Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions
This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including compre...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/7/196 |
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| author | Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar Victoria Sanagustín-Fons Iván López Pardo |
| author_facet | Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar Victoria Sanagustín-Fons Iván López Pardo |
| author_sort | Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7f43d033ab434bae91ba3314a974a755 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-4698 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Societies |
| spelling | doaj-art-7f43d033ab434bae91ba3314a974a7552025-08-20T02:47:07ZengMDPI AGSocieties2075-46982025-07-0115719610.3390/soc15070196Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain RegionsIsabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar0Victoria Sanagustín-Fons1Iván López Pardo2Department of Statistical Methods & Operational Research, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, SpainDepartment of Psychology & Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, SpainDepartment of Psychology & Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, SpainThis study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/7/196ecotourismconservationsustainable developmentland stewardshiprural tourismactor-centered institutionalism |
| spellingShingle | Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar Victoria Sanagustín-Fons Iván López Pardo Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions Societies ecotourism conservation sustainable development land stewardship rural tourism actor-centered institutionalism |
| title | Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions |
| title_full | Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions |
| title_fullStr | Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions |
| title_short | Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions |
| title_sort | ecotourism as a catalyst for sustainable development conservation governance in mountain regions |
| topic | ecotourism conservation sustainable development land stewardship rural tourism actor-centered institutionalism |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/7/196 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT isabelpilarcastillosalazar ecotourismasacatalystforsustainabledevelopmentconservationgovernanceinmountainregions AT victoriasanagustinfons ecotourismasacatalystforsustainabledevelopmentconservationgovernanceinmountainregions AT ivanlopezpardo ecotourismasacatalystforsustainabledevelopmentconservationgovernanceinmountainregions |