Journal article
Ecosystem services approach for community-based ecotourism: towards an equitable and sustainable blue economy
Journal of sustainable tourism, Vol.28(10), pp.1665-1685
02/10/2020
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Abstract
This paper examines the role of community-based ecotourism within the developing market dynamics of the blue economy. The blue economy has become synonymous with generating wealth from ocean-related activities while protecting and supporting marine ecosystems. For remote coastal communities and Small Island Developing States, local economic development is a challenging balance between protecting marine biodiversity and maintaining sustainable and direct access to ecosystem services. In this paper, we present results of a study in the coastal region of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia in the Coral Triangle. The paper illustrates that community-based ecotourism supports sustainable use of marine resources and offers an entry point for low-resource coastal communities to take part in the blue economy. Complementary livelihood pathways that enhance primary income and support ecosystem services play a key role. Study findings show that three key areas where multilateral support is most needed for communities with ecotourism aspirations are: waste management, hospitality skills, and market access. From these findings, we present a model for community-based ecotourism in the blue economy. The model demonstrates important interactions between community, the local economy, and coastal ecosystems, and the important role community-based ecotourism plays in creating effective mechanisms for preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Details
- Title
- Ecosystem services approach for community-based ecotourism: towards an equitable and sustainable blue economy
- Creators
- Anna (Anya) Phelan - University of QueenslandLisa Ruhanen - University of QueenslandJudith Mair - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Journal of sustainable tourism, Vol.28(10), pp.1665-1685
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Number of pages
- 21
- Grant note
- This study is part of the Capturing Coral Reef and related Ecosystem Services Project (CCRES), funded by the Global Environment Facility and administered by the World Bank and The University of Queensland.
- Identifiers
- 991013310018602368
- Academic Unit
- Office of the PVC (Academic Innovation)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article