Toward tourism-oriented community-based natural resource management for sustainability and climate change mitigation leadership in rural municipalities

Purpose - The study aimed to outlay the substantial relationship to information and studies on sustainable tourism, environmental sustainability and local resource governance issues. It further contextualizes the essence of natural biodiversity, ecotourism and residents integrated subsistence. Meanwhile, delving into the community’s sustainability and climate change perceptions within the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province of South Africa’s Musina Municipality. Design/methodology/approach - The municipality’s circumstances for managing its natural and tourism resources were investigated through a general review of the literature, document reviews, focus groups and field observations. The data analysis procedure was finished with manual sorting, central tendencies and frequency distribution. Findings - It was discovered that there is a negative correlation between activities that have the potential to contribute to climate change and the environmental consequences of rural ecotourism. Sustainable ecotourism management can lead to sustainability accomplishments when tourism activities follow the principles of ethical and sustainable travel, enhancing public leadership and livelihood values. Social implications - The possible and present effects of ecotourism and integrated rural livelihoods on local communities, pertaining to sustainability and climate change, are brought forth with notions for significant enhancement measures for social sustainability. Originality/value - Within the municipality, the study compares ecotourism, conservation and environmental degradation in terms of sustainability, responsible tourism and sustainable tourism. Moving forward, the essence of tourism-based public leadership within the context of community-based natural resources management and community-based tourism that supports integrated livelihoods and strategies for environmental sustainability is highlighted and can be enhanced by the endorsement of various technologies within the emerging economies.