Ecotourism in protected areas. A bibliometric analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61347/psa.v3i3.116Keywords:
Community participation, ecotourism, protected areas, sustainability, sustainable developmentAbstract
Ecotourism in protected areas has emerged as a sustainable alternative that seeks to balance environmental conservation with the socioeconomic development of local communities. In this context, the present study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the potential of ecotourism in protected areas, using the Scopus database and the Bibliometrix tool to identify the main research trends, leading authors and institutions, as well as the predominant theoretical and thematic areas. The results show a sustained growth in scientific production since 2006, with a publication peak in 2022, reflecting the growing interest of the international academic community. Countries such as the United States, China, and Indonesia stand out for their leadership in publications, supported by prestigious institutions such as the University of Belgrade and Stanford University. The keyword analysis reveals an evolution in the field, which has shifted from focusing solely on the relationship between ecotourism and protected areas to incorporating dimensions such as sustainability, natural resource management, and community participation. Overall, the findings confirm that ecotourism is consolidating as a strategic axis of research and action, promoting a responsible interaction between human development and environmental conservation.
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