Eco-tourism and Land Use Dynamics: Sustainable Landscapes in Transition

CHAIR

Bhanwar Vishvendra Raj Singh

CO-CHAIR

Ines  Grigorescu

DESCRIPTION

Session Overview: This session will explore the intricate relationship between ecotourism and land use patterns across diverse geographic contexts. As ecotourism gains momentum globally as a tool for sustainable development, its influence on land management practices, spatial planning, and ecological integrity requires deeper scholarly attention.
Aim: The session aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to examine how ecotourism impacts land use decisions, shapes rural and peri-urban landscapes, and navigates the tensions between conservation and development.
Core Topics:
• Transformation of rural and natural landscapes due to ecotourism infrastructure
• Role of community-based tourism in shaping land governance
• Land use conflicts between tourism expansion and ecological preservation
• Spatial and temporal mapping of ecotourism-induced changes
• Case studies of land use transitions in biodiversity hotspots
• Regulatory and institutional frameworks guiding sustainable tourism
Content Highlights: The session will feature theoretical perspectives, comparative studies, and innovative GIS applications, analysing land use evolution driven by ecotourism. Presenters will discuss fieldwork findings from varied geographies, including mountain regions, coastal zones, and forested areas, focusing on how ecotourism strategies intersect with local livelihoods and regional planning. Emphasis will be placed on participatory approaches and policy tools that mitigate adverse land use outcomes while promoting regenerative tourism models.
Expected Outcome: This session will major on output dialogues, discussion, and deepen conceptual understanding the relationship about ecotourism activities and land use dynamics that balance tourism growth with land stewardship. Insights from the session may contribute to territorial development strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).