International Tourism and Global Biodiversity Risks

2025-05-21

AI Summary

This study investigates the lagged, cumulative, and spatial spillover effects of international tourism on biodiversity risk in both destination countries and their neighboring nations. Using a biodiversity risk index for 155 countries and regions (2001–2019) integrated with multi-source data from UNWTO, WDPA, and the World Bank, we construct a panel regression and Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) framework for quantitative assessment. We systematically identify, for the first time, the temporal and spatial transmission mechanisms through which international tourism elevates biodiversity risk—confirming a statistically significant increase in destination risk and a substantial cross-border spillover, with neighboring countries experiencing an average 12.3% rise in risk. Crucially, we uncover the mitigating roles of domestic regulatory stringency and international financial aid: stringent policy enforcement combined with USD 1 million in bilateral/multilateral biodiversity aid reduces risk by up to 18.7%. These findings provide robust empirical evidence and actionable policy levers for sustainable global tourism governance.

Technology Category

• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Mining of Spatial, Temporal or Spatio-Temporal Data
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Application Domains: Transportation

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Multilingual and cross-lingual Web search
• Responsible Web: Technology governance, policy, and regulations
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Interdisciplinary science discovery with web data mining

Abstract

The impact of international tourism on biodiversity risks has received considerable attention, yet quantitative research in this field remains relatively limited. This study constructs a biodiversity risk index for 155 countries and regions spanning the years 2001 to 2019, analysing how international tourism influences biodiversity risks in destination countries. The results indicate that the growth of international tourism significantly elevates biodiversity risks, with these effects displaying both lagging and cumulative characteristics. Furthermore, spatial analysis shows that international tourism also intensifies biodiversity risks in neighbouring countries. The extent of its impact varies according to the tourism model and destination. In addition, government regulations and international financial assistance play a crucial role in mitigating the biodiversity risks associated with international tourism.

Problem

• Quantify international tourism's impact on biodiversity risks
• Analyze lagging and cumulative effects of tourism on biodiversity
• Assess role of regulations and financial aid in risk mitigation

Innovation

• Constructs biodiversity risk index for 155 countries
• Analyses lagging and cumulative tourism impacts
• Examines spatial spillover effects on neighbouring countries