Jurassic wilderness

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This study builds on Campbell’s (2002) argument that contemporary biodiversity conservation discourse features a clash between traditional exclusionary narratives and a counter-narrative advocating for sustainable use through ecotourism. Amid a perceived global biodiversity crisis, the traditional conservation discourse has re-emerged, reinforcing arguments against social objectives and promoting an exclusionary approach rooted in wilderness ideals. Local resource use is often restricted or banned, while ecotourism is touted as the most sustainable option. However, as an alternative livelihood for local residents, ecotourism frequently falls short of its promises to significantly enhance local development, often prioritizing ecological goals instead. Analyzing the management of Komodo National Park in Indonesia and its surrounding communities, this study contends that ecotourism may merely serve as a politically appealing slogan, providing conservation agencies with justification for exclusionary management practices. By neglecting the economic, social, and cultural needs of local residents, a conservation regime that relies on ecotourism may ultimately leave these communities struggling to fulfill their immediate needs.