Abstract

The author explores the untapped potential of biocultural ecotourism by focusing on the intricate relationship between marine ecosystems and local communities on Kabashima, a small, accessible fishing island situated in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Although modern ecotourism increasingly emphasizes the critical interconnectedness of biodiversity and local cultural practices, there remains a notable lack of empirical research specifically addressing these dynamics within small island contexts. To address this gap and promote environmental awareness alongside sustainable practices, the researchers developed and evaluated targeted educational programs utilizing Kabashima's unique geographical and cultural assets. The methodology involved designing two distinct ecotourism programs. Program 1 was successfully implemented, offering participants hands-on experiences such as observing migratory Brown Boobies, learning about traditional marine culture, and participating in local dance. The second program was designed and implemented to tackle pressing ecological threats, including marine debris and invasive species. The implementation of Program 1 yielded overwhelmingly positive results; participant feedback revealed a substantially deepened understanding of biocultural diversity and a markedly increased motivation to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. Ultimately, the research concludes that Kabashima's excellent accessibility, dense concentration of cultural and ecological points of interest, and effectively designed educational experiences make it an ideal hub for small-scale ecotourism. These findings demonstrate that accessible small islands with rich biocultural assets can serve as highly effective, scalable models for developing short-term learning eco-tours applicable to various regions globally.

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