Effects of Tourism Concessions in Protected Areas around the world

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate tourist concessions around the world and their main effects. To do so, we explored the descriptive information according to specific variables and the existing balance between positive and negative effects. We found that the concessions fulfill their economic role through the development of tourist activity, but they have deficiencies in social, environmental and procedural parameters. The most significant positive effect especially concerns the economy and tourism. On the other hand, the negative social effect showed a higher percentage and is related to the lack of partnership with the community. Most concession types are strictly linked to tourism by large companies. The local population is not fully included in the processes or considered partners, and they only participate in the provision of services. We also found an imbalance between positive and negative effects, with evidence of inconsistency in the processes. The processes considered inconsistent compromise local sustainability, the management objectives of the areas, and generate unequal opportunities. This scenario reveals that tourism concessions are still fragile and can compromise sustainable tourism development and nature conservation in PA. Furthermore, processes based on economic policies when implemented in conservation efforts only guarantee the maximization of economic benefits, disfavoring social and environmental objectives. We defend the control and continuous monitoring of concessions in order to maintain more consistent and effective processes.

A wide range of South American inselberg floras reveal cohesive biome patterns

“…Aditionally, the municipality of Parauapebas has plans to boost toursim in the PHR inselberg, with a private concession of the area for developments which may threaten its restricted flora. Such type of private concession has been shown to cause environmental impacts in other areas ( Gomes et al., 2022 ) and may now pose a threat to this area.…”