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Background This study examines the role of collaborative governance in the development of sustainable community-based ecotourism (CBET) in the ASEAN region. However, its implementation still faces various obstacles, such as weak institutional coordination, unequal distribution of benefits, limited resources, and the dominance of certain parties in policy-making. Furthermore, there is a gap between sustainability principles and on-the-ground realities, especially regarding participation and economic justice. Objective This study aims to integrate core findings and theoretical frameworks in CBET research, examine the functions and relationships among stakeholders within the co-governance structure, and identify issues and constraints in the sustainability of CBET. Methods The method used was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 85 scientific articles were systematically analyzed to identify trends, methodologies, and key findings related to community-based ecotourism management. Qualitative approaches dominated the findings, emphasizing the literature’s focus on social, participatory, and institutional aspects. Findings The synthesis results show a rapid surge in publications from 2008 to 2025, indicating growing attention to sustainability issues through the use of collaborative systems in the tourism sector. Geographically, the majority of studies originated from Indonesia, followed by Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The synthesis confirms that collaborative governance is a crucial factor in supporting the sustainability of CBET through cooperation among governments, local communities, the private sector, and civil society organizations. This collaboration contributes to environmental conservation, improved quality of life for communities, and the strengthening of local economic innovation. Implication Overall, this study confirms that optimizing collaborative governance that is inclusive, flexible, and effectively implemented can serve as a driving force for advancing the sustainable development of CBET in the ASEAN region.
Louisabethania et al. (Mon,) studied this question.