Forest-Based Ecotourism in Sri Lanka: A Review on State of Governance, Livelihoods, and Forest Conservation Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Forest-based ecotourism in global perspective is managed by various stakeholders while promoting sustainable forest management. This review article attempts to identify forest-based ecotourism destinations in Sri Lanka, analyze the experiences of good governance, and evaluate local livelihoods and forest conservation outcomes. Within the diverse landscapes, national park and sanctuaries, rain forest trails, conservation forest trials, wetland sanctuaries, and indigenous operated ecotourism ventures are identified as the appropriate destinations. The experiences of good governance are discussed in terms of structure and integration, involvement and management, accountability practices, and culture of transparency. The enrichment of the local livelihoods is evaluated based on natural, physical, social, financial, and human capital development. The natural resource conservation activities prevention of deforestation and forest degradation, preservation of biological diversity, improvement of long-term production capacity of ecosystems, and wise management of natural resources are elaborated through local community outcomes, visitor outcomes, natural biophysical environment outcomes, wildlife outcomes, and organizational outcomes. Resource exploitation, gene piracy, wildlife crimes, and trade of protected flora and fauna have been examined as the bad side of the ecotourism. The policies suggested for sustainable development are conceptualization of ecotourism, community-based ecotourism, scientific and systematic process, and appropriate code of ethics and conduct.