Exploring the Role of Community Participation in Sustainable Ecotourism: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Systematic reviews are crucial for comprehending conceptual development within academic disciplines. This study analyses the role of community participation in ecotourism by reviewing publications from 2009 to 2024, adhering to the PRISMA protocol. The objectives include evaluating previous advancements, assessing current knowledge, and identifying future directions in the field. Seventy-one journal articles were reviewed through predefined selection criteria, systematic database searches, and content analysis. The findings indicate a geographically diverse literature base, predominantly centred on Southeast and South Asia. The analysis shows that active community participation is essential for sustainable ecotourism, leading to better conservation outcomes, greater economic benefits, and stronger social cohesion. Persistent challenges impede meaningful engagement, including power imbalances, economic disparities, and inadequate equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. Resolving these issues necessitates clear communication and the development of capabilities and frameworks for inclusive governance. The review highlights the complexities involved in evaluating the broader impact of ecotourism on sustainable development despite notable successes.

Keywords

Community Participation, Sustainable Development, Ecotourism, Systematic Review, South East Asia, South Asia

Author Biography

Shankar Tiwari

Shankar Tiwari holds dual Master’s degrees in Sociology and Rural Development, and his research expertise spans community forestry, women’s empowerment, and ecotourism.
As Director of the Community Learning Center (Shankarapur), he designs and delivers training programmes focused on leadership development, disaster resilience, and public health. He has presented his work at prominent international forums, including the World Congress on Disaster Management in India and the Disaster Resilience Symposium at AIT Thailand, contributing to regional dialogues on sustainable development and community wellbeing.

Bishnu Bahadur Khatri

With more than two decades of experience in teaching and research, Bishnu Bahadur Khatri brings extensive multidisciplinary expertise to the field of development studies. His work spans rural agriculture, migration dynamics, climate change, tourism studies, and related areas that shape livelihoods and community wellbeing.
He has supervised over 50 Master’s theses and has authored more than 40 scholarly publications, including journal articles, reference books, edited chapters, and monographs at both the national and international levels. His sustained contributions reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge, mentoring emerging scholars, and engaging with critical issues in contemporary development discourse.

Deepak Marahatta

Deepak Marahatta is a dedicated development professional and researcher with more than a decade of experience in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA), and environmental education. He has authored over half a dozen peer‑reviewed journal articles, with research focusing on community‑based DRR, climate adaptation, and education policy.
Marahatta has worked with a range of multilateral and bilateral agencies in the fields of disaster management and climate change, contributing to programme design, policy development, and capacity‑building initiatives. His work has earned notable recognition, including the AEIF Award from the U.S. Department of State.
He has presented his research and professional insights in multiple countries—among them India, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, the United States, and Norway—reflecting his active engagement in international dialogues on resilience, sustainability, and community development.

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