Presentation short abstract

Touristification at Cova Tallada (Montgó Natural Park, Spain) led to access regulation after visitor booms and local tensions. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this communication examines governance dynamics, key actors, and socio‑ecological impacts, focusing on conservation and local economies

Presentation long abstract

The widespread increase in socio-ecological conflicts in territories subjected to intensified touristification has prompted a range of regulatory and intervention initiatives from diverse public authorities. The transformation of natural areas and the displacement of local communities through their conversion into tourist spaces often generate sustainability-related tensions and local resistances, which in turn place growing pressure on public administrations to intervene.

This communication examines one such case to illuminate governance responses. We centre on Cova Tallada, a marine–terrestrial coastal cave located within the Montgó Natural Park (Alacant, Spain), one of the most touristified territories in the country. During the 2010s, the cave saw an exponential rise in visitors, driven by growing ecotourism demand and social media amplification, establishing it as one of the area's main tourist landmarks. In response, the Valencian Regional Government adopted a specific regulation in 2019, limiting access to the cave and the conditions under which ecotourism companies may operate there. This regulatory measure was justified by factors such as the increase in accidents, overcrowding, and the degradation of natural resources.

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, including semi-structured interviews with key agents such as state agencies, tourism operators and local residents, in this communication we develop an ethnographic analysis of the governance process that led to the regulation of Cova Tallada. We focus on the main actors formally and informally involved in this process and examine both the rationale and the principal socio-ecological consequences of the resulting regulatory framework, encompassing access equity, biodiversity conservation, and socioeconomic effects.