Resumen de Potential of ecotourism development in Bangladesh Coast: an overview
M.R. Islam, Md. Sayed Iftekhar, M.W. Islam
The features of the coastal zone of Bangladesh have potential for developing ecotourism. The coast houses attractive ecotourism sites rich in both natural and cultural assets. Though the number of ecotourists in the country is negligible, ecotourism has great potential to expand at a rapid rate. The government is endeavoring to promote ecotourism in the country by integrating its resource planning, management, and utilization, based on principles of multiple use, conservation, and development of the natural resource base. Development of ecotourism offers opportunities for alternative livelihood options and improves the socioeconomic conditions of communities surrounding ecotourism sites. This article provides an overview of the ecotourism status in the coastal zone, policy perspectives, potential for community involvement in ecotourism development, ongoing initiatives, and their challenges.
