Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topic "Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability" aims to explore the complex interactions between ecotourism and sustainable practices, with a particular focus on how human activities impact natural ecosystems. This multidisciplinary Topic seeks to unite research that examines how tourism can contribute to environmental conservation, the economic sustainability of local communities, and the enhancement of quality of life through the responsible use of natural resources.

The goal of this Topic is to bring together contributions from social sciences, ecology, economics, spatial planning, and tourism studies to address the following key issues:

the impact of ecotourism on biodiversity conservation and the management of protected natural areas; sociocultural aspects of ecotourism, including the role of local communities in sustainable development and natural resource preservation; economic sustainability of ecotourism destinations, with a focus on developing sustainable business models; technology and innovation in ecotourism: the role of digital tools in monitoring and improving sustainable practices; challenges of urban ecotourism and managing the balance between urban development and nature conservation; and political and regulatory frameworks that support the development of sustainable ecotourism.

This Topic invites researchers from various disciplines to offer new insights into future trends and challenges in the field of ecotourism and sustainable development. Papers exploring innovative approaches to balancing tourism activities with natural ecosystem preservation, as well as those providing examples of best practices from different regions, will be particularly welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Tamara Gajić
Prof. Dr. Minja Bolesnikov
Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Erceg
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Businesses businesses	-	-	2021	24.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Economies economies	2.1	4.0	2013	21.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Humanities humanities	0.3	0.6	2012	27.8 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Tourism and Hospitality tourismhosp	-	3.0	2020	17.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Urban Science urbansci	2.1	4.3	2017	20.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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All Businesses Economies Humanities Land Sustainability Tourism and Hospitality Urban Science

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42 pages, 67550 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Environmental Factors on Summer Thermal Comfort of Ribbon Waterfront Park in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Regions: A Case Study of Hefei

by Hui Xi, Yating Li and Wanjun Hou

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073026 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 276

Abstract

Ribbon waterfront parks in hot summer and cold winter regions play a crucial role in microclimate regulation and thermal comfort enhancement due to the combined effects of water bodies and vegetation. This study focuses on ribbon waterfront parks in Hefei. This study investigates [...] Read more.

Ribbon waterfront parks in hot summer and cold winter regions play a crucial role in microclimate regulation and thermal comfort enhancement due to the combined effects of water bodies and vegetation. This study focuses on ribbon waterfront parks in Hefei. This study investigates the influence of park environmental factors (e.g., plant community characteristics, spatial configuration of water bodies, and plaza layouts) on the summer thermal environment through field measurements and ENVI-met numerical simulations. Based on field studies and a literature review, five environmental factors were selected as test variables: water body direction (S), tree planting density and arrangement (A), square distribution form (B), square location (C), and pavement material (D). Using orthogonal testing, 64 different environmental scenarios under four distinct water body orientations were designed and simulated using ENVI-met (Version 5.6.1), followed by a quantitative analysis of the simulation results. The findings reveal that the interaction between water body orientation and prevailing wind direction significantly influences the cooling efficiency in both the upwind and downwind regions. In addition, through orthogonal testing, Range Analysis (RA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the order of magnitude of the effect of each experimental factor on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) can be derived: density and form of tree planting (A) > pavement material (D) > location of the square in the park (C) > forms of distribution of squares in the park (B). Finally, this study suggests various environmental factor-setting schemes for ribbon waterfront parks that are tailored to distinct microclimatic requirements. It also provides design recommendations to improve thermal comfort in parks based on the orientation of different water bodies. Furthermore, it offers specific references and foundations for planning, designing, optimising, and renovating waterfront parks of similar scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 464 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Development of Halal Tourism Villages Based on Local Culture and Sustainability

by Sri Harini, Rita Rahmawati, Endang Silaningsih, Immas Nurhayati, Isbandriyati Mutmainah, Bambang Hengky Rainanto and Endri Endri

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020055 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 244

Abstract

The objectives of this study are, firstly, to determine the impact of tourism village development on economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects in supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, secondly, to formulate a halal, local culture-based, and sustainable tourism village [...] Read more.

The objectives of this study are, firstly, to determine the impact of tourism village development on economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects in supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, secondly, to formulate a halal, local culture-based, and sustainable tourism village development model. The research method was qualitative and quantitative. Survey data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed using a difference test before and after the development of the tourism village. Based on the data analysis, significant differences in economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects existed before and after the development of the Benteng Ciampea tourism village in Bogor Regency, Indonesia. Many studies have examined the impact of tourism village development on social, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects. However, no comprehensive research has been conducted that is supported by empirical data. Most studies have been conducted partially and not linked to the SDGs. The SDGs issue distinguishes this from previous studies on developing sustainable halal tourism villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 209 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Soundscape Interactions on the Restorative Potential of Urban Green Spaces

by Xinhui Fei, Yuanjing Wu, Jianwen Dong and Deyi Kong

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2674; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062674 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

From the perspective of landscape environment and human health, this study introduces the concept of soundscape from soundscape ecology. Through two experiments evaluating the restorative properties of soundscapes, it analyzes and compares the differences in restorative benefits among various sounds in urban green [...] Read more.

From the perspective of landscape environment and human health, this study introduces the concept of soundscape from soundscape ecology. Through two experiments evaluating the restorative properties of soundscapes, it analyzes and compares the differences in restorative benefits among various sounds in urban green spaces. The study further explores the effects of single soundscapes and combined soundscape types on environmental restorative benefits and provides recommendations for creating restorative soundscapes in urban green spaces. The main findings of this study are as follows: (1) Sound types significantly influence soundscape restorative benefits, with notable interactions observed among three single soundscape categories. Significant differences were also found in the restorative effects of different combined soundscapes. (2) The most restorative sounds for anthropogenic, biophonic, and geophonic soundscapes are light background music (1.4193), bird sounds (1.9890), and flowing water sounds (1.2691), respectively. The least restorative sounds are vehicle noise (−2.6210), conversation sounds (−0.8788), and thunder sounds (−0.7840). (3) Significant differences exist between the restorative effects of single and multi-level combined soundscapes. Except for bird sounds, the general restorative pattern is as follows: two-level combined soundscapes > three-level combined soundscapes > single soundscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

25 pages, 19711 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Humanizing Public Open Spaces in Jeddah: The Case of Prince Majid Park

by Marwa Abouhassan, Raneem Anwar and Samah Elkhateeb

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2551; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062551 - 14 Mar 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

A city features an aggregation of activities that exist due to its consumers and must accommodate their requirements. A fundamental quality of a city is its capacity to facilitate public life and enhance the value of interactions between users and public open spaces. [...] Read more.

A city features an aggregation of activities that exist due to its consumers and must accommodate their requirements. A fundamental quality of a city is its capacity to facilitate public life and enhance the value of interactions between users and public open spaces. The built environment within an urban city has been undergoing a process of continuous development for many years, and a good open public space is one that can sustain and cope with changes due to economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors. Public open spaces are characterized by a variety of attributes that can serve as performance indicators for their analysis. Public parks reflect the important role of humanizing urban environments and how such spaces can foster community engagement, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship. Considering the case of Prince Majid Park, this study aims to provide insights into the transformative potential of public parks in terms of enhancing the quality of life and well-being of urban residents. In addition to outlining performance indicators for the study and evaluation of public parks, this study delves into the topic of how urban public spaces might be made more sustainable from socio-cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 1192 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Attitudes on the Sustainable Balance Between Nature Conservation and Economic Development Through Ecotourism—Lessons from EU and Non-EU Countries

by Tamara Gajić, Dragan Vukolić, Ana Spasojević, Ivana Blešić, Marko D. Petrović, Jovan Bugarčić, Marina Bugarčić, Bojana D. Drašković and Milovan Milivojević

Land 2025, 14(2), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020395 - 13 Feb 2025

Viewed by 568

Abstract

This study examines attitudes toward achieving a sustainable balance in ecotourism using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, focusing on economic and environmental factors shaping sustainable practices. Data were collected from tourists, local residents, and managers in Serbia and Croatia, encompassing diverse perspectives on natural [...] Read more.

This study examines attitudes toward achieving a sustainable balance in ecotourism using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, focusing on economic and environmental factors shaping sustainable practices. Data were collected from tourists, local residents, and managers in Serbia and Croatia, encompassing diverse perspectives on natural resource conservation, economic benefits, and community engagement. The results indicate that natural resource conservation significantly contributes to local participation, tourist awareness, and community engagement, with notable differences observed among respondent groups. Economic benefits also positively influence these mediating factors, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainability goals. The MGA revealed significant differences between respondent groups, highlighting that managers and local communities in Croatia demonstrated higher levels of awareness and participation compared to Serbia, while differences among tourists were less pronounced. This research contributes to the sustainable tourism literature by integrating perspectives from various stakeholder groups and emphasizing the importance of community involvement and environmental preservation. Practical implications include recommendations for policymakers and managers to develop strategies that encourage stakeholder participation and promote sustainable tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 3086 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Superyacht Marinas: A Comparative Assessment of Environmental Practices and Policy Implications

by Florin Ioras

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041377 - 8 Feb 2025

Viewed by 683

Abstract

The Mediterranean superyacht industry significantly contributes to the region’s economy, but its rapid growth has raised serious environmental concerns. This study compares the emissions, waste management, and biodiversity protection of two marinas located in Sicily, Italy, and the Balearic Islands, Spain. A survey [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean superyacht industry significantly contributes to the region’s economy, but its rapid growth has raised serious environmental concerns. This study compares the emissions, waste management, and biodiversity protection of two marinas located in Sicily, Italy, and the Balearic Islands, Spain. A survey assessing the carbon footprint and water quality was distributed to the management of the marinas. The collected data were analysed and translated into tonnes of CO₂ equivalent using emission factors. By calculating the carbon and water footprints of the two marinas, this study aimed to understand the environmental impact of port-related operations. The JMarinas Environmental Decision Support System and a P-Mapping/Pareto approach were used to identify pollutant sources, following Pareto’s principle. The findings indicated that the primary operations of the marina sector are the main sources of pollution, with significant contributions from supporting activities. This study clarifies the origins of CO₂ and pollution in marina operations, enabling the authors to recommend the close supervision of all recreational boating activities to reduce CO₂ emissions and environmental degradation. By adopting these recommendations, policymakers, marina operators, and yacht owners can ensure the long-term sustainability of Mediterranean marinas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 5986 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Soundscapes as Conservation Tools: Integrating Visitor Engagement in Biodiversity Strategies

by Trace Gale, Andrea Ednie, Karen Beeftink and Andrea Báez Montenegro

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031236 - 4 Feb 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

This study investigates visitor soundscape perceptions in Queulat National Park (QNP), Chile, to inform biodiversity conservation strategies amid rising anthropogenic pressures. By analyzing responses at two sites—Lagoon and Overlook—during peak tourist periods, this research examines how visitor experiences align with protected area management [...] Read more.

This study investigates visitor soundscape perceptions in Queulat National Park (QNP), Chile, to inform biodiversity conservation strategies amid rising anthropogenic pressures. By analyzing responses at two sites—Lagoon and Overlook—during peak tourist periods, this research examines how visitor experiences align with protected area management goals. A one-minute listening exercise was followed up by a survey to gather data on perceived sounds and their appeal. The results highlight the importance of involving visitors in monitoring acoustic environments, providing managers with insights into visitor-perceived soundscape dynamics. Unique QNP ecosystem characteristics emerged, with visitors identifying anthrophonic sounds as problematic, especially at the Lagoon site. Perceptions aligned with management concerns about noise impacts from congestion, showing visitors can discern when soundscapes diverge from protected area objectives. These findings underscore the need to integrate visitor engagement into acoustic monitoring to enhance biodiversity conservation. This study advocates ongoing sound level monitoring, protective policies, and tools derived from visitor input. It promotes protected areas as educational venues in order to deepen connections with local environments through sound recognition and calls for signage to inform visitors about noise impacts. Future research should continue to explore these strategies and the potential of visitor soundscape perceptions to reshape conservation strategies and support biodiversity preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 5435 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mapping and Assessing the Supply and Demand of Rural Recreation Services in National Parks: A Case Study of Qianjiangyuan, Zhejiang, China

by Xiaodong Chen and Chengzhao Wu

Land 2025, 14(2), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020302 - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 536

Abstract

National parks not only protect natural resources but also provide a variety of cultural ecosystem services, with their rural areas serving as important locations for providing rural recreation services (RRS). Spatial quantification of RRS supply and demand will contribute to ensuring the protection [...] Read more.

National parks not only protect natural resources but also provide a variety of cultural ecosystem services, with their rural areas serving as important locations for providing rural recreation services (RRS). Spatial quantification of RRS supply and demand will contribute to ensuring the protection and promotion of human well-being in national parks. In this study, we proposed an integrated framework to map and assess the spatial distribution of RRS supply and demand in Changhong Township, located within Qianjiangyuan National Park. We used a combination of spatial analysis and the MaxEnt model as tools, which played a positive role in saving time when modeling areas providing cultural ecosystem services. Based on the findings, the study area was divided into different zones to propose spatial planning measures. The results showed that (1) the MaxEnt model was robust in mapping RRS supply. RRS supply and demand distribution had high spatial heterogeneity. (2) The proportion of areas where RRS supply exceeded demand was 72.58%, primarily distributed in areas with a high level of naturalness at the periphery of the study area. (3) This study divided Changhong Township into four types of zones: developed recreation service area, potential recreation service area, recreation service demand area, and marginal recreation service area. We proposed suggestions for the scientific utilization and management of RRS in each zone. Overall, our findings provide a scientific basis for planning rural recreation spaces within national parks, promoting the comprehensive utilization of rural cultural ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 2677 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Livelihood Assets in Affecting Community Adaptive Capacity in Facing Shocks in Karangrejo Village, Indonesia

by Gunawan Prayitno, Aidha Auliah, Achmad Efendi, Ainul Hayat, Aris Subagiyo and Aulia Putri Salsabila

Economies 2025, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13010013 - 8 Jan 2025

Viewed by 734

Abstract

This study addresses a theoretical gap by examining how multiple livelihood assets collectively enhance rural communities’ adaptive capacity and contribute to rural resilience theory. Using structural equation modeling, data were collected from June to August 2024 from 372 randomly selected households in Karangrejo [...] Read more.

This study addresses a theoretical gap by examining how multiple livelihood assets collectively enhance rural communities’ adaptive capacity and contribute to rural resilience theory. Using structural equation modeling, data were collected from June to August 2024 from 372 randomly selected households in Karangrejo Village, Indonesia, to test whether livelihood assets significantly influence adaptive capacity in response to diverse economic, social, and environmental shocks. The findings reveal that human, natural, physical, and social capital show a strong, positive effect on adaptive capacity, whereas financial capital alone does not significantly enhance resilience. Despite the limited geographic scope, the results underscore that comprehensive asset combinations—rather than reliance on a single form of capital—strengthen a community’s capacity to withstand shocks. This integrated perspective suggests that balanced investments across multiple forms of capital foster sustainable and flexible adaptation strategies, enabling communities to navigate uncertainty and maintain stability. The study highlights the critical importance of diversifying livelihood assets to foster long-term rural resilience and improve quality of life, offering practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in developing holistic interventions that support adaptive capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 4334 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study on the Perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services in Taibai Mountain National Forest Park from Different Stakeholder Perspectives

by Jiaxin Li, Kankan Li, Yanbo Wang and Rui Jiao

Land 2024, 13(12), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122207 - 17 Dec 2024

Viewed by 954

Abstract

The core of the cultural services of ecosystems (CESs) is the spiritual connection between humans and nature, and participatory mapping from the stakeholder perspective is an effective method for perceiving and protecting hotspot CES areas. This study used participatory mapping combined with 184 [...] Read more.

The core of the cultural services of ecosystems (CESs) is the spiritual connection between humans and nature, and participatory mapping from the stakeholder perspective is an effective method for perceiving and protecting hotspot CES areas. This study used participatory mapping combined with 184 interviews and questionnaires, completed on 10 December 2023, to investigate the perceptions of CESs in Taibai Mountain National Forest Park by different stakeholder groups; spatial and correlation analyses were used to comparatively analyze the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of CESs among different stakeholders, the influencing factors, and their spatial distribution patterns. The results show that (1) there is a positive correlation between the literacy level of external stakeholders and the perception of CESs, and there is no significant difference between the differences in the other demographic characteristics of stakeholders (gender, age, occupation, and literacy level) in the perception of CESs. (2) Different stakeholders have convergent perceptions of spiritual and religious values, cultural heritage values, educational values, and inspirational values, whereas there are greater differences in the perceptions of aesthetic values, ecological and recreational values, and local identity values. (3) Different stakeholders of the same CES are strongly correlated, and there is no correlation between spiritual and religious values and other values and no correlation between recreational and ecotourism values and educational and cultural heritage values; however, there is a correlation between all other subcultural services. It is important to fully identify and consider the characteristics of the differences in the perceptions of different stakeholders in CESs to enhance the regional planning and scenic area service function in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human–Environmental Relations: Ecotourism and Sustainability)

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