I sounds like you are suggesting something like a content analysis. For a systematic content analysis, you would create a set of "codes" that capture all of the available methods, and then assign each study the code (or codes) that correspond to the method(s) used. This would indeed be a "desk study."

Thank you very much Saraswati Sisriany for asking this question on what methods can be used to identify an approach that has been used or applied in an area of ecotourism research. In addition, you said that you are currently working on a research about ecotourism development and you need to identify the methods that have been used on a related area.

The focus of your question is if there are any particular methods which are available to do this kind of research. At the same time, you would like to know if you could just identify the relevant approaches (methods) by simply doing a desk study.

I would like to appreciate the last suggestion on the methodology to be used for initial data collection on ecotourism research activities. As you have said it rightly in this case, desk or library research is the most appropriate starting point for any research in this area. My impression is that, you seem to know or understand well you are talking about, as a try to judge from your perspective.

In this connection, you need to carry out some desk resk research based on a systematic literature review on ecotourism issues such as ecotourism research, policy, planning, projects, communication, ICT, community participation, tourism operations or promotions, climate change and ecotourism, ecotourism and environmental conservation, and other socio-economic benefits of eco-tourism.

In addition, you need to know that this type of research will require a mixed method or approach as usually triangulation.

You will do very well if you could be open minded and allow yourself to consider different methods, both qualitative and quantitative, if you will. For example the following methods can be integrated or triangulated to give you some good information from your respondents or the local communities where you will plan to do your research.It is important to note that cultural(intercultural competency/ literacy, media literacy, communication skills like intercultural communication skills are support services

Besides, the literature which is a precondition to almost all other methods which you wish to adopt, the ecotourism research methods could include: content analysis of media coverage of ecotourism, direct or personal observations of the status of ecotourism of a given place or community,, consultations with key ecotourism informants, field visits,,in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), photovoice, documentation such as videography and photography, among others.

These are some of my few ideas which I have to share with you on the above subject. Besides, thank you for earning my compliment for your gorgeous look. look Thank you very for sharing with us this very global and local issues/ We appreciate it very highly. I have also published some piece on the role of the media in promoting ecotourism for peace and security in Africa.

Best regards

Wilson