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Blue carbon ecotourism business model as a catalyst for conservation: An embedded single case study of West Bali National Park
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Researchers studied an ecotourism program in a Bali national park that protects mangroves and seagrass beds—coastal ecosystems that store carbon, support marine life, and help buffer coastlines from climate change. They found that plastic waste and poor recycling practices among local businesses are undermining these benefits, and suggest that tourism programs designed around education and eco-friendly practices could better protect these ecosystems. This matters for human health because healthy coastal ecosystems filter pollutants and reduce plastic waste in our oceans, which otherwise breaks down into microplastics that end up in seafood and drinking water.
As ecosystems providing crucial natural benefits and holding ecotourism potential, the blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses face threats from plastic waste and Ulva lactuca blooms, which are further exacerbated by climate change. This study aimed to investigate recent business models collectively applied by multisector organizations in West Bali National Park and integrate gaps in sustainable practices with blue carbon ecosystem perspectives derived from ecotourists as a future framework for ecotourism. We performed field observations and semi-structured interviews, and employed reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) for data analysis. The study demonstrates that linking ecotourism to specific multi-benefit ecosystems and contemporary environmental challenges stimulates ecotourists' interest in ecotourism education, as it presents advantages that have not been explored yet. Factors, such as the prevalence of non-biodegradable products, inadequate promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, inconsistent regenerative efforts for nature, the absence of comprehensive reuse-reduce-recycle (3R) practices, insufficient product diversification, and a lack of positive environmental impact, contribute to the gaps in strongly sustainable business models (SSBMs) among organizations. We recommend incorporating blue carbon ecotourism perspectives, informed by elements of nature, socio-cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and education, to address these gaps. By strengthening the involvement of businesses in their beneficial reciprocal relationship with blue carbon ecosystems, we will better align them with global objectives for mitigating climate change and waste pollution.
More Papers Like This
The Potential of Tanjung Pinang Seaside Coast as a Blue Economy Model
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Researchers studied a coastal tourist area in Indonesia to see how it could balance tourism growth with protecting the ocean and supporting local communities. They found the area has real potential, but plastic pollution and coastline erosion are ongoing problems that need better community involvement and coordinated cleanup efforts to fix. This matters because coastal plastic waste often breaks down into microplastics that can enter seafood and drinking water, so cleaning up these tourist beaches isn't just about scenery—it's about protecting the food and water supplies people rely on.
Innovative Synergy of Circular Economy and Environmental Literacy: Transforming Eco-Tourism for Marine Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
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A study of coastal communities in Indonesia found that combining eco-friendly tourism practices (like recycling and reducing waste) with better public education about the environment helps reduce plastic pollution and restore marine ecosystems. This matters because healthier oceans mean less plastic breaking down into microplastics that end up in seafood and drinking water, but the research shows that education and green tourism alone aren't enough, real progress also requires government policies and community-wide action, not just individual eco-friendly choices.
Ecological Tourism Development in Small Islands: Meta-Analysis of Ecological Resources, Community Welfare, and Community Participation in Sustainability 2019-2024
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This review of five years of research on island ecotourism finds that when local communities help protect natural areas like mangroves and coastlines, both the environment and residents' well-being benefit. It also flags a growing concern: microplastic pollution is increasingly showing up in these coastal ecosystems, which matters for human health since these plastics can enter the food chain through seafood and eventually end up on our plates. The takeaway is that sustainable, community-led tourism isn't just good for local culture and economies—it's a practical tool for keeping our oceans and food supply cleaner.
Microplastic contamination in Southeast Asia’s blue carbon habitats – systematic review paper with bibliometric approach
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This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in Southeast Asia's mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, critical ecosystems that store carbon and support biodiversity. The findings show that these blue carbon habitats are increasingly contaminated with microplastics, threatening both ecosystem health and the coastal communities that depend on these environments for food and livelihood.
Plastic threats to coral reefs: A strategic management perspective from Bali's marine protected areas
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Researchers assessed plastic debris levels in coral reef ecosystems at two marine protected areas in Bali, finding both macroplastics and microplastics present despite their protected status. Coral health was evaluated using underwater photo transects, and plastic particles were identified through Raman spectroscopy. The study highlights that marine protected areas alone are insufficient to prevent plastic pollution from reaching vulnerable reef ecosystems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.