Local community members play a critical role in the success of conservation projects, which in turn have the potential to influence the perceptions of local people. Relationships matter when it comes to sustainable long-term conservation and community well-being. The study aims to establish the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation organizations in the context of Phinda Private Game Reserve and the Mnqobokazi community, located in South Africa. Data was collected using the qualitative methods of interviews and focus group discussions. The findings show that a symbiotic relationship between conservation organizations and local community members is critical in conserving the environment. The research indicates that both participation and benefits result in improved perceptions towards the protected area and a strong positive relationship. The accrual of benefits also appears to result in pro-environmental consciousness amongst community members. Several existing studies examine participation or benefit-sharing in community-based tourism in developing nations. However, less is known about the relationships between local communities and conservation organizations and the effect of participation and beneficiation on these relationships. This research narrows this gap in the body of knowledge by qualitatively examining a single case study. The findings add value to global collaborative efforts aimed at achieving positive relationships between communities and conservation management.
This study investigates non-academic employees’ perceptions of their line managers’ leadership styles at a private university in Malaysia and how these perceptions influence their intention to remain employed. Employing a qualitative approach and the path-goal theory as a theoretical framework, data were collected through purposive sampling from 10 non-academic employees and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. The findings reveal that a supportive and participative leadership style fosters an informal leadership dynamic between line managers and subordinates. Informal leadership behaviors encompass affective qualities and effective communication that enable the development of close relationships outside the workplace, facilitating increased employee engagement and motivation levels. Consequently, this approach notably improves employee retention. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of informal leadership styles contributing to enhanced human resource management at the private university while providing an inclusive perspective on employees’ perceptions and their intention to remain employed. Finally, we propose a model of employees’ perception of leadership styles as the main driver that better serves their intention to stay in organizations.
Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) are critical for biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. These areas are not only refuges for wildlife but also pivotal in promoting sustainable tourism. Geoparks, a unique subset of NPAs, emphasize geological heritage, offering distinctive educational and recreational opportunities. This article explores the significance of Geoparks in Portugal for geotourism and assesses the accessible digital communication strategies of Portuguese Geoparks, emphasizing the analysis of pedagogical concerns. The study highlights the importance of online engagement in enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
This study aims to analyze Closed Varosha, a prominent tourist destination in the Eastern Mediterranean, as a traumatic landscape in the 1970s. This study also seeks to evaluate this site from the perspective of landscape architecture, with a particular focus on urban memory and dark tourism concepts, and to introduce the concept of “traumatic landscapes” to the existing literature on the subject. The case study analysis, on-site observation and document examination techniques were employed as research methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted as part of this study, encompassing data on Closed Varosha, the study area, and its surrounding context. The Varosha city visited with the assistance of a travel guide, and comprehensive information and visual materials (photographs, video footage, etc.) collected in the field study. Study results proposed that the landscapes where social traumas are experienced and which have become a symbol should be used for cultural and scientific activities. This may be achieved by making use of urban memory in order to transform these landscapes into an improved version of the existing ones. Furthermore, this could serve to awaken the awareness of universal peace in visitors within the scope of dark tourism. Another potential avenue for exploration is the organization of common sense workshops with the participation of stakeholders from both communities. This could facilitate the development of future solutions through a participatory approach. Additionally, there is a need to expand transnational and multidisciplinary studies. This would enable future generations to engage in dialogue about Closed Varosha in a constructive manner.
