Applying Design Thinking in Ecotourism Curriculum Design: The Educational Design Ladder

The design thinking approach transforms student’s learning process to connect with real-world experience, making connections between knowledge and improving critical thinking and problem-solving capability. Previous research has focused on what design thinking is taught (content) and how it is taught (learning modes and assessment). However, there needs to be an integrative approach in the context of ecotourism education. Therefore, applying Wrigley and Straker’s Educational Design Ladder mode, this study develops an Ecotourism Design Thinking Curriculum framework to combine the ecotourism content, teaching/learning mode and assessment.

Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal,India

The importance of valuing environmental resources,especially in ecotourism sites,has become increasingly important over the last two decades.Ecotourism is now considered as an important source of livelihood of local stakeholders in backward regions.Therefore,the preservation of ecotourism sites through community participation seems very important to maintain continued flow of tourists.This study aimed at recognizing the importance of community participation for the preservation of ecotourism sites.For this,this study executed a survey based on non-probability sampling in two ecotourism sites(Garpanchkot and Baranti)covering 100 respondents in Purulia District,West Bengal of India.The central issue of this study was to assess the tendency of community participation for the conservation of ecotourism sites and find the optimum condition for offering participatory labour time.This study showed that the participation of young people is high,and the majority of respondents are aware of the importance in protecting ecotourism sites.Because respondents were too poor to offer money,the contingent valuation method(CVM)was used to elicit their willingness to pay(WTP)participatory labour time for the conservation of ecotourism sites.Respondents’age,income,education level,caste,and their perceived environmental quality had significant relationship with their WTP participatory labour time by applying the ordinary least square(OLS)model.It was found that the mean WTP participatory labour time of each respondent in a month is approximately 3.64 h.The significance of this study is that community participation can improve the sense of belonging,trust,and credibility of ecotourism sites,making them more appreciative of the value and protection of these sites.

A tale of duality:Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park,Ethiopia

This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection.A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used.We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas,namely Debark,Janamora,and Beyeda woredas.Finally,397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda.Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire,interviews,and focus group discussions.Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods,including means,standard deviations,analysis of variance(ANOVA),and logistic regression models.The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender(B=1.850,P=0.023),level of education(B=0.238,P=0.032),geographical location(B=0.420,P=0.041),and occupation(B=0.920,P=0.019).This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism.Furthermore,individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations,those engaged in tourism-related work,and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism.In conclusion,the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP.To achieve this,it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency,the Ministry of Tourism,and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions.Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.

Opinion of Stakeholders on the Management of Ecotourism in the Benue National Park of the North Region of Cameroon

Local communities living around protected areas stand high chance of benefiting from economic development and livelihood improvement through ecotourism if well planned. The objective of this study was to contribute to the understanding of stakeholders’ opinions on the valorization of ecotourism in order to propose alternative sustainable strategies. The study used a research method based on purposive sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 125 household heads and 10 stakeholders were also interviewed with a question guide. The results were inputted into a student statistical package (SPSS) version 16. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square was used to compare means. The results revealed that the test of dependence (Chi2) between the variables showed a significant difference at (p < 0.05). 51.9% of the respondent in ZIC 5 said that ecotourism has increased employment while respondents in the other sectors (ZIC 1, 4 and 9) who make up 76% of the respondents said ecotourism-related jobs in the park are seasonal and not frequent. Regarding the dependence of local communities on the park’s resources, 25% of ZIC 5 is highly dependent on the park, whereas, in the other sectors, only 18% are dependent on the park for their household income. This result is explained by the inaccessibility of local communities to the parks. The results of the impacts of ecotourism on the livelihoods of communities in localities reflect a general feeling of dissatisfaction with 88.8% of respondents manifesting their dissatisfaction with park authorities. Thus, 87.2% of respondents think that ecotourism does not bring significant economic benefits to the host communities. If ecotourism was planned, the benefits that accrue from activity could boost the economy of the area and support the conservation of the park, which so far remains insignificant. However, the strategy for enhancing ecotourism should be a participatory approach.

Practical Teaching Design of Ecotourism Course under the Construction of Park Cities:A Case Study of Qinglong Lake Ecological Wetland Park

The construction of park cities makes it possible for the popularization of ecotourism,and lays resource conditions and product foundation for the practical teaching of ecotourism course.In this paper,natural ecological resources and ecological leisure and recreation in Qinglong Lake Ecological Wetland Park were analyzed,and a series of practical teaching projects can be designed based on ecological cognition education,ecological responsibility,ecological experience,ecological environmental protection publicity and ecological tourism scenic spot management,as well as the teaching requirements of ecotourism course.

Assessing the Contribution of Ecotourism to Economic Growth and Rural Development Offered by Wildlife Resources to People Living in Communities around Matusadonha National Park

Ecotourism is one of the major drivers of economic growth and rural development in many countries involved in wildlife resource management.The objective was to assess the contribution of ecotourism to economic growth and rural development offered to people living in communities around Matusadonha National Park.A total of 140 participants were interviewed and questionnaires were administered to the same number of people.Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods.Results show that the majority of participants(57%)were females.Safari operations were the major(54.7%)ecotourism activity in Matusadonha National Park.Above half(58.8%)of participants indicated that ecotourism contributed toward economic growth in communities around Matusadonha National Park.Most people(343)were employed on a part-time basis from 2000 to 2022.Participants indicated that the standard of living in most communities increased by more than 50%.Above 50%of participants were satisfied with the contribution of ecotourism towards rural development.It can be concluded that ecotourism has the potential to improve economic growth and rural development if close monitoring and accountability of funds are monitored closely.Local people should be included in the accountability of funds and management of wildlife resources to improve economic benefits to local people.

Types and Characteristics of Ecotourism Resources in Gansu Province

With a vast territory,diversified climate and abundant ecotourism resources,Gansu Province has all categories in the 1st and 2nd class of YANG Gui-hua Three-class Classification Method,and 21 sub-categories of the 3rd class(total 26 sub-categories).According to the investigation and analysis,the ecotourism in Gansu Province has following characteristics:(1) Diversified ecotourism resources with various types;(2) Numerous ecotourism scenic spots with complete functions;(3) Unique,precious and rare ecotourism resources;(4) Not even distribution of ecotourism resources with an obvious trend of divergence;(5) Most of the ecotourism resources environment is fragile and has low carrying capacity,and the traffic conditions need to be improved urgently.

Research in the Prospect of Wetland Ecotourism Development

The characteristics and development model of wetland ecotourism resources were introduced,the prospect of developing wetland ecotourism and proper suggestions were put forward.

Study on the Ecotourism and Community Economic Development of Maolan National Natural Reserve in Guizhou Province

With Maolan National Natural Reserve as the example,the present development of ecotourism and its great significance to community economic development were expounded,the main problems existing in the ecotourist development of Maolan Reserve were exposed,and some suggestions were proposed for speeding up the construction pace of ecotourism,improving the service level and reception capacity,expanding the coverage of people receiving benefits from tourist economy,strengthening the development of tourist products,elongating the industrial chain of tourist economy and establishing feedback mechanism so as to promote the community economic development.

Construction of Artificial Wetlands and Ecotourism Resource Development in Jilin City

Definition of artificial wetlands or construction background and significance of artificial wetlands in Jilin City were introduced in this study,while characteristics of wetland tourist resources and advantages of ecotourism development in Jilin City were also analyzed,which put forward measures to develop artificial wetland ecotourism resources in Jilin City.

Status of and Strategies for Ecotourism Development in Chaozhou City

Ecotourism development can not only bring economic,ecological and environmental benefits,but also help realize the sustainable development of tourism industry. The authors analyzed the current ecotourism development of Chaozhou City and existing problems,tried to propose corresponding strategies for its healthy development from legislative and scientific perspectives.

Evaluation of Ecotourism Resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,China

Dawangling Nature Reserve in Guangxi is famous for its rich ecotourism resources such as diversified animal and plant resources,picturesque natural scenery and pleasant climate.A.Through the field investigation and the application of landscape resources management system,the authors adopted 7 landscape quality factors to evaluate aesthetic quality of Dawangling Nature Reserve that could be experienced,specifically,terrain,plant,water,color,influence of neighboring landscapes,scarcity and human modification.The evaluation score was obtained as 20.0(A-grade),which implied that natural scenery in the study area was of high aesthetic value,and suitable for various experiential tourist activities.B.Ecological assessment standards for nature reserves were applied to evaluate eco-quality of the tourist environment in the study area,6 specific assessment indexes were adopted,specifically,diversity,scarcity,representativeness,naturalness,appropriateness of area and threats of survival.The evaluation score was obtained as 86.1(Grade Ⅰ),which implied that tourist environment of the study area was excellent and suitable for ecotourism development.C.According to the detailed landscape grading standards,the total score of its landscapes was obtained as 86(up to the standards of international 4A-class tourist site or spot),which implied that landscape quality of the scenic area was fine,and had great development potentials.D.By consulting the evaluation model tree of mountainous scenic areas in China,a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the study area was carried out from the perspectives of tourist resource conditions,location and tourist source conditions,regional economic background.The score of its tourist resources was obtained as 60.67,accounting for 85.6% of the total;that of location and tourist source conditions was 11.83,accounting for 79.8% of the total;that of regional economic background was 10.55,accounting for 72.5% of the total,which implied that tourist resources in the study area were of high development value,enjoyed obvious location advantages,great value of regional economic background,thus had excellent development advantages.This study aimed at providing useful references for the further development of ecotourism resources in Dawangling Nature Reserve,which would facilitate the overall improvement of tourism industry in Baise,enhance its economic development and exploration of more ecotourism projects.

Ecotourism Development Modes of Nature Reserves

Ecotourism is a significant approach for the protective development of nature reserves. Through analyzing the necessity of developing ecotourism, learning from the successful ecotourism development cases of nature reserves in China and abroad, the authors proposed a new Nature Reserve Protective Tourism Exploring Mode (NRPTEM) with the integration of "protection, development and management", such a mode contains 3 systems (protection, development and management), 12 projects (biodiversity protection, geological remains protection, protection of human ecology, environment monitoring, scientific planning, product development, market expansion, facility construction, capacity building, community co-management, environment education and management innovation) as well as human (a critical structural factor). The relationship between these items in the complicated process of ecotourism development of nature reserves was elaborated, and the dominant role of human factors in the 3 systems was also put forward.

SWOT Analysis and Development Countermeasures of Taohua Mountain Ecotourism Agricultural Park in Ya’an City

By using SWOT Analysis, the internal strengths and weakness, and the external opportunities and challenges of Taohua Mountain Ecotourism Agricultural Park were discussed. The result showed that Taohua Mountain was unique in scenery, rich in rural tourism resources and broad in market prospect. However, the tourism products were monotonous, lack of characteristics and depth; the ecological environment was weak; the tourism staff was with low quality; some parts of the area were in poor sanitary condition, restrained by season and periodicity. Meanwhile, there existed some opportunities and challenges in this park. The opportunities mainly contained policy opportunity and transference of tourists’ preference. The challenges primarily included challenges from urban tourism spots of Ya’an City and surrounding cities, and threats of sustainable use of tourism resources resulting from blind exploitation of fruit production area. And the corresponding development countermeasures were put forward, that is, to develop diversified tourism programs, to allocate mountainous resources according to local conditions, to train the local tourism staff, to dredge the area with poor sanitation, to diversify business with other industries supporting the development of tourism agriculture.

Application of Sustainable Development Theories in Ecotourism Destinations—With Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area as a Study Case

By taking Jiuzhaizhou Scenic Area for an example, this study proposed that ecotourism destinations should value the application of science and technology as well as the capital investment, devote more efforts in improving the system construction of the scenic area, especially in the aspects of talent training and management, thoroughly carry out the guideline of "protective development", in this way, to achieve rapid economic growth and environmental protection and bring benefits to local residents.

RMPP-based Study on the Oceanfront Ecotourism Development Mode——A Case Study of the Beibu Gulf in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China

By taking the Beibu Gulf in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China for example,RMPP mode was proposed on the basis of the original RMP analysis to analyze the relationship among resource,market,product and protection of local oceanfront tourism.Sustainable development mode of oceanfront ecotourism was discussed,and implementation strategies were given.It was stressed that resource development should be transformed from resource planning to ecological protection,production design should follow the road of innovative development,market development should be transformed from 3S to 3N,regional cooperation should be enhanced to ensure the government instruction and community participation.This study was to propose new concepts for the protection and development of oceanfront ecotourism resources,and also references for the ecotourism development of Beibu Gulf.

On Exploration and Evaluation of Forest Ecotourism Resources in Shangsi County of Guangxi,China

Forest ecotourism resources in Shangsi County were investigated,explored and screened for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of resource units,physiographic landscape resources and forest eco-resources of the local area elaborated,characteristics of its forest ecotourism resources summarized as "having an excellent location,great development potential and high development value".Basic laws of forest ecotourism resources in Shangsi County were obtained through resource investigation,exploration and analysis,development and utilization of forest ecotourism resources further studied,and suggestions proposed to facilitate the sustainable development of forest ecotourism resources in Shangsi County.

SWOT Analysis on the Development of Ecotourism in Sichuan Province

The ecotourism resources in Sichuan Province are presented,on which SWOT analysis on the development of ecotourism industry has been carried out in this paper.

Routes Choice of Urban Agriculture,Ecotourism and Cultural Innovation Industry Fusion

The fusion of urban agriculture, ecotourism and cultural innovation industry has been a necessary way for industry updating, value increase and income im- provement of farmers in suburbs. The methods available of the fusion are as fol- lows： corporation development and operation, led by government with an integrated plan; corporation management and development under guidance of market with sup- port from government; collective development under guidance of market and policies; individual development and operation with the model of ＂villagers participation de- pending on infrastructure provided by government＂. The four routes enjoy exclusive advantages and characters. Hence, different villages and towns should adopt the most suitable one according to local conditions for further development and management.

Study on the Evaluation and Monitoring over In-depth Development of Ecotourism

Qualitative indexes contained in the product standards of in-depth ecotourism development are summarized as:carrying capacity control,protection of natural environment,participation of community residents,education about environment protection,enhancing standard management,clean production,green training,and overall monitoring.Based on the model of grey system theory,the improvement of in-depth ecotourism development was predicted,the construction,evaluation and monitoring model for the in-depth development of ecotourism was established,and finally the index system for the evaluation was set as the General Layer(A),the System Layer(B),the Status Layer(C),and the Variable Layer(D).