Ecotourism In Protected Areas Research Articles

Unexplored eco-tourism potential in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India

The concept of eco-tourism in protected areas namely national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and community reserves and their implications for nature conservation are of global significance. This note indicates about the opportunities of eco-tourism in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Uttarakhand. It’s potential has not been harnessed and it remains neglected in terms of management inputs. Eco-tourism in Askot WLS shall contribute to bio-diversity conservation, creation of environmental awareness, and controlling the migration of locals for jobs/livelihood. It can generate employment and income of the local people and in turn will boost the socio-economic development of the area. Need of the hour is to connect with the needs of people and resources available that will provide them with better opportunities of employment.

Evaluating the ecological security of ecotourism in protected area based on the DPSIR model

Evaluating the ecological security of ecotourism (EES) in protected areas is critical because these areas play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and natural resources. This study evaluated the EES status of Central Alborz Protected Area (Northern Iran), based on a Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) model. We developed a comprehensive list of 59 indicators for the DPSIR model and employed an Analytical Network Process (ANP) model to determine indicator weights harnessing the opinion of experts on which indicators are most influential. This approach facilitated the identification of regions with the highest EES vulnerability, notably in the northern and western sectors of our study area along the boundary between Tehran and Mazandaran provinces. Here, the mechanisms that drive EES change the most include ecotourism activities, livestock overgrazing, and uncontrolled physical and economic activities, along with extensive road and highway development, and land use and land cover changes. Indicators that are most effective for determining the EES status, include physical and economic activities. We conclude by discussing indicators to respond to the increasing threat to EES in Protected Areas such as the involvement of government in strategic integrated management. Our study serves as a methodological blueprint on how to evaluate the EES of Protected Areas.

Constraints in Developing Ecotourism Based on Protected Areas: A Case Study of Jaffna District, Sri Lanka

Ecotourism provides simultaneous benefits for conserving nature, respecting local cultures, and benefitting local communities. Generally, protected areas provide a suitable physical setting for ecotourism development, but they have various limitations in biodiversity conservation as well as the promotion of ecotourism. This study aims to assess the constraints in developing ecotourism in protected areas. Chundikulam, Delft National Park, and Nagar Kovil Nature Reserve were declared as protected areas after the end of the last thirty years of ethnic unrest in Jaffna district, Sri Lanka. The methodology includes qualitative interviews with key stakeholders such as government officers, managers of the private sector, and workers in non-governmental organizations. Twenty respondents were selected, and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect qualitative data. The collected information was thematically analyzed. The categorized themes include awareness of the protected areas and ecotourism principles, biodiversity conservation, public participation, the livelihood of the local community, utilization of resources, and coordination among stakeholders. The results revealed that the respective government departments failed to gain support from stakeholders during the process of protected area boundary demarcation, as most people were against the initiative. As a result, this has become a barrier to gaining stakeholders' support which stifled ecotourism development. This study suggests that proper engagement and training for stakeholders should be a pre-requisite for protected area management and ecotourism development, implementation of co-management activities, re-demarcation of boundaries of protected areas, and creation of buffer zones within an ecotourism park to develop ecotourism effectively.

Heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas: A systematic literature review

This paper adopts a systematic review approach to explore heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas. Premised on the importance of protected areas as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment, the study seeks to unpack the nature, breadth and trends that predominate contemporary scholarly discourse on the concept of heritage interpretation in protected areas. Based on an in-depth exploration of notable scientific databases (Sabinet, Scopus, Emerald, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis Online, and journals’ websites) 129 scholarly publications were extracted and screened, with 57 publications meeting the ‘relevance’ criteria. The data analysis followed a characterisation, content analysis and thematic extraction. Key outcomes highlighted most of the studies emanating from the Global North, with themes reflecting the role of interpretation in protected areas, interpretation planning, management and evaluation, environmental interpretation, cultural interpretation, the influence of interpretation on visitors’ perceptions, behaviour and satisfaction, interpretation preferences, interpreters’ experiences, creativity in heritage interpretation and heritage interpretation for sustainable development. Based on the geographical classification data, suggestions are proffered for future research pathways.
  

Комплексное развитие экотуризма на особо охраняемых природных территориях России (На примере Забайкальского национального парка)

Introduction. In Russia, the integrated development of eco-tourism in protected areas is part of the strategic agenda. This paper attempts to examine whether the strategic agenda is expressed in the actual creation of conditions for ecotourism development in a particular national park (using Zabaikalsky National Park as an example). Materials and methods. Institutional, comparative-geographical, comparative-historical, statistical, cartographic methods were used in the study. Documents and materials of the Zabaikalsky National Park, expeditionary research data, GPS track data, information based on photo sharing services posted in the social network VK were used as an information database. Results. It was determined that the integrated development of ecotourism in protected areas in Russia entails a range of key measures encompassing legislative, regulatory, investment, organizational, economic, and informational aspects. The analytical framework for the study was developed, allowing to identify the current state, directions and prospects of the activities of the Zabaikalsky National Park in creating conditions for the development of ecotourism. Discussion. The identified changes in the functioning of the Zabaikalsky National Park demonstrate that ecotourism, as an environmentally acceptable form of economic activity in protected areas, is being successfully developed here on the basis of an integrated approach and using the relevant experience of the park. However, the park faces challenges in attracting private investment, ensuring infrastructure development and staffing, as well as monitoring recreational impacts. Conclusion. The research findings indicate that, in general, the Zabaikalsky National Park can serve as a specific example of successful implementation of contemporary ecotourism policies in protected areas. Resume. Our study shows that the process of involving Russian PAs in the development of ecotourism is a long-term process that requires additional research to summarize best practices and improve the quality of management of ecotourism projects in PAs. The results of this study can be useful in designing a set of measures for the development of ecotourism in protected areas of various categories. Summary. In this paper we present the results of studies of the integrated development of ecological tourism in protected areas in Russia as part of the implementation of state policy for promoting ecotourism development, using the Zabaikalsky National Park (ZNT) as an example. It has been established that the ecotourism development brings significant changes to the functioning of PAs. The key directions of the Russian approach to the integrated development of ecotourism in PAs are identified, including measures of legislative, regulatory, investment, organizational, economic, and informational nature. It’s shown that the dynamics of transformational changes in the Zabaikalsky National Park related to the creation of conditions for the ecotourism development, in terms of improving management, functional zoning, developing conceptual and design solutions, infrastructure development, financing, involving the local population, promoting the ecotourism product, confirms the modern vector of ecotourism development in PAs in Russia. The research findings indicate that, in general, the Zabaikalsky National Park can serve as a specific example of successful implementation of contemporary ecotourism policies in protected areas. However, the park has a weak position in terms of attracting private investment, providing infrastructure and personnel, and monitoring recreational impact. The results of this study can be useful in designing a set of measures for the development of ecotourism in protected areas of various categories.

CONTENT VALIDITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS: ASSESSING DOMESTIC ECOTOURISM IN PROTECTED AREAS

The assessment of content validity is a critical and complex step in the instrument development process, frequently used to measure complex constructs in social science research. Nevertheless, there is scarce documentation in the field of tourism and hospitality on how content validity should be analysed. This study aimed to present the assessment of content validity of an instrument developed to assess domestic ecotourism in protected areas. A 54-items survey was designed based on previous literature. Content validity assessment was conducted by recruiting a panel of experts to evaluate the instrument’s elements and rate them based on their relevance to provide a content validity index for each item. 

Designing Healing Destinations: A Practical Guide for Eco-Conscious Tourism Development

The design and sustainable development of tourist destinations in sensitive environments must follow an environmentally conscious approach that meets the resource and service needs of present and future generations without compromising the health of the ecosystems that provide them. The aim of this paper is to develop an eco-conscious design framework for tourist destinations in sensitive natural areas, as these are becoming increasingly attractive and popular in the tourism sector. This paper gives an overview of relevant fields of impact at the destination, which are drawn from holistic and nature-based approaches. The outcome is a three-dimensional design guidance, which creates a unique destination that focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in which health is achievable for both. The approach was exemplified in a “Yoga house on a Cliff” architectural competition that took place in Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Portugal. The landscape was analysed with the Strolling method and the 3-dimensional design framework was used to design an authentic place in the prtotected mountain. Permaculture and nature-based solutions were used to structure the design and its elements wth a focus on environmental sustainability and the improvement of human health. This study provides evidence that an eco-conscious design has the potential to overcome incompatibilities and provide health-driven ecotourism in protected areas.

ECOTOURISM, A RESILIENT SOLUTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC?

This research examined the intention of Romanian tourists to travel nationwide in natural areas based on an extended TPB (Theory Perceived Behavior) model, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the premise was that people would prefer less risky experiences and would see ecotourism in protected areas as a form of resilient tourism that reduces the threat of infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus or its mutations. This study tested a conceptual model that showed that this intention was influenced by the three variables of the TPB model - attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, complemented by other variables such as the feeling of security offered to tourists by natural areas in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the motivations of tourists that involve ecotourism in nature and cultural activities in Romanian natural areas, personal values in travel in Romanian natural areas, civic attitude to support national tourism. The proposed research model incorporated the construct of the feeling of security offered to tourists by Romanian natural areas as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, as a mediator between the attitude of traveling at national level and the motivations of tourists involved in ecotourism in nature and cultural in the Romanian natural areas. In this context, the proposed model explains a substantial proportion of the total variance of the intent-dependent variable in this study. In the long run, the promotion of ecotourism, as a resilient form of tourism, in a pandemic context, could reduce the risk of spreading the virus and contribute to supporting Romanian Eco destination so that national tourism recovers from the economic crisis caused by the COVID pandemic 19.

Evaluating Ecotourism Sustainability Indicators for Protected Areas in Tehran, Iran

Ecotourism in protected areas facilitates responsible travel to natural places that conserve the environment, deliver economic benefits to local communities, and offer interpretation and education to visitors. Proper planning and sufficient monitoring of ecotourism sustainability indicators is needed to manage visitor activities in protected areas. Therefore, identifying the major impacts and mitigating them in the early stages of ecotourism development could contribute significantly to the achievement of sustainable development. There is a current gap between the situation in the field and academic contributions to this problem in protected areas of Iran. In the present study, we evaluated ecotourism sustainability levels in four different types of protected areas in Iran, including Lar National Park, Jajrud Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resource Areas, Tangeh Vashi National Natural Monument, and Kavdeh Wildlife Refuge. We developed a comprehensive list of ecotourism sustainability indicators, including 38 indicators in the environmental–physical dimension, 42 indicators in the demographic–social dimension, and 30 indicators in the economic–institutional dimension. Harnessing local community expertise, we adopted a Delphi approach to determine sustainability levels and factors impacting sustainability. Ecotourism in Lar National Park was most sustainable because of the high levels of restrictions protecting the area and the difficulty in access. Conversely, ecotourism sustainability was lowest at Tangeh Vashi National Natural Monument, which allowed for an uncontrolled influx of visitors. We discuss further factors that impact sustainability, such as population growth, expanding urbanization, an increase in physical and economic activities, and extended annual periods of ecotourism activities. Although the presented ecotourism sustainability indicators are specific to Iran, this study can also be seen to provide a template to plan for sustainable ecotourism in other countries. Altogether, our results suggest conducting a type-by-type analysis of the particular circumstances of various protected areas.

Зарубежный и российский опыт организации экологического туризма на особо охраняемых территориях

Among the various types of tourism, eco-tourism is currently gaining more and more popularity in both developed and developing countries. Especially tourists are attracted by trips to natural places that have been preserved in the best natural condition. To date, such territories are specially protected natural areas (protected areas). Researchers from many countries in the field of eco-tourism still continue to discuss the possibility or impossibility of achieving a form of tourism that can comply with the principles of the global concept of sustainable development. The experience of achieving best practices is most common in those countries where certain specific principles of eco-tourism are being implemented. The article considers the experience of organizing ecological tourism in specially protected natural territories of various regions of the world. In the course of the study, European, American and Russian models of eco-tourism were analyzed using specific examples, which made it possible to identify similarities and differences between trips to natural reserves of different countries of the world and the peculiarities of organizing eco-tours. The considered foreign and Russian experience of eco-tourism in protected areas may be interesting and useful to territories that plan or seek to create a foundation for the development of ecotourism in protected areas.

A bibliometric analysis of ecotourism: A safeguard strategy in protected areas

Ecotourism projects are mostly implemented in naturally fragile ecosystems as a savior of nature, culture, and indigenous people. This paper aims to make quantitative study of ecotourism in protected areas by using bibliometric analysis. VOSviewer, a popular bibliometric software, was used to analyze as many as 1182 research articles published from 2002 to 2020. Those articles were collected from the Scopus database. The study measured three distinct types of bibliometric indicators (quantity, quality, and structural indicators) to analyze the published articles scientifically. The analysis uncovers ecotourism research in protected areas as an emerging and predominant field of research with a sound growth in annual publications and citations. Importantly, the majority of ecotourism research articles are published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and China. Nevertheless, ecotourism as a relevant research theme of is getting due importance in African and Asian countries for two key reasons: (1) wildlife and tribal populations, and (2) uncontaminated ecology and environment of ecotourism sites. Further, the main research themes of articles in the field of ecotourism in protected areas are broadly focused on conservation, visitor management, and community. Our findings reveal that controversial issues surrounding ecotourism and its relationship to protected areas, dominated by human-wildlife conflict, gender, and climate change, are attracting the attention of researchers worldwide.

Current status, attractions, and obstacles for ecotourism in protected areas of Amapá, Brazil

Resumo Atividades capazes de conciliar geração de renda e conservação ambiental, como o ecoturismo, são cada vez mais importantes. O presente trabalho objetivou diagnosticar a situação do ecoturismo nas unidades de conservação (UC) do Amapá. Entrevistamos os gestores das UC que permitem visitação turística no estado, abordando a situação e possibilidades do ecoturismo na UC, acesso, entraves e controle. Registramos que o ecoturismo ocorre em quase todas as UC do Amapá, mas aparentemente em níveis abaixo do potencial. Grande parte dos entraves está relacionada a uma falta de investimentos por parte do poder público (carência de infraestrutura, de divulgação, de políticas públicas, de plano de manejo e de recursos humanos e financeiros). Os altos custos, principalmente associados ao transporte, também são um entrave importante. Os principais atrativos são atributos naturais ou culturais, atrativos que são comuns na Amazônia, sendo necessário um esforço de divulgação de características exclusivas do Amapá.

Unraveling the paths of water as aquatic cultural services for the ecotourism in Brazilian Protected Areas

Protected Areas (PAs) are fundamental to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Moreover, PAs also provide different cultural, economic and social services for human populations. The interaction of visitors with natural habitats of PAs through contemplation or ecotourism activities (sports, education, and other activities), provides important cultural and social services for human population, reducing the stress and increasing physical and mental health of people. Here, we tested whether the number of tourists in Brazilian Protected Areas is influenced by aquatic resources and their cultural services. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of other variables to explain the number of ecotourism in PAs: size area, age, geographic distance to urban areas, population density of cities around the PA and PA’s popularity. Brazil has a total of 334 Protected Areas administered by the Brazilian Federal Government, from which we obtained the number of tourists to a total of 125 PAs. In 2019, the total number of tourists that visited Brazilian Federal PAs was 14,475,124, moreover, the most visited PA was the National Park of Tijuca situated in the Rio de Janeiro. Our results indicated that PAs more visited presented frequently recreational activities like swimming, canoeing, fishing, boat ride. Besides, PAs more visited are closer to cities, have higher population densities, and have greater popularity (number of hits in the internet). Thus, our results reinforce the importance of aquatic ecosystems as a cultural service jointly with social and demographic factors for Brazilian Protected Areas tourism. Also, it reinforces the importance of developing good strategies with the interaction among different players in the conservation process. • The total of 125 Brazilian Federal PAs received 14,475,124 tourists in one year. • PA with the highest number of visitors was the National Park of Tijuca – Rio de Janeiro. • Recreational aquatic services were important to explain ecotourism. • Swimming, canoeing, fishing and boat ride were the most popular recreational aquatic activities in PA. • PAs more visited are closer to cities, have higher population densities, and have greater popularity.

The use of Passeriformes in the eastern Amazonia of Brazil: culture encourages hunting and profit encourages trade

AbstractThis study characterized the ethnoornithological knowledge of passerine bird keepers, known locally ascriadoresorpassarinheiros, who capture, train, breed and sell wild species in the eastern Amazonia of Brazil. The data were collected from 62 bird keepers through informal, semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The family Thraupidae was the most captured group, with 23 species used, predominantly of the genusSporophila.Sporophila angolensishad the highest use value and price. Our findings suggest that conservation strategies should be a priority forSporophila maximiliani,S. angolensesandSaltator maximus. The Passeriformes are obtained by capturing them from the wild, by captive breeding or in trade. They are trapped and sold locally, in nearby municipalities, and also in more distant locations as far as the border with Suriname, French Guiana and Guyana. On the international market, sale prices can reach USD 5,400 per individual bird. Species with both significant economic value and regional cultural significance are of the greatest importance to the bird keepers. To mitigate the negative effects of this activity, we recommend implementation of environmental education programmes for bird keepers, to improve their capacity to raise awareness about wildlife, and to inform them of the legal processes for bird keeping and for breeding birds in captivity for legal trade. Long-term strategies for bird conservation should also be considered, such as the implementation of ecotourism in protected areas to encourage the practice of birdwatching.

Cultural ecosystem services: Linking landscape and social attributes to ecotourism in protected areas

Assessment of cultural ecosystem services (CES) and the negative impacts humans can have on them can provide essential information toward conservation and management strategies. Globally, tourism and recreational CES are among the most relevant economic and social activities, with ecotourism in particular growing rapidly in places with high cultural heritage and high biodiversity, such as many protected areas. This study used a combination of GIS-based methods and interviews in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Brazil called Extractive Reserve Acaú-Goiana to investigate whether its users (i.e., visitors and local residents) prefer some CES over others and whether recreational coastal activities can be affected by different factors and human-caused stressors, such as 'scariness', 'unpleasantness', and 'noisiness'. All assessed CES were identified by respondents to be provided in the MPA. ‘Aesthetic values’ and ‘social relations’ were the most commonly identified CES, whereas ‘scariness’ and ‘unpleasantness’ were the main stressors. Respondents also showed a preference for specific areas within the MPA, such as beaches and mangroves. Relying on users to identify hotspots themselves, in addition to assessing the ecotourism potential of recreational coastal activities, can support the development of innovative public strategies targeting not only tourists, but also local communities.

Does the local conservation practice of cultural ecosystem services maintain plant diversity in semi-natural grasslands in Kirigamine Plateau, Japan?

Wildflower viewing is recommended as a form of ecotourism in protected areas to facilitate conservation practices; but this relationship between the conservation of attractive flowering plant species and whole plant diversity has not been quantitatively evaluated. The Kirigamine Plateau in Japan encompasses a protected area that supports high grassland species diversity. Browsing activity by the expanding sika deer populations has negatively impacted this region in recent decades, drastically decreasing blooming flower resources that attract ecotourism. The effectiveness of conserving plant diversity through the placement of deer fences by local conservation practices was evaluated, and indicator species requiring future conservation strategies were identified. Compared to outside the deer fences, the five species diversity metrics (flowering plant richness, flowering abundance, flowering functional diversity (flowering FD), plant species richness, and threatened plant species richness) were significantly higher inside the fences. Except for flowering FD, plant species richness was positively correlated with all other species diversity metrics. The important species analysis identified four species as indicators of conservation for plant diversity and flowering FD out of the top 20 indicator species. The construction of deer fences had a strong positive effect on the preservation of four diversity metrics. However, to conserve flowering FD, additional strategies need to be implemented in this area. Conservation planning based on flowering plant diversity and cultural ecosystem services is vital in reducing the loss of biodiversity in semi-natural grasslands in protected areas worldwide.

Conceptual fundamentals of ecological tourism development in Ukraine

The article covers elaborating the conceptual framework of the development of ecological tourism. The work expounds the notion and principles of ecotourism adopted in accordance with international agreements, and evolves the criteria of an ecotourism offer. The proposed wording of the modern concept of ecotourism implies ecological educating the participants of ecotourism activities and local residents and is aimed at attaining the socio-economic objectives on condition that the natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. The national experience and the features of developing ecotourism in Belarus are analyzed, including the analysis of ecotourism in protected areas, agritourism, and greenways. The most significant socio-economic aspects of the growth of ecological tourism are produced.

Identifying Tourism Attractions’ Potentials of Protected Area: A Case Study in Bulue Village, Soppeng District, Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to identify the tourism attractions’ potentials of the landscape that had the major function as protected areas. Bulue Village was selected in this study as nearly 85% of the territory lies inside the protected areas. The comprehensive spatial analysis combined with descriptive analysis was utilized as approaches toward the study. The Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) was also carried out to obtain the potential of nature-based tourism attractions based on tourist’s perceptions. The results showed that there were nine spots of attractions that had a high value of SBE. Those attractions were identified as Lejja hot spring (SBE=81.33), Lejja view (SBE=129.33), camping ground (SBE=51.78), Datae hot spring (SBE=71.22), Menawoe waterfall (SBE=184.44), Lapaserengi waterfall (SBE=143.00), Batumurue waterfall (SBE=127.89), Waepuange waterfall (SBE=122.11), and Sarasa-tandre waterfall (SBE=147.44). Only Anoa sanctuary has a moderate value. Nevertheless, there some issues that need to be considered, in particular, to prevent further forest degradation by providing economic alternatives for the locals and improving the management of the site. These findings have shown the need for finding a specific strategy to develop ecotourism activities based on the characteristics of the landscape. Keywords: Bulue village, ecotourism in protected area, landscape-based ecotourism, scenic beauty estimation.

Territorial Diagnosis of Ecotourism in Tunisian Mountain Protected Areas: Stakeholders, Positions and Power Relations

Since the 2000s, projects and studies have been multiplied for the development of ecotourism in Tunisian protected areas. Despite these efforts, the Tunisian case faces several failures. As part of this study, we aim to provide elements of reflection on a contractual scheme for a sustainable territorial development plan by ecotourism, around mountain protected areas in Tunisia. For this reason, we adopted the strategic prospective analysis revealing and analyzing the relationships between the different actors involved in ecotourism in the protected area. A Matrix of Alliances, Conflicts, Tactics and Objectives among MACTOR actors was developed in a participatory way to analyze the actors' strategies. After doing a triangular analysis which consists in to an inventory of the projects and studies about the protected area of Ichkeul and Cape Negro-Jbel Chitana, semi-structured interviews with personals from different sectors, we invited the actors met on the field or mentioned in the projects in a workshop organized in partnership with the General Directorate of Forests in Tunis in order to identify the different categories of actors and analyze the balance of power between them. This analysis is done through a matrix notation system. Eight categories of actors have been identified: international cooperation, resource managers, politic policy etc. Thanks to the matrix notation systems, we have been able in a participative way to classify these eight categories of actors into four types: dominant actors, relay actors, autonomous actors and dominated actors. Thus, the MACTOR method allowed us to identify actors who played a role in the development of ecotourism projects in Tunisia and to be able to diagnose their balance of power. This allowed showing the multidisciplinarity and complexity of the sector as well as the strong influence of certain actors such as international cooperation and public decision-makers. To conclude, the MACTOR analysis of the ecotourism actors in the protected area of Ichkeul and Cap Negro-Jbel Chitana enters into a methodology of prospective territorial analysis in this area to understand the points that caused the failure of several experiments.

Integrated vulnerability assessment of ecotourism to climate change in Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan

Climate change has become a major threat to ecotourism in protected areas. This study aims to assess the vulnerability of the ecotourism system in Dana Biosphere Reserve (DBR), the major ecotourism destination in Jordan, to climate change. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with key informants in DBR to assess climate change-related threats, their influence on natural resources, local communities and ecotourism's activities; and adaptation practices. The results indicate that DBR is highly exposed to multiple climate threats, specifically reduced precipitation, shifts in the rainy season, and increased frequency and intensity of drought. These changes are degrading the environment, shifting tourism seasons, and changing livelihoods and lifestyles of local communities. To mitigate these diverse consequences, DBR implements a range of environmental management, technical, educational and business management policies and practices. However, this vulnerability assessment, which addressed social, economic, and environmental impacts, provides a holistic understanding of the susceptibility of the tourism system to climate change and guidance for facilitating future adaptation.