Exploring Social Entrepreneurship in Birdwatching-based Ecotourism: A Delphi Study of a Birdwatching NGO, Iran

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 41 - 59

Emre Ozan Aksöz Sanaz Tamimzadeh

Abstract

This paper presents a qualitative Delphi study on the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society in Iran to explore social entrepreneurship strategies in birdwatching-based ecotourism. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with eight experts from the sector, the research identifies critical approaches like community involvement, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders. The findings highlight innovative strategies such as diversified birdwatching tours and local and international expertise integration. Challenges include funding, logistical constraints, and balancing ecological conservation with economic development. The study contributes to understanding the role of NGOs in sustainable tourism, offering insights for similar initiatives globally. It underscores the importance of community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices.

Keywords

social entrepreneurship, birdwatching,, ecotoursim, delphi study

Kuş Gözlemciliğine Dayalı Ekoturizmde Sosyal Girişimciliğin Yeri: İran'da Kuş Gözlemciliği Yapan Bir STK'ya Yönelik Delphi Çalışması

Abstract

Bu makale, kuş gözlemciliğine dayalı ekoturizmde sosyal girişimcilik stratejilerini keşfetmek için İran'daki AvayeBoom Kuşları Koruma Derneği üzerine nitel bir Delphi çalışması sunmaktadır. Sektörden sekiz uzmanla yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmelerden faydalanan araştırma, toplum katılımı, eğitim girişimleri ve paydaşlarla işbirliği çabaları gibi kritik yaklaşımları tanımlamaktadır. Bulgular, çeşitlendirilmiş kuş gözlem turları ve yerel ve uluslararası uzmanlık entegrasyonu gibi yenilikçi stratejileri vurgulamaktadır. Karşılaşılan zorluklar arasında finansman, lojistik kısıtlamalar ve ekolojik koruma ile ekonomik kalkınmanın dengelenmesi yer almaktadır. Çalışma, STK'ların sürdürülebilir turizmdeki rolünün anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunmakta ve küresel ölçekteki benzer girişimler için içgörüler sunmaktadır. Sürdürülebilir ekoturizm uygulamalarının teşvik edilmesinde toplum katılımının ve çok paydaşlı işbirliğinin önemini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

sosyal girişimcilik, kuş gözlemciliği, ekoturizm, delfi tekniği

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