Preserving Paradise / Sustainable Ecotourism: Defining, Measuring, & Modeling

Abstract

Preserving Paradise / Sustainable Ecotourism: Defining, Measuring, & Modeling is a final year Master of Architecture thesis exploring the potential of tourism to act as a driver for ecological and cultural preservation and regeneration by developing a framework and model for sustainable ecotourism. Grounded in the principles of responsible travel, the study emphasizes conservation, the utilization of sustainable practices, and an enhancing of the socio-economic well-being of local communities while minimizing the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism. The research begins by defining ecotourism, distinguishing it from other forms of nature based tourism, and outlining its theoretical foundations. It then addresses the challenge of evaluating eco-resorts to distinguish greenwashing and true sustainability. Through a proposed framework that is performance based rather than prescriptive, It will provide a model that can certify resorts as truly being “eco” or not. Finally, the thesis culminates in the design of a hypothetical ecotourism resort that synthesizes all these elements. This design exercise demonstrates how sustainability can be achieved in site planning, construction, and long-term operations while maintaining luxury and cultural sensitivity. The outcome is a proof of concept project that shows how following the ecotourism framework results in eco-resorts that balance hospitality, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic contributions. Ultimately, this study provides practical guidance for architects, developers, and policymakers seeking to ensure that ecotourism contributes to genuine ecological and cultural preservation rather than serving solely as a marketing tool.