Linkages among biodiversity, ecotourism and livelihood of wetland communities: a case study of Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bangladesh

Wetlands play a crucial role in various aspects of society, ecology, economy, and the environment. To reduce reliance on wetland resources, ecotourism is regarded as one of the key strategies. This study focuses on analysing the linkages between ecotourism, biodiversity, and changes in livelihood strategies within the Ratargul swamp forest (RSF) in Bangladesh. Data were collected between September 2021 and October 2021. An ordinary least squares (OLS) was used to examine factors influencing rural livelihood changes due to ecotourism development. Additionally, an ordered probit model was employed to explore the impact of ecotourism on perceived biodiversity loss. The observed data suggests that even though ecotourism has a positive impact on the livelihoods of the local community, it also poses challenges for the ecological and cultural sustainability of the region. The empirical evidence indicates that ecotourism in the Ratargul swamp forest is defined by numerous aspects that possess both positive and negative consequences, often referred to as 'double-edged swords'. While occupational shifts and increased income from ecotourism enhance economic security for the local community, they also heighten the risk of environmental degradation. Embracing ecotourism solely for financial gains, without considering the wetland's ecological structure and socio-cultural consequences, may offer short-term benefits but is likely to worsen the community's economic conditions in the long run.