Ecotourism as a learning tool for sustainable development. The case of Monviso Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Italy

Abstract

The dichotomy of conservation vs. sustainable development has generated numerous debates since the introduction of the latter in the late 1980s. In the recent past, many initiatives to address the issue gained ground worldwide, such as ecotourism, a form of tourism that takes place in natural areas, sustains local communities, and involves a learning experience. Even though it might look like the perfect tool to strengthen the link between conservation and sustainable development, ecotourism faces many challenges. Through a case study of Monviso Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, this research aims at understanding local stakeholders' perspectives on the matter. A series of interviews were conducted to explore the possibility for ecotourism to act as a learning tool. Results show that ecotourism had some positive effects, such as the creation of a network for collaboration between various stakeholders. However, negative perceptions still play an inhibiting role. It is discussed that this might be a consequence of one main factor: a lack of proper environmental education. Adjustments in the language and methods used in the educational system and a change of course at higher governmental levels might support ecotourism as a learning tool and a catalyst for sustainable development.

Strategic Options for the Development of Ecotourism in the Danube Delta in the Context of Globalization

“…One of the most significant aspects that stands out is that local inhabitants are generally sceptical towards ecotourism as they do not see any profit coming out of it. This matter emerged in previous studies as well [15]. In addition to being sceptical, people living in the area tend to have a negative perception of tourism itself, partly because of the abovementioned reason, partly due to the association of parks with restrictions [16].…”

Badanie wizerunku i znajomości celu podróży, zachowań związanych z wyszukiwaniem informacji, zaangażowania oraz motywacji turystycznej jako czynników wpływających na lojalność ekoturysty wobec destynacji

“…Promocja ekoturystyki jako produktu turystycznego nie tylko przynosi korzyści natury gospodarczej (Sangpikul, 2017), ale także przyczynia się do zrównoważonego rozwoju destynacji, gdyż ekoturystyka z samej swej natury zachęca do minimalnego rozwoju, prowadzenia działalności mającej ograniczony wpływ na środowisko, jak również wspierania lokalnej gospodarki. Ekoturystyka odgrywa ważną rolę edukacyjną w zrównoważonym rozwoju poprzez wspieranie sieci współpracy interesariuszy oraz wkład w system edukacji (Mondino, Beery, 2019). Działania te pozostają w harmonii ze zrównoważoną konsumpcją i produkcją, określonymi przez 11.…”

Ecotourism and sustainability: Practices of the Lebanese nature-based operators

“…In the late 1980s, the sustainable development concept was integrated into the tourism industry and different alternative tourism forms, including ecotourism, appeared on the market (Fennel, 2009). The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) gave the most inclusive definition of ecotourism as -responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education‖ (Mondino & Beery, 2018). However, ecotourism overlaps with other forms of tourism such as adventure tourism, agro-tourism, rural tourism, etc.…”