Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify and explain the key components of ecotourism that contribute to enhancing sustainable livelihoods in the border regions of Ardabil Province, using a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) approach. This research further aims to develop a context-based analytical–practical framework to guide policymakers and development planners in the field of border ecotourism..

Material & Method: In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 academic experts, local managers, and tourism practitioners, and analyzed using thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti (version 24). In the quantitative phase, to validate the qualitative structure and uncover latent dimensions, a researcher-designed questionnaire was distributed among 177 local residents, students, and stakeholders. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis in SPSS (version 26).

Finding: The qualitative analysis identified 15 sub-themes categorized into four main themes: “Local capacities and advantages,” “Socio-environmental prerequisites,” “Institutional and infrastructural mechanisms,” and “Socio-economic outcomes.” The quantitative analysis confirmed four main factors: (1) Local participation and economic outcomes, (2) Institutional and infrastructural mechanisms, (3) Adaptive empowerment based on local capacities, and (4) Cultural capital and regional representation, which together explained 56.86% of the total variance.

Conclusion: Effective ecotourism development in border regions requires the simultaneous utilization of natural and cultural assets, active community participation, institutional strengthening, infrastructure improvement, and the adoption of incentive-based and adaptive policies. Moreover, enhancing cultural identity and destination storytelling can contribute to population stability, improved economic security, and reduced vulnerability.

Innovation: The innovation of this study lies in presenting a multidimensional, context-based analytical–practical model that can guide policymakers, development planners, and local institutions in achieving balanced and sustainable development in border areas. By integrating cultural, institutional, socio-environmental, and economic components, this model offers a comprehensive and locally grounded approach to ecotourism development.