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Assessing Ecotourism Opportunities in Macaronesian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): An Adapted MEET Indicator-Based Methodology

Author

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  • Daniela Casimiro

    (CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
    BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
    Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

  • Marina Diaz Escudero

    (CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
    Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain)

  • José Ângelo Guerreiro

    (Centro MARE—Marine and Environmental Research Centre, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
    Research Centre of the Institute for Political Studies, Catholic University, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Maria Anunciação Ventura

    (CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal
    BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
    Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

Abstract

Tourism significantly contributes to the economic growth of countries, especially in insular areas such as Small Islands Developing States (SIDSs) or the outmost regions of Europe. If managed properly, ecotourism offers a sustainable alternative by promoting nature conservation while benefiting local communities. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology to assess the existing conditions in marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Macaronesian archipelagos for the development of ecotourism activities. To achieve this, the methodology of the Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism (MEET) was adapted to the unique environmental, social, and economic context of the region. A set of indicators was developed and refined through expert evaluation and the results revealed a strong level of satisfaction with the indicators created. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of MPAs by providing a practical tool to evaluate their potential for ecotourism development. The refined indicators can assist policymakers, MPA managers, and stakeholders in designing sustainable ecotourism products that align with conservation goals, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits for the Macaronesian region.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Casimiro & Marina Diaz Escudero & José Ângelo Guerreiro & Maria Anunciação Ventura, 2025. "Assessing Ecotourism Opportunities in Macaronesian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): An Adapted MEET Indicator-Based Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5190-:d:1672211
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rose Queiroz & José Guerreiro & Maria Ventura, 2014. "Demand of the tourists visiting protected areas in small oceanic islands: the Azores case-study (Portugal)," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 16(5), pages 1119-1135, October.
    2. Ruiz-Frau, A. & Hinz, H. & Edwards-Jones, G. & Kaiser, M.J., 2013. "Spatially explicit economic assessment of cultural ecosystem services: Non-extractive recreational uses of the coastal environment related to marine biodiversity," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 90-98.
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