A Social-Ecological Systems Perspective on Working toward Resilience in Nature-Based Tourism Planning

Published in: Tourism Planning & Development (2024)
DOI: 10.1080/21568316.2024.2364622

Overview

Nature-based tourism (NBT) is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges from global disruptions and local pressures. My latest co-authored study highlights the limitations of conventional planning approaches in addressing these complexities and advocates for a resilience-oriented framework in NBT planning.

Drawing from a Social-Ecological Systems (SES) perspective, this research provides practical strategies to sustain tourism while navigating the uncertainties of the 21st century. By integrating systems thinking and adaptive management, the study lays the groundwork for resilient, sustainable tourism practices.

Key Insights

  1. The Challenge:
    • Conventional tourism planning methods are ill-equipped to manage the dynamic, uncertain nature of modern NBT.
  2. The Solution:
    • A resilience framework built on three foundational elements:
      • Governance Flexibility: Dynamic policies that adapt to changing circumstances.
      • Culture of Learning: Continuous knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement.
      • Financial Support: Dedicated resources to sustain resilience initiatives.
  3. Six Actionable Strategies:
    • Acknowledge and prepare for turbulence in tourism systems.
    • Adopt systems thinking to address interconnected challenges.
    • Foster adaptive pathways to enhance long-term sustainability.

Why This Matters

Tourism stakeholders—from policymakers to local communities—face mounting pressures from climate change, economic instability, and social disruptions. This study offers:

  • Guidance for Decision-Makers: Practical tools and strategies for integrating resilience into tourism planning.
  • Inspiration for Practitioners: A vision for sustaining nature-based tourism amidst uncertainty.
  • Academic Contribution: A synthesis of classical and contemporary resilience literature, pushing the boundaries of sustainable tourism research.

Practical Implications

This research equips planners and stakeholders with tools to:

  • Develop adaptive management plans that respond effectively to crises.
  • Promote collaborative governance models to unify diverse stakeholders.
  • Build resilience into every stage of the tourism lifecycle, from strategy to implementation.

Keywords

Nature-based tourism, tourism planning, resilience, sustainable tourism development, systems thinking, vision.

How to Cite This Research

If you reference this work, please use the following citation:

McCool, S. F., & Mandic, A. (2024). A Social-Ecological Systems Perspective on Working toward Resilience in Nature-Based Tourism Planning. Tourism Planning & Development, 1–23.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2024.2364622

Read the Full Paper

Access the complete study here: Taylor & Francis Online.

Your Thoughts Matter

How can resilience frameworks transform the future of nature-based tourism? Share your perspectives and let’s discuss actionable ways to integrate these strategies into practice.