Call for Chapters: Nature-Based Tourism for Conservation – Global Case Studies in Protected Areas

I am pleased to share that, together with my colleague Dr Birendra KC (University of North Texas), I am editing a new book for the Routledge Tourism, Environment and Development series (Series Editor: Prof Richard Sharpley):

Nature-Based Tourism for Conservation: Global Case Studies in Protected Areas

We are now inviting chapter proposals from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working at the intersection of nature-based tourism, conservation, and community livelihoods.

Why this book – and why now?

Protected and conserved areas are under growing pressure from biodiversity loss, climate change, and increasing visitation. At the same time, nature-based tourism (NBT) is frequently presented as a solution – a way to generate funding, support local livelihoods, and build broader support for conservation.

Yet, we still know too little about the actual conditions under which tourism genuinely supports conservation outcomes and community well-being, and when it instead becomes another driver of pressure and inequality.

This book aims to address that gap by bringing together global, in-depth case studies and thematic reflections that show:

  • how NBT is designed and governed in protected and conserved areas,
  • what kinds of conservation outcomes are achieved (or not), and
  • how tourism benefits – and sometimes harms – local and Indigenous communities.

Our goal is to offer a critical yet constructive resource for those who want tourism in protected areas to move beyond good intentions and deliver tangible socio-ecological benefits.

What is the focus of the volume?

We are particularly interested in contributions that:

  • Are grounded in protected and conserved areas (terrestrial or marine, public or private, co-managed, indigenous and community conserved areas, etc.);
  • Explore explicit links between tourism, conservation outcomes and community livelihoods;
  • Critically examine governance, financing, visitor management, and benefit-sharing arrangements;
  • Offer lessons that can travel beyond a single site or project.

The book is provisionally structured into four sections:

  1. Foundations of Nature-Based Tourism in Protected Areas
    • Conceptual and policy framing; the evolution of NBT in conservation practice.
  2. Regional Case Studies
    • Chapters focusing on regions such as North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
    • Single in-depth cases or comparative analyses are both welcome.
  3. Thematic Case Studies on Innovation and Best Practices
    • Community empowerment and indigenous partnerships
    • Advanced visitor management and monitoring
    • Tourism as a vehicle for biodiversity conservation
    • Climate resilience and adaptation in tourism planning
  4. Synthesis and Practical Frameworks
    • Cross-cutting lessons, models and tools for practitioners and policymakers.

Who should consider contributing?

We welcome proposals from:

  • Academics in tourism, conservation, environmental governance, geography, sustainability, etc.;
  • Practitioners such as protected area managers, destination managers, conservation NGOs, and tourism operators;
  • Policy-makers and advisers working on conservation finance, tourism policy, and rural or coastal development.

Co-authored chapters that bridge academic and practitioner perspectives are especially encouraged, as are contributions from indigenous peoples and local communities.

What kind of chapters are we looking for?

  • Chapter length: 6,000–7,000 words (including references, tables, and figures).
  • Contributions may be empirical case studies, comparative analyses, conceptual discussions, or practice-oriented reflections, provided they are well grounded and clearly linked to conservation and livelihoods.
  • Each chapter should clearly state:
    • Context and significance of the case/theme;
    • How tourism is organised and governed;
    • Evidence of conservation and/or social outcomes (positive, negative, or mixed);
    • Practical implications and lessons for others.

How to submit a proposal

Please send an abstract of 350–500 words including:

  • Tentative title
  • Author(s) and affiliation(s)
  • The section/theme where you see your chapter fitting (e.g. “Africa”, “Community Empowerment and Indigenous Partnerships”)
  • Brief description of theoretical and/or policy relevance
  • Methods and empirical basis (where applicable)
  • Expected key findings and implications

Also include a short bio (max. 150 words) for each author.

Timeline

  • Abstract submission deadline: 15 January 2026
  • Notification of abstract decisions: shortly after the abstract deadline
  • Full chapter submission (first versions) due: 15 June 2026
  • Editorial feedback and revisions: July – October 2026
  • Final chapter submissions due: November 2026
  • Submission of complete manuscript to Routledge: by December 2026

Contact

Please send abstracts and queries to:

We look forward to receiving proposals and to working with colleagues around the world to explore how nature-based tourism in protected and conserved areas can become a genuine force for conservation and community well-being, rather than just a promise.

Nature-Based Tourism for ConservationDownload