BLUE CARBON ECOTOURISM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON MARINE ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MODELING
Abstract
Blue Carbon Ecotourism (BCE) presents a conceptual framework; defined as a tourism modality that integrates carbon storage conservation objectives with sustainable visitor experience design in marine and coastal ecosystems. Based on systematic literature review, ecosystem service valuation theory, stakeholder integration models, and recent developments in climate adaptation finance; a three-pillar BCE Model is proposed: (1) Ecosystem Integrity and Carbon Stock Protection, (2) Visitor Experience and Environmental Education, and (3) Blue Economy Revenue Coupling. The study argues that blue carbon ecotourism offers a unique market-oriented mechanism for financing the conservation of marine ecosystems and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14; Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and national carbon offset accounting. Furthermore, the framework addresses critical gaps in climate adaptation finance for coastal tourism destinations; proposing innovative revenue mechanisms including tourism revenue bonds and voluntary carbon market integration. Research gaps, policy implications, and destination-level modeling applications are discussed.
Keywords
Blue Carbon, Ecotourism, Marine Ecosystem Conservation, Blue Economy, Sustainable Coastal Tourism, Carbon Sequestration
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