Nature-based tourism influences ecosystem functioning along waterways: Implications for conservation and management

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Tourism Studies

Background:

• Nature-based tourism affects watercourse ecosystems, yet scientific evidence is limited.
• Managing streams involves balancing tourist recreational activities with riparian zone ecological health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effects of tourism-based recreational activities on ecosystem functioning in drawdown zones.
• To assist environmentalists and planners in understanding global tourism issues for effective management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multivariate statistical techniques, including Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.01) on 284 transects.
• Employed Pearson correlation coefficients and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
• Conducted hierarchical cluster analysis to assess spatial variations.

Main Results:

• Ecosystem function indices were higher than tourism indices.
• Tourism indicators showed minor to moderate positive and negative correlations (r = 0.24 to 0.38, p < 0.05) with ecological indicators.
• PCA indicated critical variables explained 72.26% of variance; cluster analysis revealed upstream, midstream, and downstream differences.

Conclusions:

• Policymakers must consider the distinct characteristics of riparian zones for improved planning.
• Findings support enhanced national and global strategic and operational management of watercourse tourism.