Title: Factors driving community engagement through social capital formation - focusing on community-based eco-tourism in Dongbaek Village, Jeju, Korea

Authors: SeoYeon An; HyeMin Park

Addresses: University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea ' University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Abstract: This study explores the place attachment between natural resources and community, which has been enhanced through eco-tourism, by identifying community governance's role in conserving and using natural resources. Community participation is paramount in community-based eco-tourism. Thus, the factors promoting the sustainability of local participation were studied. Local governance in Dongbaek Dongsan, which was accredited as the Ramsar Wetland City for the first time in the world, Jeju, was used as a case study, and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The roundtable, akin to the town meeting in the US, enhanced residents' satisfaction and induced a continuous contribution to the village project. Social capital formed through governance boosted the sense of place for the elderly and created the same for migrants and youngsters.

Keywords: Ramsar City; sustainable community-based ecotourism; governance; social interaction between natural resources and community; social capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2023.136294

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2023 Vol.22 No.4, pp.355 - 374

Received: 21 Mar 2022
Accepted: 08 Mar 2023
Published online: 26 Jan 2024 *

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