Systematic reviews are crucial for comprehending conceptual development within academic disciplines. This study analyses the role of community participation in ecotourism by reviewing publications from 2009 to 2024, adhering to the PRISMA protocol. The objectives include evaluating previous advancements, assessing current knowledge, and identifying future directions in the field. Seventy-one journal articles were reviewed through predefined selection criteria, systematic database searches, and content analysis. The findings indicate a geographically diverse literature base, predominantly centred on Southeast and South Asia. The analysis shows that active community participation is essential for sustainable ecotourism, leading to better conservation outcomes, greater economic benefits, and stronger social cohesion. Persistent challenges impede meaningful engagement, including power imbalances, economic disparities, and inadequate equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. Resolving these issues necessitates clear communication and the development of capabilities and frameworks for inclusive governance. The review highlights the complexities involved in evaluating the broader impact of ecotourism on sustainable development despite notable successes.
Tiwari et al. (2026) studied this question.