Forest Ecotourism: Balancing Recreation, Conservation, and Local Development

Dear Colleagues,

Forest ecotourism is a growing field that integrates environmental conservation with responsible travel, community participation, and sustainable development, and, as global interest in nature-based and low-impact tourism expand, forests are becoming critical destinations for education, recreation, and ecological awareness. Consequently, this Special Issue aims to explore the complex dynamics between recreational use of forested areas, conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the socio-economic development of local communities. We welcome contributions that present empirical research, case studies, conceptual frameworks, policy analyses, and innovative practices related to forest ecotourism. Special attention will be given to submissions addressing participatory approaches, conflict mitigation, ecosystem services, and adaptive management strategies, and we encourage interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge the natural and social sciences and highlight the challenges and opportunities of balancing multiple functions and values within forest landscapes.

Dr. Agata Kobyłka
Dr. Mariusz Ciesielski
Dr. Anna Mazurek-Kusiak
Dr. Natalia Korcz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.