Residents’ Perception of Impact of Mass Tourism on Mountain Environment in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

: This study seeks to explore and explain the perception of residents about the environmental impact of mountainmass tourism in three tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan. This study is based on quantitative and qualitative datacollected through a survey and group discussions with residents of three tourist destinations. Results revealed that theresidents of the study area are highly concerned about the environmental impact of mass tourism. They highlighted airpollution, traffic congestion, pressure on land use change and infrastructure, and degradation of mountain ecosystemservices. The study also found that communities in these tourist places expect governmental and non-governmentalorganizations to come up with a better plan for the management of mountain tourism on a sustainable basis. Reflectingcritically on the perceptions of stakeholders about tourism impact, it is important to develop linkages betweengovernmental and non-governmental organizations for environmental protection and sustainable quality tourism in theregion while taking communities on board.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soil in Perspective of Sustainable Agriculture From Subdivision Roundu, District Skardu Pakistan

“…Generally, most plants thrive when the soil pH falls between 6.0 and 7.0. Soils with a pH below 7 are considered acidic (Parveen et al, 2022), while those with a pH above 7 are considered alkaline (Qutoshi et al, 2022). In a study area, 20 soil samples were collected and analyzed, and their pH values ranged from 5.1 to 7.4.…”

“…Soil systems are dynamic and can change over time due to natural processes (Tuladhar et al, 2023). These changes can be both directional and cyclic in nature (Qutoshi et al, 2022), occurring on a daily to millennial timescale (Noor & Khatoon, 2013). Industrial effluents, especially when untreated, can significantly impact the physicochemical properties of soil (David Shyam Babu, 2010).…”

Exploring Residents’ Perceptions towards Tourism Development—A Case Study of the Adjara Mountain Area

“…Development of tourism in the mountain regions can lead to degradation of the natural environment (air pollution, pressure on land use and infrastructure, changes in mountain ecosystems) on one hand, and it might be a direct threat to the livelihoods (living environment) and culture of residents [34,35]. There are possibly numerous negative impacts based on tourism development: in particular, changes in the natural ecosystems and the climate, but also negative issues related to heritage and cultural identity.…”

“…There are possibly numerous negative impacts based on tourism development: in particular, changes in the natural ecosystems and the climate, but also negative issues related to heritage and cultural identity. Minimization of the negative impact exerted by tourism development can be addressed through cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organizations for environmental protection and sustainable tourism development [35].…”