Critical Perspectives on Ecotourism. Socio-Economic and Social Impacts of Marine Ecotourism on the Wellbeing of Local Communities

Essay from the year 2020 in the subject Tourism - Miscellaneous, grade: 78/100, University of Leeds (School of Earth and Environment), course: Critical Perspectives on Environment and Development, language: English, abstract: This review essay aims to synthesise the current understanding of socio-economic and social impacts of marine ecotourism on the wellbeing of local communities by discussing the findings presented in recent empirical research papers. This review considers studies conducting economic impact evaluations on shark diving and whale watching, as well as social impact studies of tourism development in protected areas. Firstly, the key findings of empirical case studies are presented and analysed, focusing on how these argue for the marketization of marine resources through ecotourism either as a development opportunity or as a means for species conservation. This is followed by an analysis on how this form of environmental governance involves novel forms of power between communities and government institutions. This review argues that marine ecotourism as a means of neoliberal conservation presents opportunities as well as constraints for environmental justice.