Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Trends and pathways for ecotourism research in India
Author(s)
Puri, Mahi;Karanth, Krithi K.;Thapa, Brijesh
Published
2019
Publisher
Journal of Ecotourism
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2018.1474885
Abstract
India has seen remarkable growth in nature-based tourism. However, the current approach has had limited benefits to conservation, protected areas and local communities. With a surge in ecotourism initiatives, there has been a concurrent increase in associated conceptual and applied research. Based on the existing studies, quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses were conducted along with reviews of ecotourism research in India to: (1) classify broad themes under which various studies have been conducted; (2) categorize prominent reasons to adopt ecotourism; (3) evaluate whether principles of ecotourism have been incorporated in research; and (4) identify gaps in research. In general, research has exposed the negative impacts of mass tourism around protected areas, evaluated success stories and highlighted ecotourism potential. We found conservation of biodiversity and local socio-economic development to be the primary motivations for ecotourism. In addition, existing research is not comprehensive, nor does it equally address all the principles of ecotourism. We address these research gaps and provide recommendations that could help improve the existing discourse and encourage policy interventions. This can ensure socio-economic development of local communities through benefits sharing, without compromising conservation realities.
Keywords
Community-based tourism;conservation planning;ecotourism;India;protected areas;wildlife
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB23287