Search Results (313)

Dark skies, a vital natural and cultural resource, have been increasingly threatened by light pollution due to rapid urbanization, leading to ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. As a key strategy for sustainable regional development, dark sky parks (DSPs) not only preserve nocturnal environments but also enhance livability by balancing urban expansion and ecological conservation. This study develops a novel framework for evaluating DSP suitability, integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, including the resource base (e.g., nighttime light levels, meteorological conditions, and air quality) and development conditions (e.g., population density, transportation accessibility, and tourism infrastructure). Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we employ Delphi expert consultation, GIS spatial analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making to identify optimal DSP locations and prioritize conservation zones. Our key findings reveal the following: (1) spatial heterogeneity in suitability, with high-potential zones being concentrated in the GBA’s northeastern, central–western, and southern regions; (2) ecosystem advantages of forests, wetlands, and high-elevation areas for minimizing light pollution; (3) coastal and island regions as ideal DSP sites due to the low light interference and high ecotourism potential. By bridging environmental assessments and spatial planning, this study provides a replicable model for DSP site selection, offering policymakers actionable insights to integrate dark sky preservation into sustainable urban–regional development strategies. Our results underscore the importance of DSPs in fostering ecological resilience, nighttime tourism, and regional livability, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable landscape planning in high-urbanization contexts. Full article

Recreational diving depends on healthy marine ecosystems, yet it can harm biodiversity through species displacement and habitat damage. Bombinhas, a biodiverse diving hotspot in southern Brazil, faces growing threats from human activity and climate change. This study assessed the ecological structure of Sepultura Beach (2018) for potential diving trails, comparing it with historical data from Porto Belo Island. Using visual censuses, transects, and photo-quadrats across six sampling campaigns, researchers documented 2419 organisms from five zoological groups, identifying 14 dominant species, including Haemulon aurolineatum and Diplodus argenteus. Cluster analysis revealed three ecological zones, with higher biodiversity at the site’s edges (Groups 1 and 3), but these areas also hosted endangered species like Epinephelus marginatus, complicating trail planning. A major concern was the widespread bleaching of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum, a key ecosystem engineer, likely due to rising sea temperatures (+1.68 °C from 1961–2018) and declining chlorophyll-a levels post-2015. Comparisons with past data showed a 0.33 °C increase in species’ thermal preferences over 17 years, alongside lower trophic levels and greater ecological vulnerability, indicating tropicalization from the expanding Brazil Current. While Sepultura Beach’s biodiversity supports diving tourism, conservation efforts must address coral bleaching and endangered species protection. Long-term monitoring is crucial to track warming impacts, and adaptive management is needed for sustainable trail development. The study highlights the urgent need to balance ecotourism with climate resilience in subtropical marine ecosystems. Full article

This study explores the role of community-centered farm-based hospitality in promoting sustainable rural development, with a focus on South Tyrol, Italy. A survey of 461 local residents assessed perceptions of agritourism’s impact on agricultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Factor analysis identified two main constructs—Agroheritage Sustainability and Empowered Eco-Tourism—which together capture the multifaceted benefits of agritourism. Agroheritage Sustainability reflects the preservation of traditional farming practices, cultural landscapes, and intergenerational knowledge, emphasizing the role of tourism in maintaining cultural identity and preventing land abandonment. Empowered Eco-Tourism highlights the socio-economic benefits of sustainable tourism, including community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the creation of new economic opportunities. The study’s findings indicate that local residents view agritourism as a holistic approach that supports rural livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage and promoting ecological resilience. The analysis further supports the potential of farm-based hospitality as a model for sustainable rural development, aligning closely with EU policies and global best practices. The Roter Hahn initiative in South Tyrol serves as a practical example of this approach, demonstrating the value of certification programs in enhancing transparency, quality, and sustainability. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism developers seeking to promote sustainable rural tourism globally. The contribution of this research lies in its empirical validation of a dual-construct model that links community engagement with agroecological and cultural sustainability, offering a transferable framework for evaluating agritourism as a lever for sustainable rural development in diverse regional contexts. Full article

Based on a literature review, the present article aims to present ecotourism as a transformative factor in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental contexts, revealing key elements for the sustainable development of ecotourism. To ensure that this objective is met, the review combines the insights of classical authors and many recent authors who have best addressed the subject. The review carefully selected consensual and contradictory arguments, reflecting on the relevance of each group, particularly in aspects such as the influence of emotional experience on behaviour and satisfaction, strategy and competitive advantage, cooperation and sustainability, and the influence of resilience on ecotourism. The impact of each perspective was presented without ignoring the major constraints that ecotourism faces in its search for a position in the tourism industry. This led the study to accept the fact that the active participation of the community is indispensable in the formula for the success of ecotourism. Some statistical data were consulted and analysed, which enabled the study to determine the quantitative impact of ecotourism on economic, social, and environmental life. In terms of benefits to communities, the review clarifies the fact that ecotourism serves as an instrument that mobilizes not only the additional value of products and services traded in the process, but also the return on investments and job creation. The combination of visiting activities with the involvement of tour guides contributes to maximizing profits in the destinations, thus supporting solid economic, social, and environmental development for the benefit of both ecotourism promoters and local communities. However, the analysis makes it clear that the economic, social, and environmental benefit depends on the degree of involvement of the local population. In terms of usability, for other studies, this review can contribute to the understanding and positioning of ecotourism in the search for a balance between satisfying socioeconomic and environmental interests. Additionally, it can serve as an aid to policy makers in their decisions related to ecotourism. Full article

Estimating the economic value of recreation and ecotourism is essential for sustainable ecosystem management and informed environmental policymaking. However, values derived from individual studies often vary because of subjective preferences and contextual variability, making it challenging to obtain generalizable estimates. To address this issue, this study employed a meta-regression analysis synthesizing 179 willingness-to-pay (WTP) observations obtained from 48 individual valuation studies conducted across various recreational and ecotourism sites in the Republic of Korea. Focusing specifically on national parks, which are prominent providers of cultural ecosystem services, we examined how site characteristics, study design factors, and valuation methodologies influenced estimated WTP values. Outliers were systematically identified and treated using statistical methods, with the random-effects model utilizing studentized residuals yielding the most robust results. Our findings revealed that national parks and studies employing the travel cost method (TCM) were associated with significantly higher WTP values. By applying the developed meta-regression model, we estimated that the total value of recreational and ecotourism services provided by national parks in the Republic of Korea was approximately USD 865.0 million in 2020. These results highlight the effectiveness of meta-regression analysis in synthesizing heterogeneous valuation studies, facilitating more accurate benefit transfers, and offering empirical insights to guide ecosystem service policy and management decisions. Full article

The rising popularity of ecotourism on the Tibetan Plateau has intensified the tension between wildlife conservation and economic development. Conventional wildlife displays often fail to achieve high-fidelity, non-invasive representations of animal morphology and typically lack immersive, interactive features, limiting public engagement in ecological protection. To address these limitations, this study presents a fur simulation algorithm based on the Texture Procedural Overlay Technique (TPOT), integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, focusing on the endangered white-lipped deer in the Sanjiangyuan region. The proposed TPOT-based algorithm enhances the visual realism of fur through multi-layered procedural texturing and physical property fusion. Combined with an AR-driven interactive framework, it seamlessly integrates high-resolution 3D models into real-world environments, significantly improving user immersion and engagement. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the approach surpasses traditional static display fidelity and animation rendering efficiency methods. User feedback further validates its effectiveness for scientific research and environmental education. This work introduces an innovative technological solution for wildlife conservation on the Tibetan Plateau and provides a practical reference for applying digital technologies in ecotourism. Full article

Understanding the geographic distribution of mammal species is essential for informed conservation planning, maintaining local ecosystem stability, and addressing research gaps, particularly in data-deficient regions. This study investigated the distribution and richness of 20 mammal species within Nyerere National Park (NNP), a large and understudied protected area in Southern Tanzania. We applied species distribution models (SDMs) using presence data collected through ground surveys between 2022 and 2024, combined with environmental variables derived from remote sensing, including land surface temperature, vegetation indices, soil moisture, elevation, and proximity to water sources and human infrastructure. Models were constructed using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm, and performance was evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) metric, yielding high accuracy ranging from 0.81 to 0.97. Temperature (32.3%) and vegetation indices (23.4%) emerged as the most influential predictors of species distributions, followed by elevation (21.7%) and proximity to water (14.5%). Species richness, estimated using a stacked SDM approach, was highest in the northern and riparian zones of the park, identifying potential biodiversity hotspots. This study presents the first fine-scale SDMs for mammal species in Nyerere National Park, offering a valuable ecological baseline to support conservation planning and promote sustainable ecotourism development in Tanzania’s southern protected areas. Full article

In the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rural revitalization strategy, scientifically assessing the carbon footprint of rural tourism is essential for promoting the sustainable development of the tourism sector. This study presents the first case analysis of the rural tourism carbon footprint in Guangdong Province, using Village B as a representative example. A tourism carbon footprint model for village B was developed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Based on empirical survey data, the tourism carbon footprint of Village B in 2024 was estimated at 7731.23 t, with a per capita carbon footprint of 38.656 kg/p/a. Among the contributing sectors, transportation accounted for the largest share (85.18%), followed by catering (6.93%) and accommodation (5.10%). As an ecotourism-oriented rural destination, Village B exhibited a relatively low carbon footprint from recreational activities. To facilitate the low-carbon transition of rural tourism in the study area and accelerate progress toward the “dual carbon” targets, it is recommended to optimize public transport infrastructure, promote green mobility, enhance the energy efficiency of rural dining and accommodation, and raise awareness of low-carbon tourism. Full article

The sustainable development of eco-tourism is significantly influenced by multiple conditions within spatiotemporally continuous geographic scenarios. However, existing evaluations of the development value of eco-tourism resources (Eco-TRDVs) are non-spatial and do not sensitively represent their complex relationships. This study proposed a GIS approach for evaluating regional Eco-TRDVs by mapping the complex interconnections with spatial distances. Inherent and external conditions for evaluating Eco-TRDVs were classified under three indicators and digitized using GIS and remote sensing technologies. Then, the analytic hierarchy process and GIS cost distance analysis were introduced to define the initial values and cumulate Eco-TRDVs with distances. Taking the Taihang Honggu National Forest Park, China, as the case area, the Eco-TRDVs over the entire area in 2017 and 2020 were mapped. The results present a continuous spatial variability of Eco-TRDVs and comprehensively reflect the complex interconnections of constraint elements with spatial distances. The evaluation is sensitive to the intrinsic value of poles, as evidenced by the high development values and high-density distribution of their contours. Source additions improve the evaluation considerably, with transportation networks having a greater impact than economic development zones and urban elements. Furthermore, aggravated fragmentation of the price flow field increases spatial heterogeneity. The development value shows a negative linear correlation with distance. The proposed approach handles the spatially oriented relationships of the multi-conditions, and supports future planning and monitoring of spatial-temporal changes in eco-tourism development. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed long-standing vulnerabilities in island tourism economies such as Crete and Chios, including seasonality, overdependence on mass tourism, and limited innovation adoption. This study investigates how sustainable tourism, regional development, and innovation interconnect in these two cases. Drawing on structured questionnaires addressed to tourism stakeholders in Hersonissos (Crete) and Chios, we apply a comparative analysis through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal a common interest in diversifying tourism offerings through digital transformation and alternative tourism models. Hersonissos demonstrates higher engagement with innovation-led strategies, while Chios reflects a cautious but growing inclination toward eco-tourism and cultural tourism initiatives. The study employs a comparative cross-sectional design based on structured questionnaires addressed to 71 tourism stakeholders in Hersonissos and Chios. Data were collected through purposive sampling that was completed in July 2023. As a practical outcome, we propose the Regional Innovation Index in Tourism—a composite tool designed to assess innovation readiness at the local level. This index enables policymakers to evaluate the strategic capacity of tourism regions and supports the formulation of long-term, place-based development strategies aligned with EU policy goals and the transition to a green economy. Full article

This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners. Full article

As critical zones for ecological conservation, national parks necessitate integrated management of transportation corridors (TCs) and ecosystem service value (ESV) to advance ecological civilisation. This study investigates the TC-ESV mutual construction mechanism in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). This research employs the TOPSIS method to measure the development level of TCs, applies the equivalent factor method to calculate the ESV, and uses a coupling coordination model and local spatial autocorrelation analysis to evaluate their interaction patterns. The results show that TC development in the GPNP has been increasing, accompanied by a significant rise in ESV. A coupling coordination relationship exists between TCs and ESV, with notable spatial differentiation. TCs not only increase the market ESV by reducing distribution costs and facilitating the outward flow of ESV, they also improve the accessibility of national parks, promote ecotourism and cultural services, facilitate the movement of people and the exchange of knowledge, and enhance the ability of local populations and migrants to realise the ESV in the long term. However, challenges persist, including ESV conversion difficulties and TC construction’s potential impacts on ESV realisation. Therefore, we propose optimised green transport corridors and differentiated ecological compensation mechanisms, and by analysing the interaction between them, the innovation of this paper is to provide an innovative framework for sustainable spatial governance of ESV conversion and TC development in national parks, enriching the interdisciplinary approach. Full article

Grounded in information processing theory, this study explores how ecotourism decisions were formed within the rural district of Akdağmadeni (Türkiye), integrating both heuristic and systematic decision-making processes. The research adopts a two-phase mixed-methods design: First, it employs a survey-based factorial analysis involving 383 participants to examine preferences for nature-based activities such as trekking, cycling, and cultural tourism. Second, it uses in-depth interviews to investigate participants’ strategic evaluations of local landscape and heritage assets. The results reveal that individuals flexibly switch between intuitive and analytical judgments based on contextual factors. Key decision drivers identified include alignment with local development, ecological integrity, and socioeconomic contribution. This dual-process insight is operationalized through a novel “feature-based evaluation model” that synthesizes landscape identity values with cognitive-perceptual cues, providing a new lens for assessing geoheritage-based tourism behavior. It was determined that participants used both intuitive and systematic information processing strategies in their decision-making processes, and factors such as harmony with nature, economic contribution, and local identity were found to affect preferences. The study draws attention to the need to develop sustainable tourism policies, raise public awareness, and support infrastructure investments, and provides a road map for the effective use of the region’s ecotourism potential. Full article

The multifunctionality of green infrastructure (GI) can be enhanced through intentional planning that promotes synergies among various functions while minimizing trade-offs. Despite its significance, methodologies for implementing this approach remain underexplored. This paper presents an application-oriented framework for GI planning that emphasizes the relationship between GI functional performance and the provision of ecosystem services. By reframing the issues of multifunctional synergies and trade-offs as quantifiable and spatially explicit problems associated with ecosystem services, the framework offers both a conceptual foundation and technical protocols for practical application. This framework was implemented in the Qinling–Daba Mountain Area (QDMB) in China to evaluate its practicality and identify potential challenges. The planned GI system aims to fulfill multiple functions, including biodiversity maintenance, water and soil conservation, eco-farming, and ecotourism development. Additionally, 73 wildlife corridors were established to connect GI elements, thereby enhancing habitat services for biodiversity. Furthermore, the analysis identified 245 townships and 273 sites as strategic areas and points requiring targeted intervention to mitigate potential multifunctional trade-offs. These locations are characterized by their location within protected areas, protected buffer zones, or wildlife corridors, or at the intersection of wildlife corridors with existing transportation infrastructure. The findings validate the framework’s practicality and highlight the necessity for additional research into the capacity of GI to support diverse human activities and the approaches to enhance GI elements’ connectivity for multifunctionality. Full article

Ecotourism is widely promoted as a sustainable tourism model that harmonizes environmental conservation with local community benefits. Indonesia, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, has long adopted ecotourism as a strategy to safeguard its natural ecosystems. Despite this, evidence of its environmental impact at a national scale remains sparse. This study bridges this gap by examining forest loss trends from 2014 to 2023 across ecotourism sites in Indonesia to assess whether ecotourism contributes to forest protection. The analysis reveals that most ecotourism sites exhibit no significant reduction in forest loss, with some even experiencing accelerated deforestation. While a few sites demonstrate positive outcomes, these successes are rare and insufficient to indicate widespread environmental benefits. The findings call into question whether the ecotourism model, in its current form, is an effective conservation strategy. A reevaluation of its use is imperative, along with critical reflection on whether ecotourism is genuinely suited to addressing Indonesia’s deforestation challenges. This study underscores the need for alternative or complementary approaches to conservation, as well as a robust examination of ecotourism’s limitations and potential within the broader context of sustainable development. Full article