ABSTRACT
This research investigates the effects of hiking on the environment and on the community in Moukhtara and its relation to sustainable development. Thus, its main aim is to uncover the impact of hiking on sustainable development in Moukhtara. As such, this study employed mixed-methods research design, employing qualitative and quantitative research methods. The main finding showed that although hiking harmed sustainable development in Moukhtara through soil degradation, pollution, harming wildlife communities, and contaminating lakes and streams, it also showed some substantial benefits. Finally, in terms of contribution, the issue of how hiking supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievements was discussed in terms of the ways in which it can help in nature conservation and the development of local communities dependent on such activities. The implications of these findings encourage communities to invest more in such participative activities, whereby both tourists and locals feel empowered to preserve the sites involved with such accomplishments.
