Ecotourism Principles Research Articles

THE EFFECTS OF ECOTOURISM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN IRAQ

Tourism is one of the most essential elements of the modern service sector and contributes significantly to countries' economies, including Iraq. It also plays a vital role in increasing national income and improving the balance of payments in foreign exchange. It aims to provide job opportunities for the workforce and implement development programs. The research problem is identifying Ecotourism's effects on sustainable development in Iraq. The main objectives of the research are: What is the meaning and concept of Ecotourism and sustainable development, and what are the requirements for its application? What is the importance of Ecotourism as the most critical type of modern tourism? How do ecotourism dimensions impact sustainable development in Iraq? The most crucial search results: 1- The dimensions of sustainable development were represented in the environmental dimensions, social and political dimensions, economic dimensions 2- The research results showed that ecotourism principles take into account nature - ecological sustainability - environmental culture - and tourism satisfaction. 3- The environmental impact of Ecotourism on development was represented in (Ecotourism efforts lead to the continued reduction of energy and natural resource consumption) - The state should be able to reduce the problem of pollution as long as it has the financial and technical, and human resources to ensure the use of cleaner technologies and fewer resources - An ethical and ethical approach to Ecotourism.

Examining interpretation services and pro-nature conservation behaviours in guided ecotours: do tour guides and tourists share the same lens?

ABSTRACT While ecotourism principles emphasize the importance of educating tourists on nature conservation, a significant knowledge gap persists regarding the effectiveness of eco-labelling for promoting conservation education and meeting ecotourists’ educational expectations. This study addresses this gap using mixed methods, examining perspectives from both the demand and supply sides. To understand tourists’ viewpoints, an empirical study evaluates how interpretation services during guided ecotours align with tourists’ nature conservation learning needs. Additionally, in-depth interviews with guides explore their interpretative performances and whether they prioritise an educational role in fostering tourists’ eco-friendly behaviours onsite. The integrated findings underscore a disparity between tourists’ expectations for their learning needs and guides’ interpretive service performance. Specifically, guides perceive shaping ecotourists’ pro-nature conservation behaviours as a complementary role, resulting in their interpretation services having a limited impact on encouraging responsible actions. Notably, results suggest that guides’ interpretative performance could significantly foster tourists’ conservation support and learning by using guiding tactics to evoke emotional empathy, promote positive emotions, and establish a connection to educational experiences. This study offers significant theoretical insights into ecotourism guide roles, interpretation dynamics, and pro-nature conservation behaviours, while proposing strategic implications to improve interpretation services, educational experiences, and sustainable ecotourism practices.

The Assessment of Thermal Comfort Performance in Bamboo Ecotourism Infrastructure in the Tropical Climate of Malaysia

Ecotourism has become a growing trend, offering a platform for raising awareness of environmental issues in the tourism industry. One of the principles of ecotourism is relying on environmentally friendly infrastructure to prevent environmental degradation. The shift towards ecotourism has highlighted the significance of sustainable practice and infrastructure design in tourism. Bamboo is gradually renowned due to its role in carbon sequestration, bringing hope to the natural environment despite the slow acceptance by society. Assessing the thermal comfort performance takes on added value in the context of encouraging bamboo utilization for sustainable practice. As bamboo gains recognition for its potential in environmental protection, its thermal comfort attributes could encourage its adoption in future infrastructure. Hence, this study examines the thermal comfort performance in bamboo buildings in Malaysia using various design approaches in the same microclimate. Fieldwork was conducted to analyze the indoor and outdoor temperatures in three different chalets in Tadom Hill Resort, Banting, namely Gendui Chalet, Semantan Chalet, and Hakka Village. Generally, findings concluded that the indoor temperatures are higher than the indoor thermal conditions indicated in Malaysia Standard, MS1525:2007. Findings also indicate that the maximum temperature reduction is 2.4°C, 4.1°C, and 4.6°C for Gendui Chalet, Semantan Chalet, and Hakka Village, respectively. Ultimately, this study seeks to emphasize the feasibility of bamboo as a likely option for building construction, developing, and improving the ecotourism destinations in Malaysia.

Analysis of the potential of Sendang Silowo in Mandirejo Village, Merakurak District, Tuban Regency as Aquatic Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a tourism activity that places responsibility on preserving nature and is able to provide a positive economic impact and welfare to local communities. Ecotourism focuses on three things, namely sustainability of nature, providing economic benefits, and being accepted in the social and cultural life of society. Tuban Regency is one of the districts in East Java Province which is located on the north coast. Tuban Regency has aquatic ecotourism which attracts many tourists, for example Sendang Silowo Ecotourism which is in Mandirejo Village, Merakurak District. In this research, the research method used is a qualitative descriptive method, data collection uses field observation methods, interviews, and uses SWOT analysis which is presented in the form of a simple SWOT analysis table to find out how far along the development and management process of Sendang Silowo Ecotourism is. This analysis aims to maximize the potential that can be developed into sustainable aquatic ecotourism in accordance with ecotourism principles.

Do Ecotourism Responsibilities And Principles Influence Green Business Behavior? Gorontalo Regency Religious Tourism Study

This research examines the variables influencing the performance of religious tourism managers in Bongo Village, Gorontalo Province, on Green Business Behavior in ecotourism. The variables used to measure the performance of tourism managers are attitudes towards Ecotourism Responsibility and Ecotourism Principles observed in the tourism site conditions. The assessment is conducted by visitors or tourists. The study employs probability sampling, and there were 155 respondents involved in the research. The analytical technique used in this study is path analysis to determine the relationships/effects between variables. It is concluded that the variable of Ecotourism Responsibility does not have a significant influence on Green Business Behavior. Similarly, the variable of Ecotourism Principles also does not affect Green Business Behavior

Analysis of Tourism Attraction Potential in Ciliwung Muara Bersama as Ecotourism Destination in Jakarta

This study examines the potential of tourist attractions in Ciliwung Muara Bersama as an ecotourism destination in Jakarta. This location provides natural beauty and preserved Betawi cultural elements, which constitute potential for development into an attractive and sustainable ecotourism destination. However, the potential inherent in Muara Ciliwung has not been developed into ecotourism attractions to help preserve the environment and contribute to the well-being of the local community. The research method involves collecting primary and secondary data through observation and interviews. Secondary data is obtained from relevant literature studies. A qualitative descriptive approach is used to analyze the data. The research findings indicate that Ciliwung Muara Bersama has attractive tourism potential, including pristine natural beauty, the flow of the Ciliwung River, and Betawi culture. Development efforts with ecotourism principles are necessary to optimize this potential, which includes increasing active community involvement, environmental conservation, and improving supporting facilities as key factors for the success of ecotourism development. This research emphasizes that the development of Ciliwung Muara Bersama as an ecotourism destination requires a holistic approach that considers environmental, cultural, and economic aspects. By addressing the existing challenges, the potential of this destination can be optimally realized, providing benefits for the environment, local communities, and visiting tourists.

Review of ‘Kalpitiya Urban Development Plan 2021-2030’ using TIES Ecotourism Principles


 
 
 Rapid urbanization-driven economic growth creates opportunities and challenges for inclusive and sustainable urban planning. Kalpitiya, being the only city in Sri Lanka surrounded by both sea and lagoon, with its unique ecosystems, and historical and cultural structures, has become an attractive tourism destination. Kalpitiya, as an emerging tourism destination, contributes 10 percent to the local economy through tourism. It experienced 15,500 visitations in 2017, while the projection for 2030 is 29,770. In 2018, 18 % of residents engaged in ecotourism as an alternative income source while 69 percent expressed their willingness. The Kalpitiya Urban Development Plan 2021-2030 (the Plan) was formulated envisioning, ―Blue Peninsula Emerging from Nature Resort‖-the first goal to make Kalpitiya the most attractive tourism destination. In this context, adopting ecotourism principles in development planning seems prudent for Kalpitiya. The study aimed to assess the extent to which the Plan had incorporated 8 TIES (The International Ecotourism Society) ecotourism principles, which, according to UNEP, have been embraced by a growing constituency of NGOs, private sector businesses, governments, and local communities. Utilizing a qualitative approach, incorporation of 8 TIES principles [P1-minimize impacts, P2-increase awareness, P3- positive experiences, P4-financial benefits for conservation, P5-financial benefits for locals, P6- increase sensitivity to local conditions, P7-low-impact facilities, P8-recognize community rights] into the components of the plan [Introduction-C1, Preliminary studies-C2, Need of the Plan-C3, Framework-C4, Summary and SWOT-C5, the Plan-C6 and Zoning-C7] were assessed. Secondary data were obtained from official sources and reviewed journal articles. Within all components of the Plan, the importance of tourism development was mentioned while addressing P1, P3, and P5. P6 is recognized in C6, while P7 was not mentioned. P8 was recognized in C2, C6 and C7. Although it specifically identified an ecotourism zone, C6 only addressed P2, and P4-through the development of a mangrove garden. The respective project was prioritized as 19 of 25. Rehabilitating and conserving income-earning cultural assets were prioritized as 10 and 11 of 25-without any carrying capacity considerations, despite their importance for the industry. Considering P1, water effluent control measures for shrimp farming-a means of income for many-were not mentioned, despite the pollution of groundwater and estuarine system, on which the ecotourism industry depends. The review reveals that the Plan has not adequately considered or addressed the 8 ecotourism principles, therefore, it is recommended for Kalpitiya Local Government Authority to pass bylaws in line with ecotourism principles, while enforcing a guideline by the Urban Development Authority.
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Urban development planning, Ecotourism principles, Kalpitiya urban development plan, Local economy, Environmental conservation
 
 
 
 
 
 

Evaluating Ecological Suitability and Carrying Capacity for Budo's Mangrove Ecosystem: Unveiling Ecotourism Potential and Limits

Budo Village in North Sulawesi stands out as one of the top 50 recipients of the prestigious 2022 Indonesian Tourism Village Award. Notably, Budo is a popular tourist destination with a thriving mangrove area on Minahasa's northern peninsula. The Budo mangrove area has been designated as a tourist attraction since 1994 and garnered increased recognition in 2017, thanks to active promotional efforts aimed at coastal tourist destinations. Surprisingly, despite its transformation into a tourist destination, research has yet to be undertaken to assess the ecological suitability of mangroves in this context or determine the carrying capacity of the mangrove area. This study seeks to delve into the ecological suitability of Budo's mangrove ecological resources and investigate the carrying capacity of the area as a tourist destination. The results of this analysis categorize the Budo mangrove tourist destination as 'unsuitable,' as indicated by an IKW score of 1.5. Consequently, a comprehensive restoration approach is required to render this mangrove area suitable and viable for tourism. Mangrove restoration initiatives, coupled with more stringent adherence to ecotourism principles in the Budo mangrove area, along with considerations for its carrying capacity, could serve as vital steps towards achieving this objective.

Экологический туризм как вид экологического предпринимательства: новое в регулировании особо охраняемых природных территорий

The article analyzes recent changes in legislation affecting specially protected natural areas. The main focus is on the new law on ecotourism, which came into force in September 2023. The author explores the motives underlying the adoption of this law, as well as its impact on the legal status of protected areas. The article discusses in detail the key principles of ecotourism as a type of environmental entrepreneurship and methods of their implementation in the regulation of protected areas in order to harmonize the interests of nature conservation and sustainable development, assesses the possible impact of the new law on the development of environmentally sustainable tourism and improving the well-being of the local population.

Development Of The Potential Of The Angke Kapuk Mangrove Forest Natural For Ecotourism In Kamal Muara Village, Penjaringan Sub-District, North Jakarta

Mangrove forest ecosystem has various ecological, socio-economic and cultural functions for society, such as for nature tourism or ecotourism activities. The purpose of this article is to discuss the potential for the development of the Angke Kapuk Mangrove Forest Nature Park (TWA), North Jakarta for ecoturism activities. The research method used in this study was qualitative method. The results of the study showed that there are various strengths that are potential for the Angke Mangrove Forest to be developed for ecotourism, such as the strategic location of tourist attractions, the presence of natural tourism objects, and the existence of interesting a variety of flora and fauna species of mangroves for visitors. However, the Angke Kapuk Mangrove Forest still has some weaknesses. Therefore, for the development of these natural tourism or ecotourism areas in the future, it is necessary to pay attention to the principles of ecotourism, such as tourism activities must minimize negative impacts on the environment, the need to increase the active participation of local residents.

ANALISIS STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA SERTA DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP MASYARAKAT SETEMPAT (STUDI KASUS: UMBUL BRONDONG, DESA NGRUNDUL, KECAMATAN KEBONARUM, KABUPATEN KLATEN)

Umbul Brondong as water-based ecotourism has high potential. Management of Umbul Brondong's tourism potential needs to be carried out so that ecotourism development can attract tourists to visit Umbul Brondong. This research aims to determine the potential of Umbul Brondong, evaluate the principles of ecotourism management, as well as ecotourism development strategies that need to be carried out by the Umbul Brondong management. This research uses a qualitative research method, namely research conducted to determine the perception and participation of local communities, visitor attraction and ecotourism development that has been carried out at the research location. In this research, a hypothesis is sought first to get a temporary answer. The results of the research show that ecotourism has 4A potential, namely amenities, attractions, accessibility, accessibility. Umbul Brondong has fulfilled the 5 principles of ecotourism, namely conservation, education, tourism, economy and community participation. Umbul Brondong development strategies include: improving roads to tourist attractions, increasing awareness and strengthening community institutions, increasing tourism promotion on a regional and national scale, as well as increasing conservation activities and improving the environment. Various strategies need to be implemented so that Umbul Brondong ecotourism continues to exist and becomes sustainable ecotourism.

Assessment of the Development of Geotourism and Ecotourism in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal

This project was conducted in Pokhara, Nepal, to find the potential of geoheritage sites and to supply avenues for sustainable development and education. We assessed five tourist locations on their potential for geotourism and seven sites for their ecotourism practices. The geotourism quantitative assessment and degradational risk assessment used a survey developed by Brilha (2016). A modified version of the questionnaire created by Baral, et al. (2012) was used to evaluate locations for their ecotourism ability in combination with the 5 general Principles of Ecotourism. The study appraised Pokhara for its geodiversity, geological heritage, and ecological conservation in line with UNESCO’s list of attributes for aspiring Geoparks (aUGGp). These areas had high scores in geological diversity and geosite potential that may benefit from increased resources to support overall geological education and conservation as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. This study aims to provide resources for tourists at these tourist locations with information on relevant geologic morphology, lithology, eco-conscious procedures, and conservation mitigations, as well as geo- and cultural history. The infographics included in the supplemental materials also aims to educate tourists on how to better take part in geotourism and conservation efforts in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal.

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.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE APPLICATION OF SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN CARRYING OUT ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES IN COMPANIES IN BALI WITH THE CONCEPT OF TRI HITA KARANA

Ecotourism management can be interpreted as an effort to optimize the use of natural and cultural resources responsibly and sustainably, with the aim of meeting the needs of tourists and also providing benefits to the local community and the environment. Ecotourism management covers various aspects, such as environmental management, financial management, human resource management, infrastructure management, and the development of programs and activities in accordance with ecotourism principles. In ecotourism management, collaboration between the government, community, and private sector is needed to achieve the goal of sustainable tourism developmentBali has great potential to improve the welfare of local communities and preserve the environment, but there are still some problems in its implementation in Bali. Several researchers have conducted research on ecotourism management. The population in this study was 2,945 with a total of 100 samples taken which were distributed to several locations in BALI. Data Analysis Method using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this study conclude that sustainability accounting has a positive effect on ecotourism management and sustainability accounting with the concept of tri hita karana has no effect on ecotourism management

РОЛЬ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ТУРИЗМА В РАЗВИТИИ ОХРАНЯЕМЫХ ПРИРОДНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

The article considers the experience of eco-tourism development in European countries. The basic principles of ecotourism are high-lighted. The types of protected natural terri-tories are identified and the degree of severi-ty of the prohibition of the applicability of forms of use of natural territories is deter-mined. The analysis of the current state of ecotourism development is also carried out on the example of the Russian subjects of the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions. The study of scientific works allowed us to de-termine the role of ecological tourism in the development of protected natural areas. The development of ecological tourism in special-ly protected natural areas contributes to the formation of people's understanding of the importance of natural areas for the conser-vation of biological diversity.

Daya Tarik Wisata di Sari Ater Hotel & Resort

The increasing development of Ciater hot spring tourism in Subang Regency has encouraged the management to build resort hotel facilities. The design of this project refers to ecotourism principles. The design area is 47,000 m 2 consisting of 23 villa units, supporting facilities and recreational facilities. This project was designed by raising three main issues, namely environmental issues, privacy, and atmosphere. These three issues are then elaborated into the main concept, namely Tranquil Coexistence of Nature and Architecture which means harmony between architecture and its environment. The beautiful scenery of the mountains of West Java and the sloping contours of the land are a reference for laying out the mass composition and zoning on the site. The arrangement of masses in the eco-resort area is made natural by avoiding angles and symmetrical geometries. The concept of an open mass and roof form adapted from Sundanese architecture is a reference for spatial planning and building masses in villa facilities and public facilities using local materials. As an effort to reduce degradation of environmental quality in Ciater, the design of the site utility was made using a water sensitive landscape design approach in which the water element will be recycled and reused on the site. The results of this eco-resort design are expected to be able to contribute to environmental preservation, increase the tourism potential of Ciater hot springs, and increase the welfare of the surrounding community in line with the increasing number of visitors who come.

Application of Ecotourism Principles in The Development of Marine Tourism in Sanur

The natural potential, strategic location and easy accessibility have made Sanur one of the most visited marine tourism areas. However, the development of marine tourism, in spite of having a positive impact, it also has negative ones, as it apparently harms the environment. This study aims to identify the extent to which ecotourism principles are applied in marine tourism product development efforts and programs in Sanur. This research is a descriptive qualitative research with the determination of informants through purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Triangulation was also carried out as a test of data validity in this study.
 The results showed that overall the business and product development program of marine tourism in Sanur have implemented 5 principles of ecotourism according to Dowling. 3 principles that have been implemented well are Utilizing natural resources, Providing benefits to the community and Visitor satisfaction. However, the other 2 principles of ecotourism, namely nature-based and environmental education, still need to be improved in their application, in order to preserve nature which will ultimately establish sustainable tourism.

WISATA OUTBOND PANTAI TANJUNG BURUNG KOTA MEMPAWAH

The city of Mempawah, also known as the earth of galaherang, has lots of tourist destinations. This is because the it has regional characteristics in the form of land and coastal islands with seas. There is a potential beach tourism destination in there which has mangrove ecosystem in it, namely Tanjung Burung Beach. However, the current condition of it is still not optimal due to a lack of supporting facilities as an ecotourism area, which causes activities in it to become monotonous and less attractive. In an effort to maximize the potential of areas that have characteristics in the form of sandy and muddy soils, outbound tourism areas can be designed with attractive activities and can be carried out in all types of environmental conditions. The design of the Mempawah City Tanjung Bird Beach aims to create a playground for visitors that is formed based on the potential and problems of each by adjusting the playings that can be applied to take advantage of the surrounding natural conditions. The design of this outbound tourism area focuses on the Tanjung Burung Beach area using the glass box design method which is carried out sequentially to produce an attractive outbound tourism design concept by applying ecotourism principles to outbound play spaces to minimize damage and preserve the surrounding environment to make it a sustainable tourist area.

Starting anew: ecotourism and resilience principles as a framework for building wildlife destination sustainability in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world

ABSTRACT The wildlife tourism industry faces increasing threats of climate change and human demand, both of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in human activity resulting from the pandemic has created disruptions for wildlife tourism destinations that are being felt by the local communities, the wildlife, and the surrounding environment. This paper examines the impacts of these disruptions and highlights the opportunity for wildlife destinations to start building back towards the goal of sustainability with increased resilience. The principles of resilience and ecotourism are examined, with the intersecting and applicable fundamentals further explained. A framework for wildlife destination sustainability is then presented alongside a conceptual model for policymakers, tourism operators, and community leaders to consider. This study argues that wildlife tourism destinations should apply and promote sound ecotourism principles to better prepare for and recover from disruptions, promote biodiversity conservation, and support socio-economic stability.

Study of water degradation due to community activities in The Lake Batur ecosystem, Bangli District, Bali

Lake Batur is a aquatic ecosystem that has a role for domestic and economic needs of the people in Kintamani District, Bangli Regency even widely used within the Bali Province. This lake is one of the national priority that must be immediately saved due to degradation and sedimentation based on the stipulation in the Indonesian Presidential Regulation. This research aims to determine the level of water quality of Lake Batur, identify community activities and its correlation with water degradation, and formulate strategies for controlling water ecosystem. Primary data for this research are 11 different water sample points determined based on land use around the lake. The water sample datas then are tested in the laboratory to observe physical, chemical and biological parameters, then determine water quality index using NSF-WQI method and pollution index. Secondary data is interviews with communities around. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling classified based on the livelihoods of local residents. Based on calculations using the NSF-WQI method, Lake Batur water has a score of 68.97 or classified as moderate status. The water quality of Lake Batur calculated using polution index method has a score of 8.56, which is classified in the moderately polluted. Community activities are very dependent on the existence of lakes and are very close to water bodies. Waste generated from various activities has a risk of water degradation and sedimentation. Waste and sedimentation can occur due to the use of chemicals. Communities should switch for using organic materials such as compost for farmers and natural fish food for fish cultivators, as well as being orderly in implementing existing policies. The government needs to provide physical and non-physical facilities to support for reducing the risk of. Investors are expected to follow policies and apply ecotourism principles.