Research Article

Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island

Number: 13 August 10, 2026
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Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island

Abstract

Background and Aims Based on a qualitative case study conducted using interviews, field observations, and documentary analysis, this study aims to assess the region's ecotourism potential, identify environmental and socio-regional risks associated with tourism development, and discuss the applicability of a sustainable tourism development model based on integrated governance, regulation of uses, and stakeholder participation. In doing so, it contributes to current debates on the management of fragile regions and the limits of ecotourism as a tool for conservation and development. Eleonora's falcon, a species rarely seen and rarely studied worldwide, has also been examined in this regard. Methods A total of 22 stakeholders with diverse profiles, representing the city’s ecotourism ecosystem, were interviewed. Using semi-structured interviews, field observations, and documentary review, the study examines how stakeholders view ecotourism, governance, and conservation priorities. Results The results reveal that ecotourism is more of a contested area driven by differing values and power dynamics than a shared solution. While institutions and economic players focus on regulated access and funding, community groups and environmental experts warn about habitat damage and the symbolic commodification of nature. The findings reveal that, for certain institutional and economic stakes, the island of Mogador has become a strategic tool for regional diversification and economic development. Conclusion The study suggests that successful ecotourism in fragile environments relies on participatory governance, regulated use, and respect for ecological boundaries, fueling ongoing debates on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. It has been found that discrepancies between theory and practice in management need to be resolved.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None.

Ethical Statement

No need to declare an ethical permission.

Thanks

Thanks for those all contributers as reviewer and editor.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Forestry Politics, Economics and Law

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 10, 2026

Submission Date

February 9, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 13

APA
El Housni, K., Uyar, Ç., Benmassoud, J., Mouhibi, K., & Osly, M. M. (2026). Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi, 13. https://doi.org/10.53516/ajfr.1884299
AMA
1.El Housni K, Uyar Ç, Benmassoud J, Mouhibi K, Osly MM. Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. AJFR. 2026;(13). doi:10.53516/ajfr.1884299
Chicago
El Housni, Khalid, Çağdan Uyar, Jihane Benmassoud, Kamal Mouhibi, and Mina Milca Osly. 2026. “Balancing Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation in a Fragile Territory: The Case of Mogador Island”. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi, nos. 13. https://doi.org/10.53516/ajfr.1884299.
EndNote
El Housni K, Uyar Ç, Benmassoud J, Mouhibi K, Osly MM (August 1, 2026) Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi 13
IEEE
[1]K. El Housni, Ç. Uyar, J. Benmassoud, K. Mouhibi, and M. M. Osly, “Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island”, AJFR, no. 13, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.53516/ajfr.1884299.
ISNAD
El Housni, Khalid - Uyar, Çağdan - Benmassoud, Jihane - Mouhibi, Kamal - Osly, Mina Milca. “Balancing Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation in a Fragile Territory: The Case of Mogador Island”. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi. 13 (August 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.53516/ajfr.1884299.
JAMA
1.El Housni K, Uyar Ç, Benmassoud J, Mouhibi K, Osly MM. Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. AJFR. 2026. doi:10.53516/ajfr.1884299.
MLA
El Housni, Khalid, et al. “Balancing Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation in a Fragile Territory: The Case of Mogador Island”. Anadolu Orman Araştırmaları Dergisi, no. 13, Aug. 2026, doi:10.53516/ajfr.1884299.
Vancouver
1.Khalid El Housni, Çağdan Uyar, Jihane Benmassoud, Kamal Mouhibi, Mina Milca Osly. Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island. AJFR. 2026 Aug. 1;(13). doi:10.53516/ajfr.1884299