A Study on the Relationship between Ecological Conservation, Tourism Impacts, and Sustainable Development in an Indigenous Island Context

This study explores the interconnectedness between the ecological conservation of Otus elegans botelensis, its societal implications, tourism impacts, and sustainable development-specifically from the perspective of Lanyu’s indigenous communities. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory and Place Attachment Theory, an integrated conceptual framework was developed to guide the research. A structured questionnaire was designed, yielding 364 valid responses. The primary analytical method employed was Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), which was used to examine the direct effects of ecological conservation on societal outcomes, as well as its indirect influence on local identity and sustainable development through both the positive and negative impacts of tourism. JEL classification numbers: Z30, Z32. Keywords: Otus elegans botelensis, Ecological Conservation, Social Implications, Tourism Impact, Sustainable Development, Place Identity.