Good governance and tourism development in protected areas: The case of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, central Vietnam

Tourism development in protected areas, while often seen as a viable income source for conservation, is frequently hindered by poor governance practices. A study of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in central Vietnam reveals that despite market-oriented policies, tourism remains fragmented due to bureaucratic burdens, institutional weaknesses, and top-down decision-making processes. These challenges limit benefit-sharing among stakeholders and undermine conservation goals. The research applies Graham, Amos, and Plumptre’s five governance principles to analyze the park’s management structure, highlighting gaps in implementation that obstruct sustainable development. The findings underscore the need for clearer responsibilities, structures, and processes to align tourism with conservation objectives, offering a foundation for future comparative studies on protected area management.

Hübner, A., Phong, L. T., & Châu, T. S. H. (2014). Good governance and tourism development in protected areas: The case of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, central Vietnam. Koedoe, 56(2). https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v56i2.1146