Community insights on tourism development and nature-based solutions for increased resilience to coastal hazards at Caota sand dunes Geopark in Taiwan

Abstract

Geoparks have the ability to function as complex social-ecological systems, where the interactions between natural landscapes and local communities shape climate change adaptation and mitigation outcomes. This study evaluates how community-driven tourism initiatives at Caota Geopark, Taiwan, contribute to climate resilience by enabling public education and engagement with nature conservation. Using a social-ecological systems lens, this study explores how the interplay between community participation and coastal ecosystem processes supports Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in addressing locally identified climate risks. This is achieved through a combination of contextual analysis and qualitative methods, including focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed that environmental education and awareness-building have strengthened local commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, enhancing the buffering capacity of the coastal dunes and maintaining associated ecosystem services were identified as key strategies for mitigating local hazards. However, ongoing challenges such as waste accumulation, inadequate infrastructure, and human disturbances, undermine ecosystem functions and visitor experiences, revealing critical vulnerabilities within the social-ecological system. Additionally, the study found a gap in inclusive, bottom-up governance structures that could help integrate community needs into geopark planning. Building on these insights, the study proposes a framework for sustainable tourism management and locally grounded climate adaptation strategies that stimulate active community participation. It also offers policy recommendations to support more integrated, adaptive, and community-responsive geopark governance.