EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ECOTOURISM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A META-ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIO-CULTURAL BENEFITS

Abstract

Ecotourism, defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, has been increasingly recognized as a key strategy for promoting sustainable development. This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the quantitative evidence on the impacts of ecotourism on sustainable development, focusing on economic, environmental, and socio-cultural dimensions.A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search utilized keywords such as "ecotourism," "sustainable development," "economic impact," "environmental impact," and "socio-cultural impact." A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing quantitative data suitable for effect size calculation. Effect sizes and variances were extracted and analyzed using both fixed-effect and random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I² value, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot analysis.The meta-analysis revealed a combined effect size of 0.369 (SE = 0.036) for both fixed-effect and random-effects models, indicating a moderate positive impact of ecotourism on sustainable development. The 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.298 to 0.441, demonstrating statistical significance. Heterogeneity analysis showed a Q statistic of 2.651 and an I² value of 0.0%, indicating no significant heterogeneity among the included studies. Funnel plot analysis suggested minimal publication bias, supporting the robustness of the results.The findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of ecotourism, including significant contributions to local economies through job creation and income generation, support for environmental conservation through funding and sustainable practices, and enhancement of socio-cultural well-being by preserving cultural heritage and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The lack of significant heterogeneity suggests that these positive impacts are consistent across different contexts and regions. This meta-analysis provides robust evidence that ecotourism significantly contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, environmental, and socio-cultural benefits. The results support the integration of ecotourism into broader sustainable development policies and emphasize the importance of effective management and community involvement. Future research should focus on expanding the evidence base, conducting longitudinal and comparative studies, and exploring innovative approaches to enhance the sustainability of ecotourism initiatives.