article · Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi
Mogador Island presents a complex balance between ecotourism development and the preservation of fragile biodiversity, including the rarely studied Eleonora's falcon. An assessment of local ecotourism potential and risks reveals that tourism is often a contested concept rather than a straightforward conservation mechanism. Institutional and commercial actors largely regard the island as an asset for regional economic diversification, focusing on managed access and funding generation. Conversely, conservation experts and community representatives raise concerns regarding habitat destruction and the commercialisation of natural resources. Establishing sustainable ecotourism in vulnerable environments requires bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world practice. Success relies on integrated, participatory governance, the strict regulation of visitor activities, and careful adherence to ecological boundaries to ensure fragile wildlife and ecosystems remain protected.
Ecotourism is frequently promoted as a harmless method to finance environmental protection, yet unmanaged growth threatens fragile habitats. Understanding the differing perspectives of local communities, authorities, and conservationists helps planners avoid irreversible damage to sensitive wildlife, such as the Eleonora's falcon. It highlights the necessity of transparent governance frameworks that prevent economic diversification from undermining ecological survival in vulnerable island ecosystems.
The research offers early-stage governance and planning insights for regional tourism authorities, park managers, and ecotourism operators. Rather than offering a commercial product, the findings identify institutional risks and operational gaps that must be managed when designing sustainable tourism ventures. Practical application remains distant, requiring policymakers and local stakeholders to first negotiate shared frameworks, monitoring schemes, and regulatory controls before new ecotourism initiatives can safely proceed.
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Background and Aims Based on a qualitative case study conducted using interviews, field observations, and documentary analysis, this study aims to assess the region's ecotourism potential, identify environmental and socio-regional risks associated with tourism development, and discuss the applicability of a sustainable tourism development model based on integrated governance, regulation of uses, and stakeholder participation. In doing so, it contributes to current debates on the management of fragile regions and the limits of ecotourism as a tool for conservation and development. Eleonora's falcon, a species rarely seen and rarely studied worldwide, has also been examined in this regard. Methods A total of 22 stakeholders with diverse profiles, representing the city’s ecotourism ecosystem, were interviewed. Using semi-structured interviews, field observations, and documentary review, the study examines how stakeholders view ecotourism, governance, and conservation priorities. Results The results reveal that ecotourism is more of a contested area driven by differing values and power dynamics than a shared solution. While institutions and economic players focus on regulated access and funding, community groups and environmental experts warn about habitat damage and the symbolic commodification of nature. The findings reveal that, for certain institutional and economic stakes, the island of Mogador has become a strategic tool for regional diversification and economic development. Conclusion The study suggests that successful ecotourism in fragile environments relies on participatory governance, regulated use, and respect for ecological boundaries, fueling ongoing debates on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. It has been found that discrepancies between theory and practice in management need to be resolved.
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DOI: 10.53516/ajfr.1884299
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