Nature-Based Recreation & Ecotourism PDF

STT3173 Nature-based recreation & Ecotourism 1  Consumer Trends The “New Tourist” Experienced and independent “do it yourself” travel bookings, destination research Technology Oriented Quality in tourism...

STT3173 Nature-based recreation & Ecotourism 1  Consumer Trends The “New Tourist” Experienced and independent “do it yourself” travel bookings, destination research Technology Oriented Quality in tourism products & value for money Prefers multi-activities and willing to learn from other cultures Increasingly environmentally and socially sensitive Wants deeper appreciation of place visited Shorter but more frequent throughout the year 2 LU2: Ecotourism concept and industry Nature based recreation Definition: Travel to natural destinations to participate in a tourism experience that include science education, recreation, adventure & sports while still protecting the resource. Durst, 1988 Include all forms of tourism – mass tourism, adventure tourism, low impact tourism, ecotourism – which use natural resources in the wild or undeveloped form – including species, habitat, landscape, scenery and water features: Travel for the purpose of enjoying undeveloped natural areas or wildlife. Goodwin, 1996  TYPES OF NATURE-BASED TOURISM Nature-based Tourism Car Ecotourism Adventure Wilderness (includes educative Camping & conservation Travel Travel (primarily view (emphasis on (primarily to landscape support) activity) appreciate with comfort) nature) Differentiated according to travel motives of travelers. Nature-based tourism: Any form of tourism that relies primarily on the natural environment for its attractions or settings. Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people. 5 Examples: Nature-based Activities 6  Activities related to nature-based recreation & ecotourism  Activities in the context of nature-based tourism Adventure Ecotourism 3S Captive Extractive Health Abseiling Aboriginal Beachcombing Aquariums Berrypicking Mudbathing Cave diving tourism 5 Boating Aviaries Fishing Nature retreats 3 Caving Birdwatching Sailing Arboretum 3 Hunting 1 Spas Cliff diving Flower gazing Sea-dooing 1 Botanical Mushroom Four-wheel Leaf-peeping Sunbathing gardens3 picking driving Nature Surfing 1 Garden tours Hang-gliding observation Swimming 4 Wildlife parks 3 Heli-skiing Nature Waterskiing 1 zoos Mountain biking photography Windsurfing 1 Mountaineering Outdoor recreation Paragliding Whale watching Pearl diving Rockclimbing Sea kayaking White water rafting Canoeing Trekking Legend Horsebacking riding Hiking 1 linked to Adventure tourism Camel trekking Safaries 2 linked to 3S tourism Scuba/snorkelling Whale watching 3 linked to ecotourism 4 linked to health tourism 5 linked to cultural tourism Source: adapted from Weaver, Faulkner & Lawton, 1999 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4ioqIaXrE 12 Initiated in 1970s Responsible tourism movement  Reaction to the negative consequences of tourism development In 1980s – started a movement called “environmental tourism”  Led to eco-tourism 13 By definition, Ecotourism is…. Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature and for any accompanying cultural features that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local people. 14 It is….. NOT part of mass tourism but is a form of alternative (to mass) tourism, Niche form of tourism which fosters sustainable practices Nature-based, ecologically sustainable, environmentally educative, locally beneficial and fosters tourist satisfaction, 15  Ecotourism Fact Sheet Size: employs 200 million people, generates $3.6 trillion in economic activity, accounts for 8% of jobs worldwide Growth: 1950 – 25 million tourism arrivals; 2004 – 760 million tourism arrivals; 2020 – forecast to reach 1.56 billion international arrivals Importance to developing countries: Tourism is a principal “export” for 83% of developing countries. For the world’s poorest countries, tourism is 2nd most important source of foreign exchange, after oil. 16 Ecotourism development focuses on 4 core criteria Focuses on (“4Es”) – Environmental conservation, Equity, Education & Economic benefits. Involvement in these activities/programs can also be characterized by the 3 “Es” that is Exciting, Educative & Ethical. 17 1. Nature-based Ecotourism is based on natural environment with a focus on ABC features. There are: Abiotic – e.g., landscapes, seascapes, etc Biotic – plants and animals (biodiversity) Culture – human features Fosters the ENVIRNMENTAL CONSERVATION of natural resources 18 2. Ecologically Sustainable All tourism should be sustainable – ecologically, culturally & economically Ecotourism should especially be:- Ecologically responsible Conservation supporting An environmental exemplar for all tourism Ecotourism’s case is built on understanding & preserving ecosystem (EQUITY) 19 3. Environmentally Educative Educative component of ecotourism is a key element that separates it from all other forms of nature-based tourism. Ecotourism includes EDUCATION: In the environment About the environment For the environment 20 4. Locally Beneficial Ecotourism, like tourism generally, strives for tourist satisfaction. Without ecotourist there is no ecotourism Ecotourists are becoming better informed & more discerning, Ecotourism must provide a high degree of quality in regard to tourism & hospitality services. ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS 21 Ecotourism Principles 22 Model of a Sustainable Ecotourism System Stakeholders’ interest & Ecotourist participations Government involvement Carrying capacity & Natural Limit of environmental Acceptable Sustainable protection Change Ecotourism Social & cultural Education environmental protection & Resource development management, Economic governance & consideration certification compliance 23  Stakeholders in ecotourism sector  BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM IMPROVE INVOLVEMENT Living standard (alternative to Local community - consumptive use of resources - recognize rights of locals economic & social) EDUCATION - PRESERVE Learn & experience BENEFITS Local cultures the environment IMPROVE CONSERVE Physical structures & Natural Environment services (Resources & Wildlife) 26  Other benefits… Earn foreign exchange Increased revenue (including tax), job opportunities Benefits to rural communities through job creation, better facilities and consequential development; Support for conservation and environmental management; Enhanced tourism image Establishment of local businesses; JV between government, private sector & local communities 27  Examples of Ecotourism in Emerging Markets  Uganda  Bwindi forest gorilla reserve $145/person for one hr of viewing gorilla 100% of its capacity  $400,000 annually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1nfoNgfnEU  Nepal  Annapurna conservation area Ecotourists lodges for trekkers $12/person  $500,000 annually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly_ByIirxJ8 28  Examples of Ecotourism in Emerging Markets  Bolivia  Chalalan ecolodge  Madidi national park Accomodates 24 visitors in hatch-roof cabins, local built https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYvid0Rj1Zc  Costa Rica  Monteverde cloud forest reserve Located in Tilaran mountains  flora and fauna https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IWb9DI83Mo  Cuba  La Moka (UNESCO protected site) Bioreserve  harmony between people and nature https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/dec/12/cubas- green-revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I10AKOsTjgA 29  Factors contributing to growth of nature-based recreation & ecotourism Can you name any?? 1. increasing environmental awareness and interest 2. increased media exposure to natural areas around the world 3. desire to see natural areas before they disappear 4. desire for more educative and challenging vacations 5. desire to go to novel destinations i.e. to be the first person to …. 6. easier access to remote ecotourism destinations Types & characteristics of nature-based recreation & ecotourism sites What are them??  Rich in natural & cultural attractions Authentic & unique features Special interest activities & educational experience for visitors Accessible Relatively comfortable facilities i.e. lodging accommodation, places to eat, water supply, etc. PATAGONIA Natural Resources for Ecotourism 38 Can Malaysia become one of the world leading ECOTOURISM destination? Malaysia’s ecotourism potential Needs of eco-tourists Environmental & Cultural Sustainability Quality of Experience Depending on the type of tourist Accessibility & Weather Safety and Health 40 Ecotourism Attractions 41  Nature-based Resources Natural lake Water falls Forest Ecosystem 42 Landscape features Limestone Cave in Pinnacles in Gunung Mulu NP Gunung Mulu NP 43 Landscape features World’s largest cave chamber Mulu NP… 44 Flora species Rafflesia in Gunung Gading NP 45 Fauna species 46  Fauna species Sea turtle..Talang Island Bats…..Mulu NP 47 The Coral Triangle 48 Marine eco-destinations in BIMP-EAGA 49  The Heart of Borneo Conservation and sustainable development program aimed at conserving and managing contiguous tropical forest in the island of Borneo. http://www.hobgreeneconomy.org/ 50  Destinations: Siem Reap, Hue, Luang Prabang, Central Java, Papua, Yunnan Culture PRC, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka 52 Emerging destinations in Asia Destinations: Sabah Palawan Laos NW Viet Nam NE Cambodia South Central Sulawesi Sarawak Papua Sumatra Yunnan PRC Chilbo, DPRK Himalayas 53