Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/ere2025183Keywords:
Biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development, ecotourism, environmental educationAbstract
Introduction: Ecotourism has positioned itself as a sustainable alternative to conventional tourism, promoting ecosystem conservation and the development of local communities. Its implementation is not without environmental impacts, which must be critically analyzed to ensure that its benefits outweigh any potential harm. Methodology: A qualitative approach was used. That allowed the experience´s analysis and to compare documental and empirical evidence. Results: This article examines the effects of ecotourism on the environment, highlighting its positive contributions, the preservation of natural areas, and environmental education, as well as its risks, including habitat degradation and biodiversity disruption. Conclusion: It argues that the balance between tourism and conservation depends on rigorous management, based on scientific studies and effective regulatory frameworks. It reflects on the need to adopt responsible practices that minimize negative impacts and strengthen the symbiotic relationship between ecotourism and the environment.
References
1. Quinta Nova L, Ferreira D. Analysis of the suitability for ecotourism in Beira Baixa region using a spatial decision support system based on a geographical information system. Regional Science Policy & Practice. 2024;16(1):12583. https://doi.org/10.1111/rsp3.12583
2. Maldonado EJ, Gonzalez Argote D, Eslava Zapata R, Perez Gamboa AJ. Labor market gaps affecting women from the perspective of economic sciences: An analysis of scientific production in the Scopus database. Suma de Negocios. 2024;15(33):167-181. https://doi.org/10.14349/sumneg/2024.v15.n33.a9
3. Abuhay T, Teshome E, Mulu G. A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Regional Sustainability. 2023;4(4):453-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.007
4. Chatterjee P, Datta SK. Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal, India. Regional Sustainability. 2024;5(3):100163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100163
5. Duque Ramos AP. Estudio sistemático de la participación del marketing ambiental, como método para fomentar la conciencia ambiental de estudiantes universitarios. Región Científica. 2024;3(2):2024306. https://doi.org/10.58763/rc2024306
6. Dall Orsoletta A, Verrier B, Uriona Maldonado M, Dranka GG, Ferreira P. How does social acceptance affect transition minerals production in Europe? A system dynamics approach and case study in Portugal. The Extractive Industries and Society. 2025;22:101625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2025.101625
7. Abdurakhmanova A, Ahrorov F. The economic and social impacts of ecotourism on local employment and income: A case study of rural Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Regional Science Policy & Practice. 2025;17(3):100180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rspp.2025.100180
8. Faanu A, Tettey Larbi L, Akuo-ko EO, Gyekye PK, Kpeglo DO, Lawluvi H, et al. Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana’s mining areas. Heliyon. 2024;10(3):e24959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24959
9. Withanage NC, Wijesinghe DC, Mishra PK, Abdelrahman K, Mishra V, Fnais MS. An ecotourism suitability index for a world heritage city using GIS-multi criteria decision analysis techniques. Heliyon. 2024;10(11):e31585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31585
10. Gundersen V, Selvaag SK, Junker Köhler B, Zouhar Y. Visitors’ relations to recreational facilities and attractions in a large vulnerable mountain region in Norway: Unpacking the roles of tourists and locals. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. 2024;47:100807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2024.100807
11. Gracia Rojas JS, Navarro Tamayo T, Pedraza Hernández LD, Lesmes Fabian CA. Entomoturismo académico como estrategia para la conservación de lepidópteros en el Meta, Colombia. Región Científica. 2024;3(2):2024317. https://doi.org/10.58763/rc2024317
12. Zhao J, Pan J, Tan L. Sustainable evaluation of ecotourism in the Yangtze River delta urban agglomeration: A system coordination perspective. Sustainable Operations and Computers. 2025;6:57-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2025.01.002
13. Jannat A, Islam MM, Aruga K. Revealing the interrelationship of economic, environmental, and social factors with globalization in G-7 countries tourism growth: A CS-ARDL approach. Sustainable Futures. 2025;9:100483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100483
14. Sánchez Castillo V, Gómez Cano CA, Pérez Gamboa AJ. La Economía Azul en el contexto de los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible: una revisión mixta e integrada de la literatura en la base de datos Scopus. AiBi Revista de Investigación, Administración e Ingeniería. 2024;12(2):215-30. https://doi.org/10.15649/2346030X.4028
15. Rubino G, Gattuso D, Longo F. Exploring Industry 4.0 Technologies in Tourism. A Literature Review. Procedia Computer Science. 2025;253:3182-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2025.02.043
16. Kumail T, Mandić A, Li H, Sadiq F. Uncovering the interconnectedness of tourism growth, green technological advancements and climate change in prominent Asian tourism destinations. Tourism Management Perspectives. 2024;53:101284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2024.101284
17. Bedu Addo K, Okofo LB, Ntiamoah A, Mensah H. Pollution of water bodies and related impacts on aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services: The case of Ghana’s booming ‘galamsey’ industry. Heliyon. 2024;10(24):e40880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40880
18. Moreira A de J, Reis Fonseca RM. La inserción de los movimientos sociales en la protección del medio ambiente: cuerpos y aprendizajes en el Recôncavo da Bahia. Región Científica. 2024;3(1):2024208. https://doi.org/10.58763/rc2024208
19. Lokonon BE, Mangamana ET, Kakaï RG. Residents’ perception and impact of COVID-19 on ecotourism in West Africa: The case of Banco National Park in Côte d’Ivoire. Heliyon. 2023;9(11):e21832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21832
20. Zhang Y, Wang L, Zheng Y, Tian F. Cooperation, hotspots and prospects for tourism environmental impact assessments. Heliyon. 2023;9(6):e17109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17109
21. Fu M, Huang S, Ahmed S. Assessing the impact of green finance on sustainable tourism development in China. Heliyon. 2024;10(10):e31099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31099
22. Qamruzzaman M. Unlocking the nexus: Tourism, clean energy, innovation, and environmental sustainability in the top 20 tourist nations. Sustainability Analytics and Modeling. 2025;5:100037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.samod.2024.100037
23. Firth LB, Farnworth M, Fraser KPP, McQuatters Gollop A. Make a difference: Choose artificial reefs over natural reefs to compensate for the environmental impacts of dive tourism. Science of The Total Environment. 2023;901:165488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165488
24. Raudales Garcia EV, Acosta Tzin JV, Aguilar Hernández PA. Economía circular: una revisión bibliométrica y sistemática. Región Científica. 2024;3(1):2024192. https://doi.org/10.58763/rc2024192
25. Raihan A. Environmental impacts of the economy, tourism, and energy consumption in Kuwait. Kuwait Journal of Science. 2024;51(4):100264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjs.2024.100264
26. Samal R, Dash M. Ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods: Understanding the convergence and divergence. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. 2023;11(1):1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.11.001
27. Sánchez Castillo V, Pérez Gamboa AJ, Gómez Cano CA. Circuitos cortos de comercialización como estrategia para el fortalecimiento del sector agropecuario. FACE. 2024;24(3):163-74. https://doi.org/10.24054/face.v24i3.3329
28. Luong TB. Adapting Values-Beliefs-Norms (VBN) model and the Value-Identity-Personal norm (VIP) model into ecotourism intention: A case study of Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. 2024;12(4):621-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2024.11.008
29. Souza RG, Domingues AM, Spindlegger A, Mair Bauernfeind C, Part F. Review of the current knowledge and identified gaps in assessing the social and environmental impacts of mining processes in the Lithium Triangle. Sustainable Production and Consumption. 2025;53:40-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.11.031
30. Tien ND, Duyen TNL, Huyen NTT, Anh PQ, Oanh NT, Tich VV, et al. Community-based ecotourism for sustainability: An evaluative analysis of Binh Son district, Quang Ngai province in Vietnam. Social Sciences & Humanities Open. 2024;9:100807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100807
31. Zhang Y, Deng B. Exploring the nexus of smart technologies and sustainable ecotourism: A systematic review. Heliyon. 2024;10(11):e31996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31996
32. Suresh A, Wartman M, Rasheed AR, Macreadie PI. Tourism and recreation in blue carbon ecosystems: Exploring synergies, trade-offs and pathways to sustainability. Ocean & Coastal Management. 2025;266:107697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107697
33. Sánchez Castillo V, Gómez Cano CA, Millán Rojas EE. Lineamientos participativos para el fortalecimiento del proceso de empresarización del sector agropecuario en el Caquetá. EQ. 2020;(35):205-30. https://doi.org/10.19052/eq.vol1.iss35.10
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Alberto Gómez Cano, Naun Oseas Onofre Mendoza (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.
