INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Beyond Nature Walks: The Everyday Realities of Community-Based

Ecotourism Workers in Davao de Oro

¹Magalona, Klent Vincent A.^*, ²Matutino, Nida P.

¹Graduate School Department, Master of Arts in Education major in Sociology Student, University of

the Immaculate Conception

²Graduate School Department, Faculty, University of the Immaculate Conception

* Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000824

Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 20 November 2025; Published: 25 November 2025

ABSTRACT

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of 17 community-based

ecotourism (CBET) workers in Davao de Oro, Philippines. Using purposive and snowball sampling, participants

were selected to participate in in-depth interviews. The gathered data were transcribed and analyzed thematically

through systematic coding and categorization to identify core themes. The study pursued three main inquiries:

lived experiences, coping mechanisms of community-based ecotourism workers with the challenges of everyday

realities in the community, and insights shared by participants regarding the benefits and challenges experienced

by communities with CBET. Based on the understanding of the lived experiences of CBET workers, seven major

themes emerged: embedded local stewardship, shared operational preparedness, cultivating sustainable

practices, exhausting resource constraints, encountering difficult tourists, precarious labor realities, and

governance power struggles. Concerning the coping mechanisms of CBET Workers with the challenges of

everyday realities in the community, three major themes emerged: composed service adaptability, collective

issue resolution, and adaptive livelihood practices. Regarding the insights the participants shared about the

benefits and challenges experienced by communities with CBET, five major themes emerged: empowered

community engagement, shared community resilience, heritage-inspired stewardship, strategic tourism

planning, and sustainable development priorities.

Keywords: Education, sociology, sustainability, Davao de Oro, phenomenology, Philippines

INTRODUCTION

Community-based ecotourism is defined as tourism that is controlled and beneficial to the residents of a given

community, while also preserving the environment (Pookhao, 2014). It aims to promote environmental

conservation and enhance local people's livelihoods by empowering them to manage tourism ventures and their

associated impacts (Fiorello & Bo, 2012). Community-based ecotourism (CBET) affects local communities in

terms of sociocultural, economic, and environmental issues, which influence them both positively and

negatively. This was founded on the shared conservation interests of residents. The growing business orientation,

however, has created conflicts of interest among community members and undermined traditional social

structures (Zuniga, 2019).

The dynamic in the community has changed with the presence of CBET; this is evident from issues regarding

equal participation and mutual decision-making in Mesomagor, a village on the fringes of Kakum National Park

in Ghana (Mensah, 2017). Similar problems have emerged elsewhere: at Gili Labak in Indonesia, ecotourism

management has prioritized revenue over conservation and culture, with weak cultural preservation and limited

community education on sustainable tourism (Fatmawati, 2019), while CBET communities in Ethiopia face poor

infrastructure, competition over resources, and shortages of skilled workers that constrain equitable and

sustainable ecotourism development (Teshome et al., 2020).

Page 10134

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Further, CBET activities are being undertaken in various parts of the Philippines, including Barangay Paniman

in Caramoan. It has a low level of active community involvement, meaning that community participation remains

at a consultative level (Amata, 2021). In Davao del Norte, CBET is welcomed, but equitable benefits-sharing is

still complex and reflects ongoing issues of governance and involvement (Hinlayagan & Ocay, 2022).

Additionally, CBET promotes responsible tourism by engaging local communities in the conservation of cultural

heritage and environmental sustainability (Khanal & Babar, 2007; Pookhao, 2014). In such a way, it can

reinforce social coherence, give a boost to its members, and preserve their cultural identity.

On this note, a review of recent studies revealed gaps that I sought to address. Most studies available have

employed cross-sectional designs, among others, to examine the long-term impacts of ecotourism on a

community and ecosystem (Mason & Cheyne, 2019). Then, an impact assessment study was conducted using

the variables to calculate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of community-based ecotourism

(Weaver, 2019). Furthermore, Buckley (2018) has provided an overview of international ecotourism projects

and highlighted the limitations of quantitative assessments of community-based ecotourism in various global

ecotourism destinations worldwide.

This study aimed to provide information unique to the CBET in the province of Davao de Oro. Additionally, the

sample was narrowed down to workers involved in or affected by CBET in Davao de Oro, ensuring a relevant

and focused sample for the study. Furthermore, the study advocated for the proactive engagement of the

community, not just as sources of data, but as partners, so that their voices and needs are at the center of the

research process and findings. The findings of this study were not only beneficial to the community but also to

the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao de Oro and other interested parties involved in the community.

These dimensions taught important lessons about the sustainability of CBET over the long term, ensuring that it

remains applicable to CBET's workers and local communities, while also promoting responsible tourism

activities. This research also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically

SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 on Sustainable

Cities and Communities. It facilitates the achievement of these objectives by encouraging inclusive economic

opportunities among workers in CBET, alleviating inequalities in benefits sharing, and ensuring that local

communities are sustainable and resilient.

The results will be disseminated to the local ecotourism communities and municipal constituents that are

directly affected by the research. Then, this will be presented to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao

de Oro and relevant provincial offices to support informed planning and decision-making.

At the macro level, findings will be disseminated through regional, national and international conference and

meeting presentations before submission to peer-reviewed journals and publication.

Research Questions

1. What are the lived experiences of community-based ecotourism (CBET) workers?

2. How do community-based ecotourism (CBET) workers cope with the challenges of everyday realities in the

community?

3. What insights can the community-based ecotourism (CBET) workers share with the community?

Theoretical Lens

This study is viewed from the perspective of Symbolic Interactionism, as presented by Herbert Blumer (1969).

Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological theory that focuses on how individuals create and establish meaning

in their social interactions. It is based on subjective experiences of people and how they construct their realities

through common symbols, language, and interactions (Blumer, 1969).

Moreover, this theory can be ascribed to three key principles: meaning is a creation of social interaction, people

act in ways that correspond to the meaning they ascribe to objects, events, and people, and interpretive processes

constantly transform meanings. Additionally, Symbolic Interactionism may be particularly useful in

Page 10135

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

understanding how people define their social worlds, make sense of their roles, and construct their identities

within specific contexts. It provides an entry point into examining individuals lived experiences and the

meanings they assign to their interactions and environments.

This study used the theory as a guide to study the lived experiences of community-based ecotourism workers in

Davao de Oro. This theory helped the authors understand how workers perceived their roles, relationships, and

the general effects of CBET on their lives through the meanings they assigned to their involvement in CBET. It

shed light on how workers perceived their relationships with tourists, governmental institutions, and other

community members, and how these relationships shaped their identity and sense of belonging.

The theory was also applied to derive symbolic meanings attributed to the CBET, such as how workers have

come to value it as a source of empowerment, economic opportunity, or community development. It is through

these meanings and interactions that the study was to provide a more accurate understanding of the impact of

CBET on the social fabric and well-being of the communities involved.

Delimitations and Limitations

This study focused on the lived experiences of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) workers in the Province

of Davao de Oro, Philippines. The study was limited to individuals with multiple job roles who are actively

involved or directly influenced by CBET, thus providing a focused and pertinent sample.

The research has emphasized the social, cultural, and environmental effects of CBET, but its economic aspects

have received less attention, as they have been extensively researched in previous studies. Additionally, the

research was limited to qualitative data gathered using phenomenological techniques, with an emphasis on in-

depth knowledge rather than generalizability.

In addition, this research was able to capture the depth and meaning of the participants' lived experiences, rather

than generating findings that are generalizable to the broader population. Because the study relied heavily on

personal reflections, the data may contain certain levels of bias or variation due to the way participants perceived

and communicated their experiences. Additionally, the study was limited to a single area and a small group of

participants in Davao de Oro, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other regions and settings.

Lastly, there were also practical limitations, including time and resources, which may have impacted the scope

and breadth of data collection and, consequently, the depth of the study.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

We employed a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological orientation. A qualitative research

method involves gathering data within a natural environment to understand the lived experiences of participants.

It is concerned with discovering the meanings, experiences, and views of participants, rather than defining or

preconceiving them. We engaged participants in their natural setting, thereby seeking to capture the essence of

their lived experiences. Moreover, the current research employed a phenomenological approach within the

framework of qualitative research. Phenomenology is concerned with the experiences that people share

regarding a phenomenon and examines the perceptions and interpretations of these lived experiences by the

participants (Creswell, 2013). It was applied to understand the lived experiences of community-based ecotourism

(CBET) workers in Davao de Oro in the context of CBET.

This approach is well-suited for exploring the lived experiences of individuals or groups, aligning perfectly with

the study's aim and prioritizing firsthand accounts, truthful reporting, and incorporating actual quotes from

conversations to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study (Creswell, 2013).

Research Participants

The study involved community-based ecotourism workers from several CBET sites in Davao de Oro. These

workers performed multiple job functions and were directly involved in the day-to-day operations of their

Page 10136

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

respective destinations. CBET sites in the province are supported by local government units and recognized in

the Provincial Tourism Development and Marketing Plan 2023–2027 and by the Department of Tourism.

Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure that those included had substantial knowledge

and experience in CBET activities. The inclusion criteria required that participants: (a) were at least 18 years

old; (b) resided in Davao de Oro; (c) had worked in CBET for more than three years; and (d) performed multiple

roles rather than holding purely managerial or single-function positions. Tourists, external stakeholders, and

residents without direct involvement in CBET were excluded. To broaden the range of perspectives, we also

used snowball sampling, asking initial participants to recommend other CBET workers with similar experience

who might be willing to participate (Mesa et al., 2016).

A total of 17 CBET workers took part in in-depth interviews, which falls within the recommended range of 5–

25 participants for phenomenological studies (Creswell, 2013).

Data Sources

The primary data source consisted of in-depth interviews with 17 CBET workers. These interviews formed the

core of the study and were conducted using a semi-structured guide to elicit detailed accounts of participants'

experiences, roles, and challenges. To strengthen triangulation, the interviews were complemented by field

notes, which captured observations during site visits, such as physical conditions of CBET sites, interactions

among workers and visitors, non-verbal cues, and hesitations when discussing sensitive topics, documentary

materials, including provincial tourism plans, local policies, and relevant legislation related to CBET. These

multiple data sources allowed the authors to corroborate and contextualize participants' narratives, reduce

overreliance on single accounts, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the governance and everyday

realities of CBET work in Davao de Oro.

Data Analysis

Data analysis followed the six interrelated steps suggested by Creswell (2013). First, all raw materials—

including verbatim interview transcripts, field notes, and documentary sources—were organized, labeled, and

stored systematically. Second, the researchers read the transcripts and notes several times to gain a holistic sense

of the data, paying close attention to tone, pauses, and emotional expressions.

Third, initial codes were generated by highlighting significant statements and segments related to the research

questions. Fourth, similar codes were clustered into broader categories and themes that captured shared meanings

and recurring patterns in CBET workers’ experiences.

Fifth, these themes were developed into rich descriptions and interpretive narratives that conveyed the essence

of participants lived experiences while remaining grounded in their own words. Finally, the themes were

integrated into a coherent account and linked to existing literature and policy documents, allowing the findings

to be communicated to both academic and practitioner audiences, including community leaders and tourism

authorities.

Trustworthiness of the Study

This study considered the trustworthiness of the data and handled the participants' stories and experiences with

sensitivity and responsibility, reflecting their lived experiences as community workers of the CBET in Davao de

Oro.

It also explored qualitative methods to ensure the reliability of the results. It discussed four key points:

credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Qualitative researchers value understanding

diverse perspectives. To gain credibility and objectivity, this research successfully enhanced trustworthiness

(Elo et al., 2014).

Credibility. We recruited the participants carefully to ensure the credibility of the data. Only community workers

from community-based ecotourism in Davao de Oro who met the outlined inclusion criteria were selected. This

Page 10137

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

was selected to make sure that the participants had prior experience with CBET. We conducted the interviews

in good faith and was capable of recording the answers without any manipulation or distortion. To gather varied

views, we assumed several roles throughout the interviews, including moderator, recorder, and note-taker.

Moreover, the data was collected not in one location, but in a range of CBETs in Davao de Oro. This is a multi-

site method of enhancing the validity of findings (Patton, 1999).

Transferability. While the study's findings are context-specific to CBETs in Davao de Oro and not statistically

generalizable, we ensured transferability through thick description. We provided detailed information about the

participants' roles, experiences (ranging from 1 to 9 years), and the specific socio-economic context of the

CBETs, as supported by local tourism plans. This allows readers to assess the potential applicability of these

insights to similar settings elsewhere. This openness enables the authors to consider the relevance of the study

to other environments, allowing them to make informed judgments regarding the feasibility and validity of the

study (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008).

Dependability. This study has employed a rigorous data analysis procedure to ensure the research is dependable

and minimize bias. This involved a coding-recording procedure in which all participant responses of CBET in

Davao de Oro were assessed multiple times. This made it possible to identify recurring themes and simplify data

reduction, as it allowed for a focus on the most significant information. Additionally, peer debriefing was

conducted to achieve data triangulation. In this case, we have discussed the findings with a colleague to identify

possible biases and assess consistency with the research. Finally, it aims to evaluate the dependability of the

study and determine whether the same results would be achieved in the event of repeating the research. The

process, however, does take into consideration the factual constraints of achieving ideal replicability in

qualitative research (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008).

Confirmability. The study used only the data of the participants that were recorded using audio-recordings and

detailed notes to achieve confirmability. The personal interpretations were minimized to prevent

misinterpretation. An audit trail was maintained, and all responses were documented. Emerging themes,

including benefits, challenges, suggestions, and observations, were highlighted. Moreover, the member checking

was used. Following the development of themes, we returned to the participants to discuss the findings and

ensured that the lived experiences of the participants were accurately captured in the research. Such a cooperative

method enhances confirmability, as it ensures that the findings are based on the participants' views and not

influenced by the authors (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008).

Role of the Researchers

The researchers served as inquirers, data collectors, transcribers, and interpreters throughout the study. They

designed the study, formulated the research questions, and selected a phenomenological framework consistent

with the aim of understanding CBET workers’ lived experiences. As data collectors, they conducted the in-depth

interviews and field observations, establishing rapport with participants and creating a safe, respectful

environment for sharing. Given that one researcher works for the Provincial Government, reflexivity was

important; personal opinions and policy knowledge were intentionally bracketed to minimize undue influence

on participants’ responses.

The researchers transcribed the interviews, coded and analyzed the data thematically, and continually reflected

on their assumptions to ensure that interpretations remained grounded in participants’ accounts. In presenting

the findings, they aimed to faithfully represent CBET workers’ realities and highlight their contributions to

tourism development in Davao de Oro.

Ethical Consideration

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the University of the Immaculate Conception Research Ethics

Committee. The researchers upheld the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and transparency.

Participants were informed of the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of their involvement, their right to

withdraw at any time without consequences, and the ways in which their data would be used and stored.

Pseudonyms were used in all transcripts and reports, and identifying details were removed to protect participants’

Page 10138

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

privacy and well-being.

RESULTS

Lived Experiences of Community-based Ecotourism Workers

Shown in Table 1 was the lived experience of community-based ecotourism workers. The essential themes that

emerged from the participants' statements are as follows: embedded local stewardship, shared operational

preparedness, cultivating sustainable practices, exhausting resource constraint, encountering difficult tourists,

precarious labor realities, and governance power struggle.

TABLE 1. Lived Experiences ofCBET Workers

Essential Theme

Core Ideas

Embedded Local Stewardship

They live in the area, rely on it for their livelihood. Recruitment

through social connections in the barangay. Not only as a

livelihood but also as a responsibility to protect nature.

Shared Operational Preparedness

Cultivating Sustainable Practices

Workers highlight teamwork to ensure a smooth operation.

Daily effort to maintain the cleanliness of the area. Ensure a

culture of readiness.

Constantly remind guests not to litter, smoke, or cut trees, or

pollute water sources Informing visitors about boundaries,

proper behavior, and respect for unseen spiritual beings

Remind guests to ensure safety

Exhausting Resource Constraint

Limited budget from the LGU Lack of facilities Maintenance

is heavy and exhausting. Workers face landslides, floods, soil

erosion, and even tornadoes. Natural calamities disrupt

operations.

Encountering Difficult Tourists

Precarious Labor Realities

Tourists ignoring rules, Drunkenness, noise, or unsafe acts,

Strict or demanding guests

Low and unstable wages, dependency on guests numbers,

Workers endure physically demanding tasks, Work beyond

capacity, even sacrificing personal needs

Governance Power Struggle

Land rights tension , Profit-sharing issues, Management

authority concern

Coping Mechanisms of Community-based Ecotourism Workers with the Challenges of Everyday Realities in

the Community

The coping mechanisms of community-based ecotourism workers in response to the challenges of everyday

community realities are presented in Table 2. The essential themes that emerged from the participants' statements

include: composed service adaptability, collective issue resolution, and adaptive livelihood practices.

TABLE 2. Coping Mechanism ofCBET Workers with the Challenges ofEveryday Realities in the Community

Essential Theme

Core Ideas

Composed Service Adaptability

Workers maintain hospitality even when criticized, misjudged, or

wrongly blamed.

Page 10139

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

They strive to explain calmly tourists’ guidelines and make do with

available resources.

Prioritize listening and accommodating others’ perspectives

Avoidance of confrontation

Collective Issue Resolution

Involve the barangay leaders in boundary issues

Conduct community meetings

Issues beyond local resolution are elevated to municipal offices, MENRO,

Tourism, or the police

Adaptive Livelihood Practices

Workers turn to site owners or managers for financial help.

Families diversify their income through fishing or selling goods.

Multiple income streams.

Workers understand each other's limitations, especially for financial

concerns.

Insights shared by the Participants as Regards the Benefits and Challenges Experienced by the Communities

with Community-based Ecotourism Workers

Table 3 presents the insights of community-based ecotourism workers on the benefits and challenges

experienced by their communities with CBET. The essential themes that emerged from the participants'

statements include: empowered community engagement, shared community resilience, heritage-inspired

stewardship, strategic tourism planning, and sustainable development priorities.

TABLE 3. Insights shared by the Participants as Regards the Benefits and Challenges Experienced by the Communities

with CBET

Essential Theme

Core Ideas

Empowered Community Engagement

Helped them overcome shyness

Learned how to interact with a diverse range of people

Learned to voice their opinions and stand up for their rights

Learned the importance of patience, humility

Shared Community Resilience

Heritage-Inspired Stewardship

Maintained a positive attitude even when dealing with difficult

customers

Learned persistence and to work together to find solutions

Learned the importance of community input and collective effort in

developing and managing ecotourism projects

Gained a deeper understanding of their community's traditions,

history, and sacred places

Developed a stronger sense of environmental stewardship

Learned the need to abide by regulations to avoid environmental

damage

Strengthen cultural preservation and collaboration among different

tribes

Strategic Tourism Planning

Recommend having a formal business plan.

Page 10140

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Consult with experts and local tourism offices

Secure the necessary permits

Underscore the importance of securing a titled property to avoid

future land disputes and political interference

Sustainable Development Priorities

The need to separate business from politics

Express a desire for more support from the government, particularly

in infrastructure development and disaster relief

Ensure the welfare and training of their employees

Recognize that improvements are needed, such as better roads,

new cottages, and additional facilities

DISCUSSION

Lived Experiences of Community-based Ecotourism Workers

Based on the transcribed lived experiences of CBET workers, several themes emerged from their statements,

including embedded local stewardship, shared operational preparedness, cultivating sustainable practices,

exhausting resource constraints, encounter difficult tourists, precarious labor realities, and governance power

struggle.

Embedded local stewardship. The study reflected that CBET workers are closely tied to their local area through

social ties within the barangay, which provide livelihood opportunities and foster a shared responsibility for

environmental protection and preservation. This result implies that CBET sustainability depends on

strengthening community-driven stewardship, where cultural attachment and social networks motivate both

livelihood support and environmental protection.

This emerging theme is consistent with the study of Treephan (2019), who highlighted that CBET is deeply

intertwined with community relationships, religious values, and heritage, illustrating how stewardship grounded

in tradition fosters both environmental conservation and cultural sustainability. Similarly, the result is consistent

with the study of Stone (2015), who emphasized that stewardship rooted in genuine participation, in which this

approach strengthens community ownership and responsibility. This perspective aligns with how CBET

workers’ deep connection to their area fosters collective action and shared accountability for environmental

protection.

In addition, the result aligns with Guerrero-Moreno and Oliveira-Junior (2024), who note that while CBET

promotes conservation, inclusive participation ultimately strengthens community stewardship and ensures long-

term sustainability, a finding that directly supports this study's emphasis on social drivers. In this light, Palan

and Priyanto (2025) asserted that local community involvement is essential for attaining sustainable tourism

development, while Gomez (2025) demonstrated that community members' commitment to conservation is

strongly driven by perceptions, cultural values, and livelihood dependencies.

Shared operational preparedness. The study highlighted that CBET workers rely on teamwork and shared

responsibility to maintain site readiness and cleanliness, demonstrating a culture of cooperation essential for

sustaining tourism activities and delivering quality services. This result implies that CBET success depends on

strengthening operational systems that emphasize teamwork, consistency, and shared accountability in

maintaining service quality and community trust.

This finding aligns with the study by Widiartanto et al. (2022), who emphasized the role of social capital, such

as trust and cooperation, in enhancing both social cohesion and sustainability in CBET. Likewise, the emerging

theme confirms the study by Kunjuraman et al. (2022) that the development and management of tourism

activities in CBET involve the active participation of local community members and stakeholders. In addition,

the results agree with the study of Kontogeorgopoulos (2005) that the daily shared responsibilities observed

Page 10141

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

among workers exemplify the social cooperation as the core of CBET.

Likewise, this cooperative environment directly builds the high degree of readiness as emphasized by Chong et

al. (2022), which they found instrumental for successful ecotourism implementation. In addition, this internal

teamwork and accountability provide the essential foundation for the kind of effective inter-organizational

collaboration highlighted by Manaf et al. (2018), demonstrating that strong internal systems enable broader

community impact.

Cultivating sustainable practices. The study revealed that CBET workers actively cultivate sustainable practices

among tourists by guiding proper behavior, respecting site boundaries and local beliefs, and prioritizing safety,

demonstrating that sustainability in CBET encompasses both environmental preservation and the protection of

cultural values through community stewardship. This result implies that the long-term success of CBET relies

on workers' capacity to integrate environmental care, cultural respect, and visitor management into daily

practices.

The emerging theme aligns with the study by Hafezi et al. (2023), which highlights that the sustainability of

CBET depends on workers’ ability to balance environmental care, cultural respect, and visitor engagement.

Similarly, the result agrees with the study of Anup (2015), which found that active participation of site-level

personnel in guiding visitor behavior strengthens conservation practices, highlighting the critical role of workers

in translating community objectives into daily sustainable actions. Further, the emerging theme agrees with the

study of Wibowo et al. (2023), which highlights that that when CBET workers are actively involved in

operational and visitor-management tasks, it fosters trust with visitors and cohesion within the local team, which

is essential for maintaining consistent sustainable practices.

Furthermore, Erdawati et al. (2024) demonstrate that those who directly manage tourism activities at the site

level develop a sense of ownership that drives environmentally and culturally responsible practices, ensuring the

protection of local resources, and Cheng and Chen (2022) affirm that that workers’ guidance, informed by

cultural attachment and local knowledge, encourages visitors to engage in environmentally responsible

behaviors, reinforcing the workers’ role as mediators of sustainability.

Exhausting resource constraints. The study revealed that CBET workers face persistent challenges from limited

local government support, inadequate facilities, and demanding site maintenance, all of which are intensified by

recurring natural hazards that disrupt operations and strain their capacity to cope. This result manifests that the

sustainability of CBET hinges on community commitment and the provision of adequate resources,

infrastructure, and disaster-preparedness mechanisms to ensure resilience against environmental and operational

disruptions.

This finding aligns with the study of Stone (2015), who emphasized that the success of CBET is often

undermined by capacity issues and resource limitations, which create barriers to sustainable tourism

management. Moreover, the results confirm the study by Teshome et al. (2025), which found that infrastructural,

manpower, and awareness-related difficulties are present in community-based ecotourism. Similarly, the

emerging theme conforms with Tsai et al. (2016), who found that residents in disaster-prone tourism areas

experience heightened operational challenges due to environmental fragility and recurring natural hazards,

highlighting the critical need for adequate resources, infrastructure, and preparedness measures to sustain

tourism activities.

At the same time, Guerrero-Moreno and Oliveira-Junior (2024) noted that while CBET offers cultural and

environmental benefits, its long-term viability is threatened when communities lack adequate external support

and capacity-building mechanisms. Adding a critical perspective, Warinda et al. (2024) observed that structural

issues such as corruption, weak stakeholder collaboration, and poor governance exacerbate resource constraints,

leaving communities vulnerable to economic stagnation and failure.

Encountering difficult tourists. CBET workers often deal with tourists who disregard established rules, engage

in drunken or unsafe behavior, or make strict and unreasonable demands. Such situations test their ability to

maintain both hospitality and order, requiring them to balance service delivery with the enforcement of

Page 10142

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

community norms. This suggests that managing difficult tourists is a matter of control or discipline and meaning-

making, where workers interpret these actions through the lens of cultural values and community expectations.

This finding aligns with Nguyen et al. (2023), who noted that frontline staff and local guides often interpret

tourists’ rule-breaking behaviors through local cultural norms, adjusting their responses to maintain order while

upholding community values. Similarly, the result agrees with the study of Alsarayreh (2018) that tourists have

an inherent responsibility to respect and protect the destinations they visit. Further, Pookhao (2014) emphasized

that effective management of visitor behavior requires attention to shared community goals and cooperative

enforcement, highlighting the role of workers in mediating tensions and ensuring that tourism activities respect

local customs. Likewise, Krüger (2005) highlighted that adherence to local values is crucial for minimizing

conflicts.

Anchored on Blumer's (1969) Symbolic Interactionism, these encounters illustrate how CBET workers construct

meaning from tourists' behavior and adapt their responses accordingly, whether they perceive such acts as

disrespectful, unsafe, or simply uninformed. Through these social interactions, workers define their dual roles

as both service providers and custodians of local rules, thereby reinforcing their identity as stewards of both

culture and the environment.

Precarious labor realities. The study revealed that CBET workers face precarious labor conditions, including

unstable, guest-dependent wages and physically demanding work that often requires personal sacrifice to sustain

operations. This implies that while CBET promotes livelihood opportunities and community development, it

simultaneously exposes workers to economic insecurity and labor vulnerability, reflecting a fragile balance

between sustainability and survival.

The emerging theme agrees with the study by Robinson et al. (2019), that tourism employment often reproduces

precarious, low-paid, and seasonal work, leaving local workers vulnerable to income instability. Likewise, the

result aligns with the study by Valente et al. (2023), which highlighted that labor precarity in visitor economies

contributes to household vulnerability and limits livelihood choices among tourism workers. In addition, Mai et

al. (2023) confirmed that precarious labor conditions are strongly linked to negative well-being outcomes,

underscoring the importance of fair labor policies within tourism-based livelihoods.

In addition, Guidetti et al. (2021) highlighted that while seasonal tourism work is inherently precarious and

marked by instability, some workers still value its flexibility and social aspects, showing the multifaceted

perception of precarious labor. Likewise, Radlińska and Gardziejewska (2022) found that tourism enterprises

often rely on seasonal employment patterns, where workers experience intense workloads during peak seasons

and limited opportunities afterward, mirroring the employment insecurity seen among CBET workers.

Governance power struggle. The study revealed that governance power struggles in CBET operations arise from

unclear institutional arrangements and power imbalances among communities, government units, and private

entities, which hinder equitable benefit-sharing and erode community trust. This implies that governance remains

a critical determinant of CBET success, where inclusive decision-making and transparent benefit-sharing are

essential to sustaining social cohesion and local empowerment.

This finding aligns with the study by Duong et al. (2024) that the absence of inclusive governance and equitable

benefit distribution often results in power asymmetries and community disputes in CBET. Similarly, the merging

theme agrees with the study by Stone (2015) that unequal access to resources and decision-making authority

fosters exclusion and marginalization among community members. Pookhao (2014) further confirmed that weak

governance and the shift from communal to profit-driven management undermine collective goals and provoke

internal tensions.

Adding to these concerns, Raftopoulos (2018) observed that competition for tourism revenue and

commodification of nature can intensify disputes, highlighting the need for transparent decision-making and

equitable benefit-sharing to maintain social cohesion. Finally, Krüger (2005) emphasized that ensuring equitable

participation and amplifying local voices in decision-making are crucial to mitigating governance conflicts and

ensuring the long-term sustainability of CBET..

Page 10143

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Coping Mechanisms of Community-based Ecotourism Workers with the Challenges of Everyday Realities in

the Community

A number of themes emerged from their statements on the coping mechanisms of community-based ecotourism

workers on the challenges of everyday realities in the community, namely: composed service adaptability,

collective issue resolution, and adaptive livelihood practices.

Composed Service Adaptability. The study revealed that CBET workers cope with criticism, misjudgment, and

unjust blame through composed service adaptability, maintaining hospitality and professionalism despite limited

resources while regulating their emotions to preserve community harmony, sustain positive relations, and protect

the reputation of CBET. This result manifests that composed service adaptability is a manifestation of cultural

resilience and emotional intelligence among CBET workers.

This finding aligns with the study by Ramos and Prideaux (2013), which suggests that collaboration and

respectful engagement with stakeholders are vital for navigating empowerment challenges within community

tourism. In addition, the results confirm the study by Pilquimán-Vera et al. (2020), which found that CBET

fosters resilience by reinforcing cultural revitalization and social capacities, enabling workers to remain

composed even in adverse circumstances. Likewise, the emerging theme aligns with the study by Koo et al.

(2022), which suggests that during times of crisis, maintaining effective communication and emotional resilience

enables tourism workers to cope with stress and sustain service quality. As emphasized by Idajati et al. (2024),

trust-based social networks and individual competence enhance community resilience, reflecting the workers'

ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure.

Collective issue resolution. CBET workers in Davao de Oro employ collective issue resolution as a coping

mechanism, transforming individual challenges such as boundary disputes into opportunities for reinforcing

community governance. This process, which escalates issues from barangay dialogues to local and national

government agencies, exemplifies the multi-level, adaptive governance essential for CBET. This demonstrates

that collective issue resolution strengthens both social cohesion and the sustainability of CBET initiatives,

ensuring that disputes are managed fairly while empowering community members to actively participate in

decision-making.

This finding supports the study by Ramos and Prideaux (2013), which suggests that moving beyond the concept

of vigorous collaboration to reveal its precise mechanism involves a structured, tiered system of conflict

resolution embedded within local political structures. Additionally, the result aligns with the study by Teshome

et al. (2021), which demonstrates how organized community management systems function in practice to

strengthen cooperative capacity and facilitate collective issue resolution within the community. Furthermore, the

finding aligns with the study by Zhan (2024), which emphasizes the importance of regulatory alignment,

demonstrating how community aspirations are operationalized through existing government channels. In this

vein, the collective approach embodies participatory governance and resilience strategies, as highlighted by

Zhang et al. (2022), enabling communities to navigate the complex and unpredictable challenges of CBET.

Adaptive livelihood practices. CBET workers in Davao de Oro adopt adaptive livelihood practices to cope with

financial uncertainties, seeking occasional support from site owners or managers and diversifying household

income through alternative activities and small-scale enterprises, which helps stabilize finances and reflects a

cooperative understanding of one another’s constraints. This implies that adaptive livelihood strategies are

essential for sustaining both individual and community resilience, enabling workers to remain engaged in CBET

operations despite economic fluctuations.

This finding aligns with the study by Clark et al. (2024), which highlighted that self-organization and

entrepreneurial initiatives within tourism communities enhance adaptive capacity, enabling workers to navigate

financial and operational challenges more effectively. Similarly, the results support the study by Erdawati and

Ayub (2024), which suggests that economic empowerment through ecotourism provides new income-generating

opportunities for local communities. Many have established small businesses using locally sourced materials,

contributing to an improved quality of life. Moreover, Imanuloh and Wahyuni (2024) found that ecotourism

development fundamentally restructures community life by enhancing social, human, physical, and financial

Page 10144

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

livelihood capital, thereby fostering a transition toward sustainable, tourism-based livelihoods.

Additionally, Guerrero-Moreno and Oliveira (2024) emphasize that active participation in CBET initiatives,

including involvement in operational and livelihood activities, enhances both economic stability and social

cohesion, thereby reinforcing resilience at both the individual and community levels.

Insights shared by the Participants as Regards the Benefits and Challenges Experienced by the Communities

with Community-based Ecotourism

Several themes emerged from the insights shared by participants regarding the benefits and challenges

experienced by communities with CBET. These themes are empowered community engagement, shared

community resilience, heritage-inspired stewardship, strategic tourism planning, and sustainable development

priorities.

Empowered community engagement. The study found that CBET empowers workers by developing their

communication skills and social confidence, which in turn encourages active participation in community

decision-making. This manifests that empowered engagement in CBET is a transformative process that builds

confidence, social cohesion, and participatory capacity essential for inclusive and resilient CBET.

This finding aligns with the study of Duong et al. (2024), who emphasized that CBET serves as a social

transformation tool by creating positive changes in the socio-cultural aspects of community life. Similarly, the

result confirms the study by Aliah et al. (2020), which highlighted that participation in CBET enhances social

interactions and fosters stronger community relationships. Also, Stone and Stone (2020) noted that active

participation can lead to the realization of sustainable CBET outcomes, underscoring the importance of genuine

engagement and empowerment among community stakeholders. Additionally, Santoso et al. (2024) argued that

empowering individuals through active participation fosters collective action and resilience, which are crucial

for the long-term sustainability of CBET.

Shared community resilience. Participation in CBET has fostered community resilience in Davao de Oro.

Through daily interactions and operational challenges, workers develop patience and optimism. This shared

experience builds the trust and collaboration needed to persevere, showing that resilience is a socially constructed

process. This suggests that shared community resilience in CBET settings extends beyond personal endurance;

it represents a collective capacity for adaptation, cooperation, and positive transformation.

The emerging theme aligns with the study by Idajati et al. (2024), which posits that strong social networks and

individual capabilities significantly enhance community resilience. Similarly, the result agrees with the study by

Pilquimán-Vera et al. (2020), which emphasized that CBET strengthens resilience by reinforcing social

capacities within communities. In addition, Chen et al. (2019) affirmed that for a community to achieve

significant and long-term resiliency, its collective ability to act together must be fully harnessed, while Fiseha

(2019) noted that active community involvement fosters social cohesion and resilience, supporting the idea that

shared resilience in CBET is socially constructed and cultivated through collaboration.

Heritage-Inspired Stewardship. CBET has reinforced workers' cultural identity and environmental stewardship.

By engaging with tourists and sustainable practices, they have developed a deeper appreciation for their heritage

and a collective responsibility to protect it. This has strengthened inter-tribal collaboration and the preservation

of indigenous knowledge. This manifests that CBET cultivates heritage-inspired stewardship, where

environmental care and cultural pride are intertwined, sustaining both the local community and its residents.

The emerging theme supports the study by Tauro et al. (2021), which concluded that ecotourism reconnects

people with their cultural and biological heritage, integrating local identity, educational practices, and respect

for both natural and cultural traditions. Additionally, the results affirm the study by Gajardo et al. (2023), which

found that local perceptions of heritage, spirituality, and identity are strongly linked to environmental

conservation and a sense of place, underscoring the importance of integrating cultural and non-monetary

environmental values into practical conservation policies. Likewise, the findings align with the study by

Treephan (2019), which emphasizes that environmental preservation is inextricably linked to cultural and

Page 10145

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

spiritual heritage, advocating for the integration of local traditions into ecotourism.

Complementing these, Aliah et al. (2020) found that active community participation in tourism development

enhances social cohesion and empowerment when indigenous cultural heritage is meaningfully integrated into

CBET practices. Likewise, Shahzalal (2016) notes that such participatory processes foster a deep sense of pride

and cultural identity among community members, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between heritage

preservation and sustainable tourism.

Strategic tourism planning. The study demonstrates that CBET workers link long-term sustainability to proactive

legal planning. Securing permits and land titles is seen as vital to shield projects from political and legal

challenges. This not only ensures compliance but also bolsters community confidence and a sense of ownership.

This implies that sustainable CBET requires deliberate and inclusive planning rooted in local knowledge and

institutional collaboration.

These findings are supported by Dangi and Jamal (2016), who emphasized that the sustainability of community-

based tourism depends on well-defined governance structures, clear business planning, and stakeholder

partnerships. Likewise, the results align with the study by Hilario et al. (2024), which affirms that stakeholders

show commitment through their active engagement in resource management, collaborative initiatives, and

tourism planning. Additionally, Gherghina (2015) concurs that securing a tourism license, operational permits,

and professional certification is a mandatory prerequisite for tourism agencies, underscoring the significant role

of these documents in ensuring a high level of quality and safety. Adding depth, Asian Development Bank (2015)

emphasized the clear titles establish definitive land ownership, reducing the likelihood of conflicts over land use

and access that can arise from competing interests.

Sustainable development priorities. CBET workers advocated for divorcing tourism initiatives from political

influence to ensure stability and fairness. Their call for enhanced government support spans infrastructure,

disaster response, and employee training, emphasizing that tangible improvements in facilities and welfare are

crucial for long-term success. This implies that long-term sustainability in CBET depends on depoliticized

governance, strengthened partnerships, workforce development, and strategic investment in infrastructure.

This finding aligns with the study by Mansur et al. (2024), who emphasize that sustainable tourism development

must maintain ecological balance through transparent governance models. Likewise, the findings support the

study by Zhang et al. (2020), which suggests that enhancing community competence through education and

training is vital for the social capital and economic sustainability of tourism. Additionally, Ursa and Arunkumar

(2023) concur that investing in local resources and training equips communities with the skills necessary for

sustaining tourism growth, and suggest that well-planned infrastructure attracts tourists while enriching the local

economy. Adding depth, Sinha et al. (2025) emphasize that government support through infrastructure

development is necessary for facilitating sustainable development in ecotourism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided an in-depth account of the world of CBET workers in Davao de Oro. Findings revealed the

overwhelming breadth of their responsibilities. They not only conserve the natural environment but also preserve

the cultural identity and heritage of their community. They must navigate the daily intricacies of social

interactions, manage limited resources, and respond to the continuous demands of keeping community-based

ecotourism operations functioning.

The results further showed that maintaining community-based ecotourism is a complex and uncertain endeavor.

Its success is not guaranteed; rather, it depends on effective community-level engagement, strong and responsive

leadership, realistic and context-sensitive planning, and the capacity of workers and communities to adapt

livelihood strategies as conditions evolve. The study also underscored a persistent gap between the intended

purpose of tourism-related policies and the day-to-day experiences of CBET workers on the ground. This

discrepancy highlights the need to align tourism development frameworks with the lived realities of those who

implement and sustain CBET initiatives at the community level.

Page 10146

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Overall, the findings emphasize that for CBET to become a truly sustainable endeavor, CBET workers must be

genuinely empowered. They require sustained support through good governance, meaningful capacity-building

initiatives, and evidence-based interventions rather than purely theoretical or compliance-driven programs. The

study highlights the importance of incorporating the lived experiences of CBET workers into policy-making

processes, program design, and the broader governance of tourism. Additionally, the study highlights the

potential of experiential and participatory approaches in enhancing both community empowerment and

sustainable tourism outcomes. By foregrounding the perspectives and practices of CBET workers, the research

contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between governance, community agency, and

sustainability in tourism development.

Building on these findings, future research on CBET should deepen and broaden this knowledge base by

examining other aspects of community involvement, sustainability, and governance, including through

longitudinal designs that trace how CBET features and community adaptation strategies evolve. Comparative

case studies across different regions of the Philippines, as well as mixed-methods approaches that measure key

variables such as income changes, job security, participation in decision-making, and environmental

conservation measures, would provide a more complete picture of the socio-economic and environmental effects

of CBET. It is also crucial for future studies to include all key stakeholders, such as tourists, Local Government

Units (LGUs), and private sector partners, to better understand how their roles, decisions, and collaborations

shape the governance and sustainability of CBET. Through such avenues of inquiry, future research can generate

practical and actionable evidence that informs fair and evidence-based policies, strengthens participatory

governance, and promotes a more resilient, sustainable, and socially inclusive tourism model in the Philippines.

REFERENCES

1. Aliah, Nur & Ibrahim, Mazne & Rusli, Siti & derweanna, Simpong & Abd Razak, Nurul Fardila &

Harnidah, Samengon & a Ridzuan, Nurashikin & Othman, Azimah. (2020). Empowering indigenous

communities through participation in tourism. 7. 309-329. 10.1504/IJTA.2019.107323.

2. Alsarayreh, M. N. (2018). The impact of tourists in ecotourism sites. Business Management and Strategy,

9(1), Article ID 12601. https://doi.org/10.5296/bms.v9i1.12601

3. Amata, J. P. (2021). Extent of Community Participation in the Ecotourism Project in Caramoan,

Camarines

Sur,

Philippines.

Open

Access

Library

Journal,

8,

1-29.

https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1107790.

4. Anup, K.C. (2015). Ecotourism and Its Role in Sustainable Development of Nepal. InTech. doi:

10.5772/62308

5. Asian Development Bank. (2015). Understanding land issues and their impact on tourism development:

A

political

economy

analysis

of

Pohnpei,

Federated

States

of

Micronesia.

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/176085/land-issues-tourism-development-fcas.pdf

6. Blumer H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. Berkeley: University of California

Press.

7. Buckley, R. (2018). "Ecotourism and Sustainability: An Introduction." Ecotourism. Routledge.

8. Chen, F., Xu, H., & Lew, A. A. (2019). Livelihood resilience in tourism communities: the role of human

agency.

Journal

of

Sustainable

Tourism,

28(4),

606–624.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1694029

9. Cheng, Z., & Chen, X. (2022). The Effect of Tourism Experience on Tourists’ Environmentally

Responsible Behavior at Cultural Heritage Sites: The Mediating Role of Cultural Attachment.

Sustainability, 14(1), 565. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010565

10. Chong,F., Abdul Aziz, N. A., Pengiran Bagul, A. H. B., Saikim, F., & Le, G. (2021). Community

preparedness in ecotourism development and their role in maintaining the natural resources in Kadamaian

area, Sabah. Journal of Tropical Biology

https://doi.org/10.51200/jtbc.v18i.3448

&

Conservation (JTBC), 18, 115–129.

11. Clark, C., Nyaupane, G., & Xiao, X. (2024). Building community resilience and adaptive capacity

through investments in tourism and conservation. Journal of Travel Research.

https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875241304482

12. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (5th

Page 10147

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

13. Dangi, T. B., & Jamal, T. (2016). An integrated approach to “sustainable community-based tourism.”

Sustainability, 8(5), 475. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8050475

14. Dey, T., Kamruzzaman, M., Islam, M. A., Bachar, B. K., & Pitol, M. N. S. (2020). Attitudes of local

people towards community-based eco-tourism in the Sundarbans. International Journal of Business,

Management and Social Research, 09(02), 528-535. https://doi.org/10.18801/ijbmsr.090220.55.

15. Duong, M. P. T., Lobry de Bruyn, L., Kristiansen, P., Marshall, G. R., & Wilkes, J. (2024). Community-

based ecotourism and the challenges of local participation: insights from an ecotourism venture in Cat

Tien National Park, Vietnam. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 1–27.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2024.2428257

16. Elo, S., Kääriäinen, M., Kanste, O., Pölkki, T., Utriainen, K., & Kyngäs, H. (2014). Qualitative Content

Analysis: A Focus on Trustworthiness. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014522633

17. Erdawati, M., & Ayub, Z. (2024). Empowering communities through ecotourism: A holistic model for

sustainable development. Journal of Education, Humaniora and Social Sciences (JEHSS), 7(2), 405–412.

https://doi.org/10.34007/jehss.v7i2.2360

18. Fatmawati, D. (2019). The problematic implementation of community-based ecotourism in Indonesia: A

case study in ecotourism of Gili Labak-East Java.

19. Fiorello, A., & Bo, D. (2012). Community-Based Ecotourism to Meet the New Tourist's Expectations:

An Exploratory Study. Journal of Hospitality Marketing

https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2012.624293

&

Management, 21.

20. Fiseha, A. (2019). Community Based Ecotourism Development at Kahitestsa Forest and Environs Awi

Zone, Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges. JTHS. https://doi.org/10.7176/jths/43-04

21. Gajardo, L. J., Sumeldan, J., Sajorne, R., Madarcos, J. R., Goh, H. C., Culhane, F., Langmead, O., &

Creencia, L. (2023). Cultural values of ecosystem services from coastal marine areas: Case of Taytay

Bay,

Palawan,

Philippines.

Environmental

Science

&

Policy,

142,

12–20.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.01.004

22. Gherghina, L. (2015). Importance of the tourism permit and licence for the operation of the tourism

agencies in Romania. Analele Universitatii 'Eftimie Murgu' Resita. Fascicola II. Studii Economice, (2),

79–86.

23. Gomez, M.D.R. (2025). Community engagement in mangrove stewardship: Perceptions and

conservation outlook. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 5(1), 10–14.

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijbs/article/view/5981?

24. Guerrero-Moreno, M. A., & Oliveira-Junior, J. M. B. (2024). Approaches, trends, and gaps in

community-based ecotourism research: A bibliometric analysis of publications between 2002 and 2022.

Sustainability, 16(7), 2639. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072639

25. Guidetti, G., Pedrini, G., & Zamparini, L. (2021). Assessing perceived job quality among seasonal

tourism

workers:

The

case

of

Rimini,

Italy.

Tourism

Economics.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816620927524

26. Hafezi, F., Bijani, M., Gholamrezai, S., Savari, M., & Panzer-Krause, S. (2023). Towards sustainable

community-based ecotourism: A qualitative content analysis. Science of The Total Environment, 891,

164411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164411

27. Hilario, M. G., Asia, N. S., Cayabyab, D. M., Mandac, O. J., & Savellano, Q. S. (2024). Stakeholders’

engagement in tourism development. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5), 1–20.

https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2024/5/29097.pdf

28. Hinlayagan, K., & Ocay, M.L. (2022). Tourism Policy and Governance as Mediator of Community-

Based Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in Davao del Norte. 6, 13.

29. Idajati, H., Damanik, J., Kusworo, H., & Rindrasih, E. (2024). The role of social capital and individual

competence on community resilience of the tourism industry against climate change. IOP Conference

Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1366(1), 012023. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-

1315/1366/1/012023

30. Imanuloh, M. L., & Wahyuni, E. S. (2024). The impact of ecotourism development: Livelihood structure

as well as adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the rural household. European Union Digital

Library. http://dx.doi.org/10.4108/eai.1-11-2023.2344345

31. Irmawati, I., & Hasnawati, H. (2024). Community-based ecotourism strategy for local economic

Page 10148

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

empowerment. Journal of Education, Humaniora and Social Sciences (JEHSS), 7, 395–404.

https://doi.org/10.34007/jehss.v7i2.2359

32. Khanal, B. R., & Babar, J. T. (2007). Community Based Ecotourism for Sustainable Tourism

Development in the Mekong Region. CUTS International – Consumer Unity & Trust Society.

https://cuts-international.org/HRC/pdf/PB-1-07.pdf

33. Khartishvili, L., Mitrofanenko, T., Muhar, A., & Penker, M. (2020). Issues with Applying the Concept

of Community-Based Tourism in the Caucasus. Mountain Research and Development, 40(1), R11–R20.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27002113

34. Kontogeorgopoulos, N. (2005). Community-based ecotourism in phuket and aophangnga, thailand:

partial victories and bittersweet remedies. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 13(1), 4-23.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17501220508668470

35. Koo, I., Anjam, M., & Zaman, U. (2022). Hell is empty, and all the devils are here: nexus between toxic

leadership, crisis communication, and resilience in covid-19 tourism. Sustainability, 14(17), 10825.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710825

36. Krüger, O. (2005). The role of ecotourism in conservation: panacea or pandora’s box? Biodiversity and

Conservation, 14(3), 579-600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-004-3917-4

37. Kunjuraman, Velan & Hussin, Rosazman & Che Aziz, Roslizawati. (2022).

Community-based

ecotourism as a social transformation tool for rural community: A victory or a quagmire?. Journal of

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. 39. 100524. 10.1016/j.jort.2022.100524.

38. Mai, Q. D., Song, L., & Donnelly, R. (2023). Precarious Employment and Well-Being: Insights from the

COVID-19 Pandemic. Work and occupations, 50(1), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/07308884221143063

39. Manaf, A., Purbasari, N., Damayanti, M., Aprilia, N., & Astuti, W. (2018). Community-based rural

tourism in inter-organizational collaboration: how does it work sustainably? lessons learned from

nglanggeran tourism village, gunungkidul regency, yogyakarta, indonesia. Sustainability, 10(7), 2142.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su10072142

40. Mansur, A., Hendratono, T., & Sugiarto, S. (2024). Tourism village management in building the local

economy

through

community

partnerships.

icgtsave,

1(2),

01-08.

https://doi.org/10.62951/icgtsave.v1i2.24

41. Mason, P., & Cheyne, J. (2019). "Tourism and Community Development: A Comparative Study of

Ecotourism Impacts on Local Communities." Journal of Sustainable Tourism

42. Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

43. Mensah, I. (2017). Benefits and challenges of community-based ecotourism in park-fringe communities:

The case of Mesomagor of Kakum National Park, Ghana. Tourism Review International, 21, 81–98.

https://doi.org/10.3727/154427217X14866652018947

44. Mesa, J., González-Chica, D. A., Duquia, R., Bonamigo, R., & Bastos, J. (2016). Sampling: how to select

participants

in

my

research

study?

Retrieved

from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4938277/

45. Nguyen, K. T. T., Murphy, L., Chen, T., & Pearce, P. L. (2023). Let’s listen: the voices of ethnic villagers

in identifying host-tourist interaction issues in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Journal of Heritage

Tourism, 19(2), 263–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873X.2023.2259512

46. Palan, Y. & Priyanto, R. (2025). THE ROLE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN PRESERVING

NATURAL TOURISM: Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Kepariwisataan, 24(1), 74–86.

https://doi.org/10.52352/jpar.v24i1.1751

47. Patton, M. (1999). Enhancing the quality and credibility of qualitative analysis. HSR: Health Services

Research,

34(5

Part

II).

Retrieved

from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1089059/pdf/hsresearch00022-0112.pdf

48. Pilquimán-Vera, M., Cabrera-Campos, G., & Tenorio-Pangui, P. (2020). Experiences of Resilience and

Mapuche Community Based Tourism in the Pre-Cordilleran Territories of Panguipulli, Southern Chile.

Sustainability, 12(3), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030817

49. Pookhao, N. (2014). Community-Based Ecotourism: The Transformation of Local Community. SHS

Web of Conferences, 12(010), 3333. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/2014120103333

50. Radlińska, K., & Gardziejewska, B. (2022). The Seasonal Labor Hoarding in Tourist Enterprises—

Choice or Necessity? Sustainability, 14(12), 6995. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14126995

51. Raftopoulos, M. (2018). Rural community‐based tourism and its impact on ecological consciousness,

Page 10149

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

environmental stewardship and social structures. Bulletin of Latin American Research, 39(2), 142-156.

https://doi.org/10.1111/blar.12749

52. Ramos, A. M., & Prideaux, B. (2013). Indigenous ecotourism in the Mayan rainforest of Palenque:

empowerment issues in sustainable development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 22(3), 461–479.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2013.828730

53. Robinson, R. N. S., Martins, A., Solnet, D., & Baum, T. (2019). Sustaining precarity: critically examining

tourism

and

employment.

Journal

of

Sustainable

Tourism,

27(7),

1008–1025.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2018.1538230

54. Santoso, J., Bintarsari, N., & Lestari, S. (2024). From Fear to Fight Back: Women’s Empowerment

Through “Jogo Tonggo” Program During Covid-19 Rage in Karang Nangka Village Banyumas County-

Indonesia. Humanities and Social Science Research, 7(2), p1. https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v7n2p1

55. Shahzalal, M. (2016). Positive and negative impacts of tourism on culture: A critical review of examples

from the contemporary literature. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Sports, 20.

56. Sinha, R., Trivedi, A., & Dixit, A. (2025). Ecotourism as a driver of socio-ecological transformation in

chhattisgarh: a comprehensive review. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science

International, 29(7), 130-141. https://doi.org/10.9734/jgeesi/2025/v29i7921

57. Stone, M. (2015). Community-based ecotourism: A collaborative partnerships perspective. Journal of

Ecotourism, 14, Article ID 1023309. https://doi.org/10.1080/14724049.2015.1023309

58. Stone, M. T., & Stone, L. S. (2020). Challenges of community-based tourism in Botswana: A review of

literature. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 75(2), 181–193.

https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2020.1715510

59. Tauro, A., Ojeda, J., Caviness, T., Moses, K. P., Moreno-Terrazas, R., Wright, T., Zhu, D., Poole, A. K.,

Massardo, F., & Rozzi, R. (2021). Field Environmental Philosophy: A Biocultural Ethic Approach to

Education

and

Ecotourism

for

Sustainability.

Sustainability,

13(8),

4526.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084526

60. Teshome, E., Getachew, A., & Alubel, W. (2020). Community based ecotourism development in

Meqdela Amba, Ethiopia: Current development barriers. Journal of Hospitality Management and

Tourism, 11(2), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.5897/JHMT2018.0256

61. Teshome, E., Shita, F., & Abebe, F. (2021). Current community-based ecotourism practices in Menz

Guassa

community

conservation

area,

Ethiopia.

GeoJournal,

86(5),

2135–2147.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/48754466

62. Teshome, E., Aberaw, G., Tesgera, D., & Abebe, F. (2023). The untold tourism potentials of Bela

Mountain, for community-based-ecotourism development, ecosystem conservation and livelihood

improvement, Waghimera Zone, Ethiopia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 25(5), 3923-

3944. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02223-8

63. Teshome, S., Mester, T., & Egedy, T. (2025). Challenges and opportunities for the establishment of

community-based ecotourism in the Bale Mountains National Park. DETUROPE - The Central European

Journal of Tourism and Regional Development, 17, 4–25. https://doi.org/10.32725/det.2025.001

64. Tilavova, M., Safarova, N., Alimova, M., & Boʻronova, N. (2024). Ecotourism as a sustainable

development strategy: exploring the role of natural resource management. E3s Web of Conferences, 587,

05020. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202458705020

65. reephan, P. (2019). A Model of Participatory Community-Based Ecotourism and Mangrove Forest

Conservation in Ban Hua Thang , Thailand.

66. Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. (2008). Research methods knowledge base. Mason, OH: Atomic

Dog/Cengage Learning.

67. Tsai, C. H., Wu, T. chiung (emily), Wall, G., & Linliu, S. C. (2016). Perceptions of tourism impacts and

community resilience to natural disasters. Tourism Geographies, 18(2), 152–173.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2016.1149875

68. Ursa, T. and Arunkumar, M. (2023). Residents’ perceptions and outcomes of community-based tourism

in andro village of manipur. Dera Natung Government College Research Journal, 8(1), 169-179.

https://doi.org/10.56405/dngcrj.2023.08.01.12

69. Valente, R., Zaragozí, B., & Russo, A. P. (2023). Labour precarity in the visitor economy and decisions

to move out. Tourism Geographies, 25(8), 1912–1928. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616688.2023.2172603

70. Warinda, P., Mhonda, L., Kodzanai, T.A., Gundiwa, T. and Rinomhota, A. (2024), "Ecotourism in

Page 10150

www.rsisinternational.org

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Zimbabwe: The Challenges of Balancing Social, Economic and Environmental Goals", Sharma, D.,

Abdullah, H. and Singh, P. (Ed.) Sustainable Tourism, Part B, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp.

19-43. https://doi-org.uiclrsc.remotexs.co/10.1108/978-1-83608-326-920241002

71. Weaver, D. (2019). "Ecotourism: Principles and Practices." Ecotourism: Principles and Practices.

Routledge.

72. Wibowo, A., Muhammad, D., Lestari, E., & Karsidi, R. (2023). Community participation and stakeholder

intervention in sustainable ecotourism development on lawu mountainside, indonesia., 21-32.

https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-128-9_4

73. Widiartanto, Wahyudi, F. E. ., Santoso, R. S. S., & Priyotomo. (2022). The Role of Social Capital in

Community Based Ecotourism: A Case of Batang District, Central Java, Indonesia. Research Horizon,

2(5), 511–531. https://doi.org/10.54518/rh.2.5.2022.511-531

74. Zhan, F. F. (2024). Political ecotourism: Lake Sebedang tourism object development strategy through

community-based tourism. International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research,

2(2), 143–164. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v2i2.1411

75. Zhang, J., Shen, L., Liu, L., Qi, X., & Liang, C. (2022). Tackling comprehensive evaluation of tourism

community resilience: a probabilistic hesitant linguistic group decision making approach. Land, 11(10),

1652. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101652

76. Zhang, Y., Xiong, Y., Lee, T., Ye, M., & Nunkoo, R. (2020). Sociocultural sustainability and the

formation of social capital from community-based tourism. Journal of Travel Research, 60(3), 656-669.

https://doi.org/10.1177/004728752093367

77. Zuniga, R. B. (2019). Developing Community-Based Ecotourism in Minalungao National Park. African

Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, GCBSS Special Edition. ISSN: 2223-814X.

Page 10151

www.rsisinternational.org