Transforming Protected Areas into Effective and Sustainable Ecotourism Destinations: Lessons from the Ground

Transforming protected areas into ecotourism destinations can effectively address chronic funding shortages and strengthen conservation efforts. This study highlights successful strategies employed by select National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites, including Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, to overcome financial constraints through sustainable ecotourism development. By leveraging their unique natural and cultural assets, these sites not only generate economic opportunities for local communities but also foster greater public support for conservation. The research draws on the Action Research Project of the Center for Development Management (CDM) at the Asian Institute of Management, providing practical insights into balancing ecotourism growth with environmental protection and community engagement.

C. Bagadion, B., & D. Juan, N. (2015). TRANSFORMING PROTECTED AREAS INTO EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS: LESSONS FROM THE GROUND. BIMP-EAGA Journal for Sustainable Tourism Development, 4(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.51200/bimpeagajtsd.v4i1.3091