Analyzing the Challenges and Role of Non-governmental Organizations in the Development of Ecotourism in Rural Areas

Ecotourism has a fundamental focus on sustainability and brings many economic and social benefits to local communities. Facilitating the participation of local people is one of the principles of ecotourism. Non-governmental organizations have a prominent role in ecotourism development. They promote local communities’ participation, and in most cases, play a crucial role in ecotourism development via conserving biodiversity and environment or the developing sustainable local livelihood. In this research, considering the necessity of ecotourism development and using the grounded theory method, the challenges and problems faced by active non-governmental organizations in the field of ecotourism in Iran were investigated. The study sample consists of 37 experts of ecotourism, managers and experts of active non-governmental organizations in the field of ecotourism, government managers, owners of lodges, and dwellers of the local community who were selected using strategies including theoretical sampling, analytical induction and maximum variance. The questions of the semi-structured interviews were formulated around the main research questions and the answers of the interviewees were analyzed and coded in three stages. The results showed that the multiplicity of organizations in charge of ecotourism and the lack of correct views about ecotourism and non-governmental organizations are among the macro-environment codes affecting the functioning of these organizations. Based on the research findings, some suggestions have been made to improve the role of non-governmental organizations.