The Role of Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystem Services in Achieving Sustainable Tourism: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Challenges

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zeinab Hoseinnejad 1
Mir Mehrdad Mirsanjari 2
1 Ph.D. Student in Land Evaluation and Planning, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran (From December 2007)
10.22034/eiat.2025.512700.1147
Abstract
Abstract:

This study aims to examine the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Ecosystem Services Assessment in achieving sustainable tourism. The research is based on a systematic review of reputable scientific sources (2010–2024) and employs an integrated analytical approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Within this framework, advanced EIA methodologies—including Ecological Footprint analysis, the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework for assessing the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions of tourism, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and the InVEST and DPSIR models—were analyzed. The findings indicate that integrating these tools into tourism planning processes enables a more accurate assessment of impacts on ecosystem services. Key challenges identified include the lack of integrated data, insufficient participation of local communities, and conflicts between economic and environmental objectives. Proposed solutions encompass the economic valuation of ecosystem services, application of advanced monitoring technologies, strengthening of legal frameworks, and the design of participatory management programs. The results highlight the necessity of adopting an integrated approach to assess the cumulative impacts of tourism and embedding sustainability criteria throughout all stages of development.
Keywords
Keywords: Sustainable tourism
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Ecosystem services
Quantitative and qualitative models and methods
Subjects