Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island

Ecotourism in fragile environments like Mogador Island, part of the Medina of Essaouira, is more a contested arena shaped by differing values and power dynamics than a universally accepted solution for conservation and development. A qualitative study involving 22 stakeholders revealed that while institutions and economic players prioritize regulated access and funding to drive regional diversification, community groups and environmental experts emphasize the risks of habitat damage and the commodification of nature. The research highlights the need for participatory governance, regulated use, and respect for ecological boundaries to balance ecotourism's potential with biodiversity conservation. This study also sheds light on the challenges faced by rare species like Eleonora's falcon, contributing to broader debates on sustainable tourism management in fragile territories.

El Housni, K., Uyar, Ç., Benmassoud, J., Mouhibi, K., & Osly, M. M. (2026). Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi, (13), 11884298. https://doi.org/10.53516/ajfr.1884299