Author: Uttam Bhunia & Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03030006
Abstract: Ecotourism offers a sustainable pathway for rural development, particularly in ecologically and culturally significant regions like the Jhargram District of West Bengal. This study evaluates the impact of ecotourism on sustainable development by employing the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, which integrates environmental, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through structured household and business surveys, tourist interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) across three key regions—Jhargram, Belpahari, and Gopiballavpur—covering 415 respondents. Secondary data included previous works of researchers. Sentinel-2 imagery, district statistics, and Census reports. Remote Sensing and GIS techniques were used to analyze land use/land cover changes from 2017 to 2023, forest cover variation, and solid waste management in ecotourism hotspots. The study also assessed tourismrelated employment, income diversification, and cultural impacts on local communities. Results highlight that ecotourism contributes significantly to employment generation, skill development, and preservation of tribal culture, while promoting environmental awareness. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, seasonal fluctuation in income, and environmental degradation persist. Spatial analysis identified zones of ecological stress and conservation potential. Thematic analysis of stakeholder perspectives revealed the importance of community involvement and policy support. The study concludes that a holistic, data-driven strategy—combining geospatial monitoring, economic assessment, and sociocultural engagement—is essential for enhancing the sustainability of ecotourism in Jhargram. Such an approach can serve as a model for other rural ecotourism destinations aiming for inclusive and balanced development.
Keywords: Ecotourism, Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Framework, Mixed-methods approach, Economic
impacts, Social impacts, Environmental impacts, and Strategy planning.
Page No: 48-67