The distribution of ecotourism activities and potential consequences for the Saudi desert ecosystem

Ecotourism and recreation play significant roles in the socioeconomic and infrastructure developments of host communities. However, people visiting natural habitats for ecotourism and recreational activities often disturb the existing ecological balance. In Saudi Arabia, four-wheel vehicles are increasingly used for desert recreational activities such as camping, picnic, hiking, and sports, thereby disturbing the pristine ecosystem. Earlier, people feared getting lost in the vast desert and visited only authorized locations serviced by designated roads. However, exploring remote desert locations is increasingly commonplace using GPS-based devices and navigation technologies on smartphones and vehicles. This study investigates the extent of these practices and their potential consequences for the desert ecosystem in the Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey of people involved in such activities, geospatial analysis of maps of the study area, and direct observations. The findings show a statistically significant increase in such recreational activities from 2010 to 2020, with littering, soil degradation, and damage to plant and animal species as the major impacts. The study inferred that random recreational activities negatively impact prime soil, vegetation, and animals. It concludes that campers and picnickers should be educated about the implications of these practices. Furthermore, local authorities should establish more camping centers, conduct more surveillance, and establish regulations and fines to protect the desert ecosystem.