Multiple Drivers Influencing Residents’ Perception of Ecotourism in a Biodiversity Rich Forest Protected Area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Local people have both positive and negative attitudes towards ecotourism. It is because they are the beneficiaries of ecotourism, though sometimes, they are also the victims of its activities. Expression of the residents’ perception depends on multiple drivers. This study is an attempt to assess the drivers influencing local peoples’ perception on impacts of ecotourism in Satchari National Park (SNP) - a biodiversity rich forest protected area and famous ecotourism spot in Bangladesh. Interview surveys on local people of purposely selected four villages in and around SNP supplemented by the questionnaire were conducted during the September-October period in 2022. This study reveals that socio-cultural aspects secured higher ranks by processing higher mean values which follow economic and environmental aspects respectively. It is also found that local people’s attitude towards ecotourism varies with the variation in education, occupation and income. Policy makers and forest department’s officials should undertake necessary actions to solve the negative impacts of ecotourism.