Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities

This study explores the feasibility of integrating ecotourism in Bandarban, a culturally rich and ecologically sensitive district in southeastern Bangladesh, as a strategy for sustainable natural resource management and the socio-economic development of indigenous communities. Utilizing a mixed-m...

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Autor principal: Ning Rong, Swe
Format: Thesis
Idioma:anglès
Publicat: AUW 2025
Accés en línia:https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/546
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author Ning Rong, Swe
author_facet Ning Rong, Swe
author_sort Ning Rong, Swe
collection institutional Repository
description This study explores the feasibility of integrating ecotourism in Bandarban, a culturally rich and ecologically sensitive district in southeastern Bangladesh, as a strategy for sustainable natural resource management and the socio-economic development of indigenous communities. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study incorporates qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and quantitative online surveys, alongside laboratory analysis of water quality to evaluate environmental impacts. Findings reveal a growing tension between the benefits of tourism and its detrimental effects on local communities and ecosystems. Despite the perceived benefits of tourism for economic development, unregulated tourism practices have led to environmental degradation, land displacement, and cultural disruption. Although tourists often identify as environmentally conscious, local accounts highlight pollution, lack of respect for indigenous customs, and unequal economic distribution. The research underscores the potential of community-based ecotourism as a sustainable alternative, advocating for inclusive planning, enhanced local participation, and stronger environmental policies. The study concludes that ecotourism, when guided by indigenous knowledge, ethical governance, and ecological responsibility, can serve as a viable model for sustainable development in Bandarban.
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spelling 123456789-5462026-02-18T06:09:53Z Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities Ning Rong, Swe This study explores the feasibility of integrating ecotourism in Bandarban, a culturally rich and ecologically sensitive district in southeastern Bangladesh, as a strategy for sustainable natural resource management and the socio-economic development of indigenous communities. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study incorporates qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and quantitative online surveys, alongside laboratory analysis of water quality to evaluate environmental impacts. Findings reveal a growing tension between the benefits of tourism and its detrimental effects on local communities and ecosystems. Despite the perceived benefits of tourism for economic development, unregulated tourism practices have led to environmental degradation, land displacement, and cultural disruption. Although tourists often identify as environmentally conscious, local accounts highlight pollution, lack of respect for indigenous customs, and unequal economic distribution. The research underscores the potential of community-based ecotourism as a sustainable alternative, advocating for inclusive planning, enhanced local participation, and stronger environmental policies. The study concludes that ecotourism, when guided by indigenous knowledge, ethical governance, and ecological responsibility, can serve as a viable model for sustainable development in Bandarban. 2025-07-13T07:16:06Z 2025-07-13T07:16:06Z 2025-05 Thesis https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/546 en application/pdf AUW
spellingShingle Ning Rong, Swe
Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title_full Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title_fullStr Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title_full_unstemmed Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title_short Feasibility of Integrating Ecotourism in Bandarban: A Potential For Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Development of Indigenous Communities
title_sort feasibility of integrating ecotourism in bandarban a potential for sustainable natural resource management and development of indigenous communities
url https://repository.auw.edu.bd/handle/123456789/546
work_keys_str_mv AT ningrongswe feasibilityofintegratingecotourisminbandarbanapotentialforsustainablenaturalresourcemanagementanddevelopmentofindigenouscommunities