블루투어리즘 장기적 운영관리를 위한 거버넌스 기반 모니터링 평가 요소의 적용 가능성 연구 - 해양생태관광객의 인식과 Green Flag Award의 활용을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This study explores the concept of blue carbon and the feasibility of blue tourism by analysing tourists’ perceptions in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Blue carbon refers to the critical role of marine ecosystems in sequestering and storing carbon, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. Marine ecosystems can absorb carbon at approximately 50 times the rate of terrestrial ecosystems, positioning them as key nature-based solutions in climate response. Consequently, blue tourism, based on blue carbon, is gaining attention as a novel tourism model that integrates environmental protection with sustainable tourism practices. In this context, this study examines the perceptions of tourists visiting coastal attractions in Muan, and seeks to propose governance-based management strategies for sustainable blue tourism. A survey was conducted at key tourist destinations in Muan from May to October 2024, analysed by statistically using SPSS software. The results show that firstly, among the GFA (Green Flag Award) assessment indicators, tourists identified cleanliness, safety, and climate change response strategies as particularly important factors, suggesting that tourists have high expectations for environmental protection and safety at blue carbon-based eco-tourism sites, thus indicating strong tourist awareness of marine ecosystem conservation. Secondly, this study analysed the correlations among GFA criteria to assess their overall impact on monitoring. indicating that a strong positive correlation was observed among GFA criteria, measning that an integrated monitoring framework can contribute positively to sustainable management. Thirdly, criteria Section4 (Environmental Management), Section5 (Biodiversity, Landscape, and Heritage), and Section7 (Marketing and Communication) were found to play a significant role in overall management. Further, the study also highlights the importance of community participation, emphasising how tourists can contribute to environmental protection through interactions with local communities. Community involvement showed a high correlation with environmental management, cleanliness, and marketing and communication, yet lacked statistical significance for establishing a long-term management system. This finding suggests the need for more active and inclusive approaches to community involvement in a long-term management structure, indicating potential areas for future research. This study underscores the need for a community-based monitoring system to foster the sustainable development of blue carbon and blue tourism, advocating shared responsibilities among local residents and tourists in environmental conservation and management. The study further proposes enhancing tourist awareness through social marketing and educational programs that highlight the environmental value of blue carbon, thereby encouraging active participation. Thus, this study provides policy direction for the sustainable management of blue tourism and emphasises the necessity of a governance-based, long-term management framework.