Social-ecological wellbeing of communities engaged in ecotourism: Perspectives from Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan

Abstract

This paper develops an integrative framework of wellbeing through wellbeing perspectives from development studies and social-ecological systems literature. The framework was applied in indigenous communities of a wildlife sanctuary-cum-ecotourism destination in eastern Bhutan. Qualitative methods, including 68 household interviews and six focus groups, were used to assess subjective, socio-relational, material and ecological dimensions of wellbeing in connection to ecotourism and conservation-development debates. Findings suggest the critical yet complex socio-relational aspects of life for wellbeing; the significance of power relations between stakeholders in relation to sense of wellbeing; and the constant trade-offs that correspond to issues of justice and control, particularly with natural resources. The study identifies the need for more research on gender, power and governance in fragile and protected areas engaging in ecotourism. Assessments informed by an integrative wellbeing approach can foster fruitful dialogue on trade-offs and decision-making in ecologically sensitive areas.

Keywords:

• Bhutan
• Wellbeing
• ecotourism
• social-ecological systems
• conservation
• indigenous
• well-being

Acknowledgements

The authors are deeply grateful to study participants and the communities of Merak, Sakteng and Joenkhar for their contributions and hospitality, in addition to partners at Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Tourism Council of Bhutan for their generous support. Comments on earlier manuscript versions were kindly provided by Derek Armitage, Bob Sharpe, Suzan Ilcan and anonymous reviewers. The authors also acknowledge support from the University of Waterloo.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.