Exploring The Ecotourism Paradox: Perspective of Local Residents in Accredited Ecotourism Sites in Laguna Province Towards Sustainable Ecotourism Development

MERLE RUIZ

Abstract

Ecotourism is a form of travel which has a potential to serve as an environmentally, socioculturally, and economically viable option for promoting sustainable tourism development. Whilst ecotourism can be a financially rewarding activity for the local economy, it can also have some drawbacks, just like any other kind of tourism, that must be addressed. The study aimed to explore the paradox on accredited ecotourism sites manifested in the province of Laguna. The study significantly concluded education paradox - as a means to promote sustainable practices may have a downside, as ecotourism sites failed to offer educational activities and the location paradox- the conflicting views on sustainable ecotourism among different demographics pose challenges for achieving genuine sustainability of on ecotourism. The significant differences in perceptions across locations reveal a tension. These paradoxes highlight the complexities of achieving truly sustainable ecotourism. Addressing them requires a holistic approach that acknowledges trade-offs, embraces diverse perspectives, and prioritizes long-term well-being over short-term gains.

References

1. The International Ecotourism Society. What is Ecotourism?. 2015. Online: https://www. ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotouris.
2. United Nation World Travel Organization. Tourism Highlights 2002, 2002. Online: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284406876.
3. Upadhaya, S.; Tiwari, S.; Poudyal, B.; Godar, Chhetri, S.; Dhungana, N. Local People’s Perception ff The Impacts and Importance of Ecotourism in Central Nepal. PloS One, 2022, 17.
4. DENR. Ecotourism Tracking Tool & Monitoring of Ecotourism in the Philippines, 2013, Online: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/denr-approves-guidelines-for-ecotourism-development-in-protected-areas/e0268637.
5. DENR. Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in Protected Areas, 2013, Online: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/08/06/denr-approves-guidelines-for-ecotourism-development-in-protected-areas/.
6. Linberg, K.; Hawkins, D. E. Ecotourism a Guide for Planners and Managers. North Bennington Vermont: The Ecotourism Society, 2018.
7. Aujero-Blanza, M. G. The Development of High Value Empanada with Darag Native Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) Filling. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts (JTHCA), 2019, 7, 1-5.
8. The International Ecotourism Society. What Is Ecotourism, 2018. Online: https://ecotourism.org/news/ties-announces-ecotourism-principles revision.
9. Wood, M. Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Policies for Sustainability. France, United Nations Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics), 2002.
10. Santosa, A.; Setyowati, A. B. Collaborative Management of Conservation Areas/Pengelolaan Kawasan Konservasi Secara Kolaboratif. Lestari Paper, 2020, Jakarta: www.lestari-indonesia .org.
11. Kline, C. S.; Slocum, S. L. Neoliberalism in Ecotourism? The New Development Paradigm Of Multinational Projects in Africa. J. Ecotourism, 2015, 14, 99-112.
12. Sobhani, P.; Esmaeilzadeh, H.; Sadeghi, S. M. M.; Wolf, I. D.; Deljouei, A. Relationship Analysis of Local Community Participation in Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Protected Areas of Iran. Land, 2022, 11, 1871.
13. Blangy, S.; Castillo, E. Indigenous Ecotourism in the Amazon: Challenges and Opportunities. Handbook on Well¬-Being of Working Women, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2020, 273-289.
14. Saarinen, J.; Rogerson, C. M.; Hall, C. M. Geographies of tourism development and planning Tourism Planning and Development. London, Routledge, 2019, 1-11.
15. Calderon, J.; Gonzales, E. Methods of Research and Thesis Writing. Mandaluyong City, National Book Store, 2016.
16. Ravikumar, A.; Al Subhi, S.; Meesala, K. C. Community Perception and Attitude towards Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Protection Measures: An Exploratory Study in Muscat, Oman. Economies, 2022, 10, 29.
17. Diaz, K.; Romer, R.; Vargas, F.; Campos, D. Economies, 2022, 10, 47.
18. Cini, F.; Passafaro, P. Youth and Ecotourism: A Qualitative Exploration. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 2019, 19(1), 126–131.
19. Blanza, Ma. G. Roadmap of Ecotourism Development for Emerging Tourism Destination in The Philippines. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 2020, 12(1), 305-319.

Authors

MERLE RUIZ
muruiz@mcl.edu.ph (Primary Contact)
[1]
RUIZM. 2024. Exploring The Ecotourism Paradox: Perspective of Local Residents in Accredited Ecotourism Sites in Laguna Province Towards Sustainable Ecotourism Development. Media Konservasi. 29, 3 (Jul. 2024).

Article Details

##plugins.generic.relatedArticle.noArticleFound##