Abstract:
This study explores stakeholder perspectives on environmental sustainability within
Pigeon Island National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant marine
protected areas. Although tourism has become an important source of local income,
unchecked visitor activities and weak institutional governance have caused notable
ecological degradation. Previous research has mainly addressed the park’s ecological
or tourism-related issues, leaving a clear gap in understanding stakeholder
involvement in achieving sustainability. Therefore, the study aims to examine how
key stakeholders perceive and contribute to environmental sustainability and to
identify strategies to strengthen sustainable management in Pigeon Island National
Park. A qualitative research design was employed under an interpretivist paradigm
using a case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews
with 20 purposively selected participants, including park officials, local residents,
tourism service providers, and tourists. Qualitative content analysis was used to
identify patterns and themes related to tourism impacts, management gaps, and
stakeholder collaboration. The findings reveal that while tourism generates
substantial economic benefits, it also leads to coral reef degradation, pollution, and
overcrowding. Weak enforcement of regulations and limited stakeholder
participation further constrain conservation efforts. The study recommends
participatory governance, environmental education, improved infrastructure, and
stricter regulation to enhance the park’s ecological resilience. The research
contributes to sustainable tourism literature by emphasising the importance of multi stakeholder engagement and local knowledge in conserving fragile marine
environments.
