Drivers and Socioeconomic Impacts of Tourism Participation in Protected Areas

A multi-year study in Wolong Nature Reserve, China, reveals that households with greater financial, physical, human, and social capital were more likely to participate directly in nature-based tourism, while those with higher natural capital (e.g., cropland) were less inclined. The research also found that participating households experienced both increased non-financial benefits and negative environmental impacts compared to non-participating ones. Conducted between 1999 and 2007, the study tracked 220 local households, showing a significant rise in direct tourism participation from nine to sixty households over eight years, with two-thirds of others benefiting indirectly. The findings underscore the need for socioeconomic impact analysis and monitoring in nature-based tourism management to ensure long-term sustainability of protected areas.

Liu, W., Vogt, C. A., Luo, J., He, G., Frank, K. A., & Liu, J. (2012). Drivers and Socioeconomic Impacts of Tourism Participation in Protected Areas. PLoS ONE, 7(4), e35420. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0035420