Mapping Ecotourism Potential in Bangladesh: The Integration of an Analytical Hierarchy Algorithm and Geospatial Data

Muhallil Abtahee, Afra Anika Islam, Md. Nazmul Haque, Hasan Zonaed, Samiha Mahzabin Ritu, Sk Md Imdadul Islam and Atiq Zaman ()
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Muhallil Abtahee: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Afra Anika Islam: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Md. Nazmul Haque: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Hasan Zonaed: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Samiha Mahzabin Ritu: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Sk Md Imdadul Islam: Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA
Atiq Zaman: Global South Nexus (GSN), School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-28

Abstract: The significance of ecotourism has been increasing due to its potential for biodiversity preservation, economic advancement, and the promotion of sustainability awareness. In this research, geospatial analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to identify feasible ecotourism sites in Bangladesh. The study applied Geographical Information System–Remote Sensing (GIS-RS) parameters and weighted overlay techniques for selected ecotourism characteristics, such as natural attractiveness, topographic features, accessibility, proximity to facilities, and community characteristics. The study found that a significant proportion (around 44%) of Bangladesh’s land exhibits high potential for ecotourism. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, and Rangamati are particularly favorable ecotourism locations. However, some difficulties emerge in regions that are not easily reachable, such as mangrove forests, and in densely inhabited localities like Dhaka. The research also identified the ecological costs linked with ecotourism, such as the exhaustion of resources, the fragmentation of habitats, contamination, and the disruption of wildlife. The primary recommendations to address the adverse effects include educating the local populace, enforcing regulatory measures, implementing efficient waste management systems, enforcing a stringent code of conduct, providing economic incentives to the local communities, and addressing the issue of food security. The cartographically delineated potential zones have the potential to function as a navigational instrument for global travelers and facilitate the decision-making process of policymakers in the realm of sustainable land resource management in Bangladesh. This study enhances the understanding of the potential of ecotourism and offers valuable insights for advancing responsible and sustainable tourism practices within the nation.

Keywords: ecotourism; AHP; GIS; economy; Bangladesh (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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