Author(s)

V. C. Tassone & V. R. Van der Duim

Abstract

Sustainable tourism development is increasingly put forward as a promising mechanism for poverty alleviation and nature conservation. However, to date, knowledge about theories, roles and the practical contribution of tourism arrangements, policy and plans in relation to poverty alleviation and nature conservation still appears to be under a process of experimentation. Research studies are scattered and there is a clear need to systematize the knowledge produced. This paper aims to address this need by analyzing a number of papers, discussing tourism, poverty alleviation and nature conservation issues, that were published in 17 scientific journals related to social science during the period 2003–2006. It classifies past research developments and research knowledge produced and identifies research gaps and opportunities by taking into account societal needs. Keywords: tourism, poverty alleviation, nature conservation, sustainability. 1 Introduction In recent years the dominant discourse on sustainable development has drawn attention to the need to link nature conservation and poverty alleviation issues. As a consequence poverty alleviation- and environmental conservation-oriented policies, plans and strategies turned out to be top priorities in the international agenda (e.g. MEA [55]; NEPAD [60]; UN [86]; World Bank [90]). However, to date, knowledge about theories, roles and the practical contribution of tourism arrangements, policy and plans in relation to poverty alleviation and nature conservation still appears to be under a process of debate and experimentation and there is the need to systematize the knowledge produced in recent years.

Keywords

tourism, poverty alleviation, nature conservation, sustainability.