and functional dynamics of ecotourism sites is crucial for monitoring and managing natural ecosystems. This study assessed conservation performance in the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary versus degradation in the adjacent unprotected forest, which is prone to human activities. Eighteen samples each of above-ground live biomass (AGL), litter, and root biomass, along with 36 soil samples (0–20 cm depth), were collected from 20 m × 20 m and 1 m × 1 m plots and subplots at both sites. The study found that the average tree density in the area was 210.00 whereas the above-ground live biomass had 524.30. Mean values for litter and root biomass, pH, N and P were 345.44 and 69.94. The protected site recorded a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of total N and OM content as compared to the adjacent unprotected site whereas there was no significance (p = 0.010) in available P in both areas. Available micronutrients (Mn, Zn) were higher in the protected area compared to the unprotected while the Fe levels were higher in the unprotected site. Cu was below the detectable value in both sites. The protected and unprotected areas revealed significant differences (t(14) = 1.527, p = 0.029), with a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.766, p = 0.001). Therefore, if the adjacent unprotected forest is not subjected to management mechanisms and protection from the fringe communities, the reserve may remain under threat of encroachment and degradation as these resources may be severely affected.

ANALYSIS OF ECOTOURISM AND DISASTER MITIGATION DATA AT THE KUALA LANGSA MANGROVE FOREST BY USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

The problem in the management of a public area is to determine aspects that contribute most as its best practices. This paper explores the contributions of the Kuala Langsa Mangrove Forest located in Langsa City, Aceh Province, for ecotourism and disaster mitigation. This research was intended to analyze the aspects of forest management that has successfully reformed dry coast into an ecotourism site. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a multicriteria decision making method was used to analyze the best indicators data. This method was selected as the suitable method since it utilizes the objectivity of mathematics in comparing some subjective criteria to obtain the best indicators. The implementation of the AHP method consists of three stages: the development of the criteria’s hierarchy table; the development of pairwise matrix related to the intention of giving weights for the criterion’s elements; the logical concistency verification of the matrix. Indicators were written on a five point scale related to a value judgement. The results of the research show that as an ecotourism site, the activities of the mangrove forest are motivated and based on the existing rules which attract people to become interested. The role of the local government has resulted: developed the programs according to the existing mangrove management law that reached 67% among other law related indicators; budget allocation priority by self-generating which get priority of 59% among budget indicators; oriented on the increasing of fishermen, obtained 49% of economical function elements; encouraged the involvement and partnership of the local resources around the mangrove forest which reached 31% among other programs offered and sustainability approach by considering ecological functions aspect. For physical contribution for disaster mitigation, the largest dissipation is given by Rhizophora mucronata due to its height compared to the other types.

Illocutionary Speech Acts on Stickers as Promotional Media of Mangroves Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura

The primary goal of this research is to find the lingual forms and meanings of the language in vehicle stickers used as promotional media to increase ecotourism possibilities throughout the Mangroves Ecotourism area of Bangkalan by means of illocutionary speech acts. In this research, the descriptive and qualitative research methods were used. The data for this research came from a form of vehicle sticker that was first investigated to promote Mangrove Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura. The following Mangrove Ecotourism sites were included in this research: Labuhan Mangrove Education Park Bangkalan, Mangrove Martajasah, and Mangrove Tajungan, Kamal. The research carried out adopted George Yule's pragmatic theory and J.R Searle's illocutionary speech act as the theoretical framework, which provides a good explanation of the representative speech act, directive speech act, expressive speech act, commissive speech act, and declarative speech act. Then, concluded that directive speech act plays a major form of this research’s finding and discussion and representative speech act as the second form whose type is commonly used in the sticker as promotional media.

Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal, India

The importance of valuing environmental resources, especially in ecotourism sites, has become increasingly important over the last two decades. Ecotourism is now considered as an important source of livelihood of local stakeholders in backward regions. Therefore, the preservation of ecotourism sites through community participation seems very important to maintain continued flow of tourists. This study aimed at recognizing the importance of community participation for the preservation of ecotourism sites. For this, this study executed a survey based on non-probability sampling in two ecotourism sites (Garpanchkot and Baranti) covering 100 respondents in Purulia District, West Bengal of India. The central issue of this study was to assess the tendency of community participation for the conservation of ecotourism sites and find the optimum condition for offering participatory labour time. This study showed that the participation of young people is high, and the majority of respondents are aware of the importance in protecting ecotourism sites. Because respondents were too poor to offer money, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to elicit their willingness to pay (WTP) participatory labour time for the conservation of ecotourism sites. Respondents’ age, income, education level, caste, and their perceived environmental quality had significant relationship with their WTP participatory labour time by applying the ordinary least square (OLS) model. It was found that the mean WTP participatory labour time of each respondent in a month is approximately 3.64 h. The significance of this study is that community participation can improve the sense of belonging, trust, and credibility of ecotourism sites, making them more appreciative of the value and protection of these sites.

Attributes and competitiveness of ecotourism sites, and tourists’ behavioral intention: Basis for an ecotourism development plan for Region VI

Attributes and competitiveness of ecotourism sites, and tourists’ behavioral intention: Basis for an ecotourism development plan for Region VI

Analysis of Potential, Impact and Design of a Sustainable Ecotourism Management System Using an Industrial Engineering Approach in The Kuala Bubon Mangrove Forest, West Aceh

The discourse of the West Aceh government and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, which aims to develop the Kuala Bubon West Aceh mangrove forest area into an ecotourism site to boost the community's economy, has drawn attention from many parties. This is due to the rich biodiversity present in the mangrove forest. Pre-ecotourism studies need to be conducted to ensure that the use of this forest can be managed properly, including studying potential tourist attractions, analyzing negative impacts, and engineering a sustainable ecotourism management industry. This involves using an industrial engineering approach, which offers an optimal framework for achieving these goals. The research was conducted in the Kuala Bubon mangrove forest, West Aceh, in July 2024. Survey techniques and direct observation were used to gather data on the ecotourism potential in the Kuala Bubon mangrove forest. This potential data will be mapped using Quantum GIS and then analyzed to assess the potential and impact of environmental damage as part of ecotourism and the ecosystem. The impact of the damage will then be addressed with alternative industrial engineering solutions, creating an effective management design using AutoCAD. The research results identified five ecotourism attraction points: sunset observation ecotourism, flora &amp; fauna exploration, fishing, duck games, and shellfish searching. Based on this potential, a negative impact analysis and industrial engineering of the ecotourism area will be conducted, focusing on three aspects: infrastructure, waste management, and the utilization of renewable energy.Type your abstract here.

Exploring The Ecotourism Paradox: Perspective of Local Residents in Accredited Ecotourism Sites in Laguna Province Towards Sustainable Ecotourism Development

Exploring The Ecotourism Paradox: Perspective of Local Residents in Accredited Ecotourism Sites in Laguna Province Towards Sustainable Ecotourism Development

Coral reef fish density at a tourist destination responded rapidly to COVID-19 restrictions.

Throughout the world, anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems is intensifying, notably through urbanisation, economic development, and tourism. Coral reefs have become exposed to stressors related to tourism. To reveal the impact of human activities on fish communities, we used COVID-19-related social restrictions in 2021. In French Polynesia, from February to December 2021, there was a series of restrictions on local activities and international tourism. We assessed the response of fish populations in terms of changes in the species richness and density of fish in the lagoon of Bora-Bora (French Polynesia). We selected sites with varying human pressures-some dedicated to tourism activities, others affected by boat traffic, and control sites with little human presence. Underwater visual surveys demonstrated that fish density and richness differed spatially and temporally. They were lowest on sites affected by boat traffic regardless of pandemic-related restrictions, and when activities were authorised; they were highest during lockdowns. Adult fish density increased threefold on sites usually affected by boat traffic during lockdowns and increased 2.7-fold on eco-tourism sites during international travel bans. Human activities are major drivers of fish density and species richness spatially across the lagoon of Bora-Bora but also temporally across pandemic-related restrictions, with dynamic responses to different restrictions. These results highlight the opportunity provided by pauses in human activities to assess their impact on the environment and confirm the need for sustainable lagoon management in Bora-Bora and similar coral reef settings affected by tourism and boat traffic.

Convergence Communication in Community-Based Ecotourism Management

The development of sustainable tourism can be realized through ecotourism. Ecotourism itself is an environmentally conscious tourism activity that prioritizes aspects of nature conservation, social, cultural, and economic empowerment of local communities, as well as learning and education aspects. This research aims to analyze the dynamics of convergence communication in community-based ecotourism management in Indonesia. The method used in this research is literature review. There are four community-based ecotourism locations selected purposively, namely Blekok Village ecotourism, Mola Wakatobi Village, Berjo Village, and Wae Rebo Village. The results obtained from these four ecotourism sites show the process of convergence communication in ecotourism management consisting of stages of understanding, agreement, and collective action. Through collective action, the aim is to develop ecotourism in accordance with its principles from aspects of environmental conservation, economic benefits, cultural preservation, and community participation.

Tourism carrying capacity using GIS-based mapping of ecotourism sites in Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines

Tourism carrying capacity using GIS-based mapping of ecotourism sites in Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines

TRENDS IN ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE UNDER CONDITIONS OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Objective. The article aims at analyzing the current trends in the development of ecological tourism in Ukraine under conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war. Methods. The results of the study are obtained applying the following methods: theoretical generalisation and system-structural method (to study the theoretical foundations of ecotourism), analysis (to analyse the main trends in the development of ecotourism in Ukraine), statistical method (to process statistical information), classification method (to divide the regions by ecotourism potential), abstract-theoretical method (to formulate theoretical conclusions). Results. The current trends in the development of ecological tourism in Ukraine are analysed according to two main directions: ecological tourism within and outside protected areas. The main organisational forms of ecological tourism are identified, including ecological tourist routes and trails, cultural and educational ecological excursions, recreation in eco-hotels of various types, active mountain and water eco-recreation. The author analyses the security features of ecotourism under the conditions of the russian-Ukrainian war, the activities of the international certification programmes "GreenKey" and "BlueFlag", and the most popular ecotourism sites in Ukraine. As a result of the analysis, it is proposed to conditionally divide the regions of Ukraine, according to the existing ecotourism potential, into 4 categories: regions with high ecotourism development potential, regions with medium ecotourism development potential, regions with low ecotourism development potential and regions where ecotourism is impossible to organise.

Understanding Visitor Experiences and Motivations Through an Importance-Satisfaction Analysis of a Protected Area in Ghana

ABSTRACT The study assessed visitor experiences through an importance-satisfaction analysis of an ecotourism site. Data were obtained from visitors (n=290, response rate 82%) to the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (SHRR) from February to May 2021. Gap and grid analysis of visitor activities, their importance and satisfaction with visitor experience were performed to identify areas of management concern. Generally, visitors were satisfied with their experience with a visit to the animal farm, overnight camping, and hiking/nature walk being the top visitor activities. Hanging out with family/friends, being close to nature and seeing wildlife were the top motivations. Resources in SHRR are not over-used, with no visitor activity in the ‘Possible Overkill’ quadrant. However, management can improve activities performing well to attract more visitors. Less patronised products like birdwatching and video filming should be marketed, while highly patronised ones should be managed appropriately to maintain standards to ensure visitor satisfaction and boost ecotourism.

Strategi Pengembangan Ekowisata Mangrove Petengoran dengan Pendekatan Analisis ASOCA

The Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism is a potential ecotourism site for development. However, based on the tourist visitation data in Gebang Village, Pesawaran Regency, the Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism still resulting in few visitors and remains at the level of an incipient tourism village according to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The development of the Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism is expected to uphold the local community's economy. The purpose of this study is to determine the effective strategy for the development of the Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism village in Pesawaran Regency based on the ASOCA analysis perspective. Researchers identify the internal and external factors of the Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism. Following the acquisition of these factors, the result is integrated into the ASOCA matrix and subsequently assessed via the Litmus test to derive scores. These scores are then utilized to ascertain the strategic issues pertinent to the evolution of the tourist site. Based on the ASOCA analysis, eight highly strategic issues are identified as top priorities and primary concerns for decision-making or policy formulation based on their significant impact on future generations. Subsequently, there are five strategic issues that can be implemented, given the significant impact on the incoming community. Therefore, these prior issue can be utilized for the development of the Mangrove Petengoran ecotourism.

Ecology of fear alters behavior of grizzly bears exposed to bear-viewing ecotourism.

Humans are perceived as predators by many species and may generate landscapes of fear, influencing spatiotemporal activity of wildlife. Additionally, wildlife might seek out human activity when faced with predation risks (human shield hypothesis). We used the anthropause, a decrease in human activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, to test ecology of fear and human shield hypotheses and quantify the effects of bear-viewing ecotourism on grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) activity. We deployed camera traps in the Khutze watershed in Kitasoo Xai'xais Territory in the absence of humans in 2020 and with experimental treatments of variable human activity when ecotourism resumed in 2021. Daily bear detection rates decreased with more people present and increased with days since people were present. Human activity was also associated with more bear detections at forested sheltered sites and less at exposed sites, likely due to the influence of habitat on bear perception of safety. The number of people negatively influenced adult male detection rates, but we found no influence on female with young detections, providing no evidence that females responded behaviorally to a human shield effect from reduced male activity. We also observed apparent trade-offs of risk avoidance and foraging. When salmon levels were moderate to high, detected bears were more likely to be females with young than adult males on days with more people present. Should managers want to minimize human impacts on bear activity and maintain baseline age-sex class composition at ecotourism sites, multiday closures and daily occupancy limits may be effective. More broadly, this work revealed that antipredator responses can vary with intensity of risk cues, habitat structure, and forage trade-offs and manifest as altered age-sex class composition of individuals using human-influenced areas, highlighting that wildlife avoid people across multiple spatiotemporal scales.

The Functions of Myth in Mangrove Ecotourism Development in Ibu Kota Nusantara, Indonesia

The mangrove area in Mentawir Village has the potential to be developed into an ecotourism site in Nusantara Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara or "IKN"), Indonesia. Apart from the mangrove conservation area, some myths add to the tourist attraction of IKN. Various myths continue to live and develop in the lives of the Paser indigenous people in Mentawir Village (Sepaku District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia). The functionalization of the myth is expected to support mangrove ecotourism. So, how can existing myths affect the use of mangroves to support the development of mangrove ecotourism in IKN? Ethnographic data collection conducted through participatory observation and in-depth interviews can reveal the existence of myths that affect the use of mangroves in people's lives. The results showed that three myths developed in Mentawir Village: the myth of yellow mangroves (lemit mangroves/bakau lemit), the myth of the Mentawir River (Sungai Mentawir), and the mystery myth of the peace stone (misteri batu perdamaian). Using the Malinowski cultural functionalization approach, it can be seen that these myths can support the development of mangrove-based ecotourism and creative economy as IKN tourist attractions that can support community welfare.

Assessment of Potential Ecotourism Sites using Multi-Influencing Factor and Geo-spatial Technique in District Swat, Pakistan

Assessment of Potential Ecotourism Sites using Multi-Influencing Factor and Geo-spatial Technique in District Swat, Pakistan

Integration of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Index and Biophysical Assessment for Sustainable Ecotourism Mangrove: A Case Study of Karangsong, Indonesia

Marine ecotourism is one of the pivotal sectors that supports the sustainability of marine ecosystems and elevates the socioeconomic status of the country. Karangsong is located on the northern side of the Indramayu districts, covering approximately 25 hectares of mangrove. The significant number of tourists visiting sites of mangrove ecotourism in Indonesia contributed to the tourist intentions associated with the diversity of mangrove and management strategies. How the community-based tourism (CBT) index aligns with biophysical assessment is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the interconnectedness between the community-based tourism (CBT) index and biophysical assessment to measure the ratio number of tourists using the carrying capacity and sustainability index in Karangsong. A potential new suitability index for mangrove tourism was created. The various factors such as the mangrove ecosystem, substrate, and suitability that impacted the development of mangrove tourism were quantitatively analyzed. Our study identified that the majority of mangrove ecotourism sites in Karangsong Indramayu Regency consist of rich diverse mangrove species. The biophysical characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem were assessed with a suitability index of 83.7%. Our results indicated that the operations of mangrove tourism in the Karangsong region are well-managed and maintained. The region has a carrying capacity of 803 people/day, which refers to the maximum number of individuals for this area. This finding provides a more detailed understanding of the contribution of the new sustainability index of mangrove tourism and community-based tourism (CBT) approach assessing the potential development and challenges in the management of mangrove forests ecotourism.