Ecotourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Conservation Governance in Mountain Regions

Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar, Victoria Sanagustín-Fons () and Iván López Pardo
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Isabel Pilar Castillo-Salazar: Department of Statistical Methods & Operational Research, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Victoria Sanagustín-Fons: Department of Psychology & Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Iván López Pardo: Department of Psychology & Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-28

Abstract: This study examines the multifaceted impact of ecotourism and conservation initiatives on sustainable development in the Sobrarbe region of Spain, with a particular focus on the role of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Using a mixed-methods approach, including comprehensive document analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, we investigate how ecotourism practices and land stewardship agreements contribute to local economic development, environmental conservation, and social well-being. Our findings suggest that while ecotourism has positively influenced the region’s development, significant challenges remain in balancing conservation efforts with tourism growth. The study provides nuanced insights into the complex interactions among conservation organizations, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable tourism development in rural mountain areas. By analysing the pioneering land stewardship agreement between the FCQ and the Aínsa-Sobrarbe municipality, we shed light on innovative governance models for sustainable regional development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on social-ecological systems in mountain regions and provides practical implications for policymakers and conservation practitioners.

Keywords: ecotourism; conservation; sustainable development; land stewardship; rural tourism; actor-centered institutionalism; Sobrarbe; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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