Local community involvement and its impacts on ecotourism development in Borneo: A systematic review

This systematic literature review examines the role of local community participation in ecotourism development across Borneo, focusing on three key dimensions: benefit, community involvement and constraints. The study highlights the importance of ecotourism as a pathway for sustainable development, guided by the principles of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement. It seeks to answer the central research question: How does local community participation influence the socioeconomic, sustainability of ecotourism initiatives in Borneo? To address this question, an extensive search of scholarly articles was conducted using reputable databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, following the PRISMA framework for systematic review. A total of 33 eligible studies were identified and analyzed. The findings were organized into three thematic areas: (1) the socioeconomic impacts of ecotourism, (2) the influence of community participation on the success and sustainability of ecotourism initiatives, and (3) the constraints and structural barriers that limit effective community engagement. The review concludes that local community participation in ecotourism generates significant socioeconomic and environmental benefits, but the durability of these gains depends on local authority in governance and stronger community networking. These insights emphasize the need for participatory and locally grounded policies to advance sustainable ecotourism program in Borneo.