Towards social equity and sustainable economic prosperity through ecotourism: A case of caste diversified community along Annapurna Sanctuary trail (AST), Nepal

BackgroundEcotourism as a responsible travel to natural areas is proposed as a strategy for forest conservation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. However, engaging in environmentally friendly behaviors during forest visit is a crucial factor in achieving this conservation. This study aimed to examine the determinants of intention and actual environmental behavior among ecotourists during their visits to forests.MethodsUtilizing social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the data from 409 visitors of recreational forest were analyzed. After confirming the validity and reliability of the data, structural equation modeling was employed for analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that the model could explain 59% of the behavioral intention and 27% of the actual environmentally friendly behaviors of ecotourists during their forest visits. Additionally, social influence and the behaviors of other ecotourists were identified as two significant determinants of individuals’ behavioral intention. Self-efficacy and behavioral intention also emerged as significant factors which shape the actual environmental behaviors of tourists, positively.DiscussionThe findings suggest that social expectations, learning from fellow tourists, and enhancing individuals’ abilities while addressing barriers to exhibiting environmentally friendly behaviors should be prioritized in promotional planning for ecotourism.

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Circular Harmony

Ali,

Ghimire

2024

Advances in Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage

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Achieving balanced progress requires addressing critical issues such as environmental sustainability, gender equality, and human development. Using a time series research design, this study analyzes data from 2000 to 2021. This study variables in this research include human development index (HDI), the women, business, and the law index (WBL), the consumption-based carbon intensity (CCI), and the gender development index (GDI). Regression analyses, including Sobel-Goodman tests, and mediation were used to assess the overall, direct, and indirect effects of HDI on CCI with and without control variables. The results show that WBL mediates the relationship between HDI and CCI when control variables are considered. CCI was significantly impacted by HDI. The direct effect of HDI on CCI was no longer significant after accounting for mediation, suggesting a trade-off between development and environmental impact. The results highlight the necessity of implementing policies that combine environmental sustainability with gender equality.

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Towards social equity and sustainable economic prosperity through ecotourism: A case of caste diversified community along Annapurna Sanctuary trail (AST), Nepal

Cited by 4 publications

References 36 publications

Study of the role of social prosperity on private investment in fossil fuels transition in the post COP28 era

Study of the role of social prosperity on private investment in fossil fuels transition in the post COP28 era

Application of social cognitive theory to determine shaping factors of environmental intention and behaviors of ecotourist in forest areas

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