Assessing Ecotourism Opportunities in Macaronesian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): An Adapted MEET Indicator-Based Methodology

Daniela Casimiro (), Marina Diaz Escudero, José Ângelo Guerreiro and Maria Anunciação Ventura
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Daniela Casimiro: CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
Marina Diaz Escudero: CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
José Ângelo Guerreiro: Centro MARE—Marine and Environmental Research Centre, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
Maria Anunciação Ventura: CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-13

Abstract: Tourism significantly contributes to the economic growth of countries, especially in insular areas such as Small Islands Developing States (SIDSs) or the outmost regions of Europe. If managed properly, ecotourism offers a sustainable alternative by promoting nature conservation while benefiting local communities. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology to assess the existing conditions in marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Macaronesian archipelagos for the development of ecotourism activities. To achieve this, the methodology of the Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism (MEET) was adapted to the unique environmental, social, and economic context of the region. A set of indicators was developed and refined through expert evaluation and the results revealed a strong level of satisfaction with the indicators created. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of MPAs by providing a practical tool to evaluate their potential for ecotourism development. The refined indicators can assist policymakers, MPA managers, and stakeholders in designing sustainable ecotourism products that align with conservation goals, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits for the Macaronesian region.

Keywords: sustainable tourism; islands; Macaronesian archipelagos; marine protected areas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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