Heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas: A systematic literature review

Elhaam Abrahams; Hilary Kennedy Nji Bama

doi:10.58683/sp.581

Published : 2023-08-22

Vol. 42 No. 2 (2023)

Heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas: A systematic literature review

Elhaam Abrahams

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4536-3337

Hilary Kennedy Nji Bama

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9356-9137

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58683/sp.581

Abstract

This paper adopts a systematic review approach to explore heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas. Premised on the importance of protected areas as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment, the study seeks to unpack the nature, breadth and trends that predominate contemporary scholarly discourse on the concept of heritage interpretation in protected areas. Based on an in-depth exploration of notable scientific databases (Sabinet, Scopus, Emerald, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis Online, and journals’ websites) 129 scholarly publications were extracted and screened, with 57 publications meeting the ‘relevance’ criteria. The data analysis followed a characterisation, content analysis and thematic extraction. Key outcomes highlighted most of the studies emanating from the Global North, with themes reflecting the role of interpretation in protected areas, interpretation planning, management and evaluation, environmental interpretation, cultural interpretation, the influence of interpretation on visitors’ perceptions, behaviour and satisfaction, interpretation preferences, interpreters’ experiences, creativity in heritage interpretation and heritage interpretation for sustainable development. Based on the geographical classification data, suggestions are proffered for future research pathways.

Keywords:

Ecotourism, Protected area, Sustainable tourism, Heritage interpretation, Systematic literature review

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Abrahams, E., & Bama, H. K. N. (2023). Heritage interpretation as a catalyst for sustainable ecotourism in protected areas: A systematic literature review . Studia Periegetica, 42(2), 119–142. https://doi.org/10.58683/sp.581

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Elhaam Abrahams

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4536-3337

Affiliation:

Department of Tourism and Events Management, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa South Africa

Hilary Kennedy Nji Bama

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9356-9137

Affiliation:

Department of Tourism and Events Management, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa Cameroon

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Dr Bama is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Dep't of Tourism and Events Management at CPUT, Cape Town, South Africa, where he lectures in subjects such as Advanced Research Methodology. He has previously lectured in various other disciplines within the university in the areas. During this time, he has developed a passion and commitment for teaching and learning, academic citizenship and research excellence. His principal research interest is in the developmental aspects of tourism, specifically in the realm of sport and event tourism, focusing on policy, planning and implementation strategies for the global south, with a regional interest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Anchored in modest beginnings Dr Bama’s ambition is to become a world-class academic and practitioner in the field of tourism with a specific focus on sport and event tourism, sustainability and regional development planning. He has a strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and an outstanding academic background. He possesses the ability to combine excellent analytical abilities, engaging teaching style, and a capacity to work accurately even under pressure. Dr Bama is a strong leader, serving on various academic committees (Scientific Review Committee, Departmental Research Committee etc). With excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills, he integrates well within a team and can form trusted relationships broadly. Whilst focusing on the present, Dr Bama is able to remain focused on the horizon, growing and adapting organically to the environment. His proven track record of responsibility, integrity and commitment to organisational/institutional objectives has allowed him to be innovative in unlocking growth, with a firm belief that the detail lies in the execution, focus and timing.

In recent times, Dr Bama has developed and continues to grow his proficiency in multi-model teaching and learning, adapting to the changing global teaching environment and is able to guarantee that students continuously receive a high standard of engagement and learning.

Dr Bama holds a doctoral (PhD) qualification in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the School of Tourism and Hospitality, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg. He further holds a Masters’ degree (Magister Technologaie – MTech) in Tourism and Hospitality Management; an Honours Degree (Baccalaureus Technologaie – BTech) in Project Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and a Bachelors’ Degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Yaoundé II-Soa in Cameroun