A conceptual framework for a sustainable agro-eco tourism development for CSU Gonzaga campus

This paper presents a conceptual framework for sustainable agro-eco tourism development at the Cagayan State University (CSU) Gonzaga Campus. Addressing global and local development initiatives, specifically the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12, and 15, and the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, the framework emphasizes the role of ecotourism as a tool for sustainable development. The Philippines’ agro-eco tourism sector, contributing 12.7% to the 2019 GDP, shows significant potential for growth but faces challenges such as infrastructure development, promotion, and ecological preservation. The research employs a descriptive, explanatory, and case study approach, with data collection methods including focus group discussions with key stakeholders and literature review. A stakeholder analysis underscores the importance of collaboration among various interest groups, institutions, and individuals. CSU Gonzaga Campus, with its rich agro-forestry resources and the CSU Bamboo Sanctuary, is poised to become an agro-eco tourism destination. The Bamboo Sanctuary not only increases bamboo material supply and integrates new processing technologies but also addresses climate change impacts, creates jobs, and promotes bamboo’s environmental benefits. The paper highlights community-based tourism, advocating for local ownership and management of tourism projects. Collaboration, a key strategy, involves shared resources, skills, and knowledge to achieve common goals. The study discusses successful collaborative relationships between the education community and the tourism sector, emphasizing non-monetary resources and community ownership. A synergic framework of collaboration, integrating community-based tourism, synergy theory, and CSU’s profile, is proposed. The organizational structure for the Bamboo Sanctuary includes roles such as President, Campus Executive Officer, and heads of various departments. Recommendations for future research focus on assessing the framework’s effectiveness in income generation, identifying implementation gaps, and addressing barriers. This framework aims to foster sustainable economic growth, responsible consumption, and ecological preservation, aligning with both global and national development agendas. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)