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Ecotourism Challenges and Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation and Local Empowerment in Dumangas Coastal Areas
Business Fora: Business and Allied Industries International Journal
Volume 7 | Issue 1 | 2026 | 38 – 49
Pia P. Paz1, DDM-ET, ORCID No. 0009-0002-5111-6516
Janice H. Ching2, DDM-ET, ORCID No. 0009-0000-3028-4903
Keithleen June G. Sumugat3, MAEd, ORCID No. 0009-0003-3240-1378
1Dean, College of Hospitality Management, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Dumangas, Philippines
2Dean, College of Management, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, San Enrique, Iloilo, Philippines
3Doctor of Philosophy, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Philippines
Article History:
Initial submission: 07 February 2026
First decision: 10 February 2026
Revision received: 25 March 2026
Accepted for publication: 31 March 2026
Online release: 06 April 2026
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Abstract
This study examined the current practices, challenges, and strategic interventions for ecotourism implementation in the Dumangas Coastal Areas. A total of 300 respondents, comprising fisherfolk, tourism workers, and community leaders, participated in the study. Most stakeholders were within the economically active age groups, predominantly male, and possessed varying educational backgrounds, which influenced their engagement and capacity in ecotourism initiatives. Results revealed that ecotourism practices were implemented at a high level, particularly in environmental conservation and community participation, while tourism services and governance support were rated moderate to moderately high, indicating opportunities for improvement. Environmental conservation activities, including protected area establishment, mangrove reforestation, and waste management, were strongly practiced, reflecting stakeholder awareness of ecosystem protection. Challenges encountered were generally moderate, with environmental issues such as coastal degradation being most prominent, followed by economic, socio-cultural, and institutional constraints. Statistical analysis indicated a significant moderate negative correlation (r = -0.462, p < 0.05) between the level of ecotourism practices and the extent of challenges encountered, suggesting that higher implementation of sustainable practices mitigates perceived obstacles. Based on these findings, a strategic framework was proposed, emphasizing environmental sustainability, community empowerment, institutional support, and enhancement of tourism services to strengthen ecotourism implementation. The study concludes that while ecotourism in Dumangas shows strong potential for biodiversity conservation and local empowerment, addressing existing challenges through structured interventions is essential for sustainable development and community resilience.
Keywords: Ecotourism, Dumangas Coastal Areas, environmental conservation, community participation, sustainable tourism, local empowerment, strategic framework
Cite this article
APA (7th edition)
Paz, P. P., Ching, J. H., & Sumugat, K. J. G. (2026). Ecotourism challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation and local empowerment in Dumangas coastal areas. Business Fora: Business and Allied Industries International Journal, 7(1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.62718/vmca.bf-baiij.7.1.SC-0226-009.
Author contributions
– (Not available).
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no conflict of interest.
Institutional ethics review statement
This study involved human respondents; ethical approval was sought from the appropriate institutional authorities. The authors affirm that participation was voluntary, informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality of responses was strictly maintained. No procedures were undertaken that posed risk or harm to the participants.
Data availability statement
All data supporting the findings of this study are included within the manuscript and its supplementary materials.
Declaration of generative AI use/assistance
AI tools supported initial drafting of text; final revisions and accountability rest with the authors.
Acknowledgement
– (Not available).
Publisher’s disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions.