Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism Framework: A Multi‐Theoretical Response to Climate and Environmental Change

ABSTRACT This study develops a conceptual framework for Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism to address the growing challenges posed by climate and environmental change in nature‐dependent tourism systems. Through a systematic meta‐synthesis of 56 peer‐reviewed articles, we identified 48 ecosystem resilience actions and organized them into eight social connectivity mechanisms, which were further grouped under four institutional support dimensions: Ecological Restoration Dynamics ; Resilient Tourism Systems ; Environmental Learning and Community ; and Adaptive Governance Mechanisms . The resulting three‐level framework provides a structured foundation for understanding how nature‐based tourism can operationalize adaptation across ecological, social, and institutional scales. Drawing on the integration of resilience theory, social capital theory, and institutional theory, the framework clarifies the role of each level: Ecosystem resilience specifies what adaptive actions sustain tourism–ecosystem interactions, social connectivity explains how these actions are mobilized and coordinated through networks and collaboration, and institutional support defines why adaptation is legitimized, governed, and sustained over time. This study contributes a multidimensional and integrative framework that supports researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in designing and managing nature‐based tourism systems that are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to ongoing climate and environmental change.

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Publication Details

Journal
Sustainable Development
Published
2026-06-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.71308
Primary Topic
Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research
Type
article
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article

Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism Framework: A Multi‐Theoretical Response to Climate and Environmental Change

Saeideh Esmaili, Sajad Ferdowsi
Sustainable Development
Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research
article

Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism Framework: A Multi‐Theoretical Response to Climate and Environmental Change

Saeideh Esmaili, Sajad Ferdowsi
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study develops a conceptual framework for Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism to address the growing challenges posed by climate and environmental change in nature‐dependent tourism systems. Through a systematic meta‐synthesis of 56 peer‐reviewed articles, we identified 48 ecosystem resilience actions and organized them into eight social connectivity mechanisms, which were further grouped under four institutional support dimensions: Ecological Restoration Dynamics ; Resilient Tourism Systems ; Environmental Learning and Community ; and Adaptive Governance Mechanisms . The resulting three‐level framework provides a structured foundation for understanding how nature‐based tourism can operationalize adaptation across ecological, social, and institutional scales. Drawing on the integration of resilience theory, social capital theory, and institutional theory, the framework clarifies the role of each level: Ecosystem resilience specifies what adaptive actions sustain tourism–ecosystem interactions, social connectivity explains how these actions are mobilized and coordinated through networks and collaboration, and institutional support defines why adaptation is legitimized, governed, and sustained over time. This study contributes a multidimensional and integrative framework that supports researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in designing and managing nature‐based tourism systems that are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to ongoing climate and environmental change.

Sustainable Development
College of Tourism (BG)
Decent work and economic growth
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research
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Adaptive Nature‐Based Tourism Framework: A Multi‐Theoretical Response to Climate and Environmental Change — Saeideh Esmaili, Sajad Ferdowsi · Sustainable Development (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS