DOCSLIB.ORG

Conservation Contributions of Ecotourism Enterprises

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Conservation Contributions of Ecotourism Enterprises Conservation Contributions of Ecotourism Enterprises Author Wardle, Cassandra J Published 2019-11-25 Thesis Type Thesis (PhD Doctorate) School School of Environment and Sc DOI https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/2848 Copyright Statement The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise. Downloaded from http://hdl.handle.net/10072/389697 Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au Conservation Contributions of Ecotourism Enterprises Cassandra Wardle BSc, MEnv A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Environment and Science Griffith Sciences Griffith University, Australia July 2019 Abstract Context: Non-traditional means of environmental protection are being used with increasing frequency to address the global conservation crisis and make up the shortfall in government conservation spending. Ecotourism is one such mechanism that has been adopted widely for community development and conservation purposes in both practice and policy, particularly in developing nations due to the potential to combine social and commercial benefits with conservation goals. However, evaluations of how ecotourism enterprises fit into the ecotourism-conservation relationship are a relatively recent trend. Findings from the literature review of this thesis reveal that our current understanding of this relationship is limited to (1) hand-picked sites located primarily in developing nations; (2) a narrow group of predominantly visitor and community focused conservation activities; and (3) inconsistent evaluation approaches that often lack repeatability and transferability. As such, the evidence base for this relationship is currently insufficient. Aim: This thesis addressed this gap through a multidisciplinary mixed methods approach to identify and explore the conservation practices of ecotourism enterprises at both a broad global scale and a detailed national scale within Australia. Approach: An evaluation framework incorporating a matrix of 27 feasible actions and 26 potential conservation outcomes was constructed through data mining, qualitative content analysis and iterative inductive coding of sources from a range of disciplines and sectors. This framework was used to guide an assessment of the conservation activities of 86 fixed- site eco-certified enterprises in Australia and evaluate their contributions to national conservation priorities. Certification by the national industry association, Ecotourism Australia, is pervasive in Australia, so these 86 sites are likely to represent the highest performing enterprises and their aggregate achievements provide a good approximation to continental scale contributions. Finally, the conservation practices of these 86 sites and the content of the national certification program were compared with the national conservation policy landscape to i identify key overlaps and gaps for progressing the ecotourism-conservation relationship in Australia. Findings: Findings demonstrate that this group of Australian ecotourism enterprises generate a myriad of conservation gains through social and ecological actions. However, the significance of the conservation practices of these sites varied greatly, with some sites making important contributions to threatened species or ecosystems, and others simply listing actions with little focus on their extent or outcomes. All sites took some action to revegetate cleared land and remove non-native flora, and 75% of sites targeted non-native fauna. However, only 54% of sites reported improved habitat; only 7% successfully eradicated at least one weed species; and just 6% eradicated at least one introduced fauna species (including feral cats, foxes and rabbits). Legally binding conservation agreements were established by 63% of sites covering 2,400km2 in total; however, these are in-perpetuity agreements for just 25 sites covering 1,550km2. Nevertheless, 41% of sites share a border with a public protected area, effectively extending the public protected area network by an additional 650km2. Specific conservation actions such as threat management and nest provision were reported for 61 threatened plant and animal species. These include 27 bird species, 15 mammals, 8 plants, 4 reptiles, 2 rays, and a single monotreme, amphibian, crustacean, freshwater fish, and insect. Fifteen of these species are covered by National Recovery Plans or Priority Plans including 4 mammals: the woylie bettong, 2 species of quoll, and 1 subspecies of bandicoot. How many individuals of each of these species occur on each of these ecotourism sites, however, is generally not specified, so these contributions cannot currently be quantified. Conclusions: Many of these certified ecotourism enterprises claim a range of contributions to conservation. The emphasis in the reporting practices of enterprises, however, is on: actions taken rather than ecologically quantified outcomes; achievements reported qualitatively rather than quantitatively; and unspecified contributions to larger-scale efforts, such as National Recovery Plans for threatened species. One reason for this is that the eco- certification program relies only on a tick-box list of actions rather than a set of quantified, monitored, and ecologically significant conservation outcomes. It appears that some of ii these ecotourism enterprises do indeed make ecologically significant contributions, commensurate with their relatively small scale; but in its current form, the certification program neither encourages nor rewards these. For this program to progress beyond “a commitment to nature conservation” and contribute meaningfully to conservation goals, it will need substantial reworking. Additionally, findings demonstrate several areas where the conservation activities of ecotourism sites overlap with national conservation priorities, highlighting the collaboration potential between these sectors. However, this study also reveals that tourism is predominantly acknowledged by national conservation policy in Australia as a driver for environmental protection as well as an impact that must be managed, and is not yet widely acknowledged as an industry that can contribute to conservation goals. By (1) developing a framework for systematically evaluating the conservation impacts of ecotourism enterprises; (2) providing a contribution to the evidence base necessary for the substantiated use of ecotourism as a conservation mechanism; (3) identifying key opportunities for conservation-ecotourism collaborations and strategic investments; and (4) highlighting priority improvement areas for ecotourism sites and Ecotourism Australia to increase their eligibility and attractiveness as investment options for government grants and programs, this thesis has important implications for operators, researchers, policymakers, and eco-certification bodies. iii Statement of originality This work has not previously been submitted for a degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the thesis itself. _________________________ Cassandra Wardle 9 July 2019 iv Dedication Dedicated to Dennis Hermann Grandad, sage, and best-cup-of-tea-maker-in-the-whole-world 1933-2018 The humblest trailblazer who demonstrated that it’s possible to defy every stereotype of a generation without ever being defiant; to work 100-hour weeks for decades while being the greatest family man; and to have next-to-nothing but always find something to give to those in need. The world is a little darker without the twinkle in his eyes, but his kindness and generosity will continue to ripple around the world through the thousands of lives that he touched. v Table of contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................... i Statement of originality ............................................................................................................iv Dedication ................................................................................................................................ v Table of contents......................................................................................................................vi List of tables ...........................................................................................................................xii List of figures ........................................................................................................................ xiv Acronyms, abbreviations and glossary ................................................................................... xvi Acknowledgement of papers included in this thesis ..............................................................xviii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... xxii Chapter 1 : Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Ecotourism and conservation ........................................................................................... 1 1.2 Academic research extent and gaps .................................................................................. 3 1.2.1 Ecotourism and the environment ..............................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Common Pathways by Which Non-Native Forest Insects Move
    Journal of Pest Science (2019) 92:13–27 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-018-0990-0 REVIEW Common pathways by which non‑native forest insects move internationally and domestically Nicolas Meurisse1 · Davide Rassati2 · Brett P. Hurley3 · Eckehard G. Brockerhof4 · Robert A. Haack5 Received: 18 February 2018 / Revised: 29 April 2018 / Accepted: 12 May 2018 / Published online: 30 May 2018 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2018 Abstract International trade and movement of people are largely responsible for increasing numbers of non-native insect introductions to new environments. For forest insects, trade in live plants and transport of wood packaging material (WPM) are considered the most important pathways facilitating long-distance invasions. These two pathways as well as trade in frewood, logs, and processed wood are commonly associated with insect infestations, while “hitchhiking” insects can be moved on cargo, in the conveyances used for transport (e.g., containers, ships), or associated with international movement of passengers and mail. Once established in a new country, insects can spread domestically through all of the above pathways. Considerable national and international eforts have been made in recent years to reduce the risk of international movement of plant pests. International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) No. 15 (WPM), 36 (plants for planting), and 39 (wood) are examples of phytosanitary standards that have been adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention to reduce risks of invasions of forest pests. The implementation of ISPMs by exporting countries is expected to reduce the arrival rate and establishments of new forest pests. However, many challenges remain to reduce pest transportation through international trade, given the ever-increasing volume of traded goods, variations in quarantine procedures between countries, and rapid changes in distribution networks.
    [Show full text]
  • Hitchhiking: the Travelling Female Body Vivienne Plumb University of Wollongong
    University of Wollongong Research Online University of Wollongong Thesis Collection University of Wollongong Thesis Collections 2012 Hitchhiking: the travelling female body Vivienne Plumb University of Wollongong Recommended Citation Plumb, Vivienne, Hitchhiking: the travelling female body, Doctorate of Creative Arts thesis, School of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong, 2012. http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/3913 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] Hitchhiking: the travelling female body A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree Doctorate of Creative Arts from UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG by Vivienne Plumb M.A. B.A. (Victoria University, N.Z.) School of Creative Arts, Faculty of Law, Humanities & the Arts. 2012 i CERTIFICATION I, Vivienne Plumb, declare that this thesis, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Creative Arts, in the Faculty of Creative Arts, School of Journalism and Creative Writing, University of Wollongong, is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualifications at any other academic institution. Vivienne Plumb November 30th, 2012. ii Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the support of my friends and family throughout the period of time that I have worked on my thesis; and to acknowledge Professor Robyn Longhurst and her work on space and place, and I would also like to express sincerest thanks to my academic supervisor, Dr Shady Cosgrove, Sub Dean in the Creative Arts Faculty. Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the Faculty of Creative Arts, in particular Olena Cullen, Teaching and Learning Manager, Creative Arts Faculty, who has always had time to help with any problems.
    [Show full text]
  • Ridingwithstrangersmaikemewe
    Riding with Strangers: An Ethnographic Inquiry into Contemporary Practices of European Hitchhikers Wissenschaftliche Hausarbeit zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Master of Arts der Universität Hamburg von Maike Mewes aus Hamburg Hamburg, 2016 I inhale great draughts of space, the East and the West are mine, and the North and the South are mine. Walt Whitman Song of the Open Road, 1856 Dedicated to all hitchhikers i Acknowledgements I wish to thank all those who have supported me in the process of writing this work, through their encouragement, advice, time, and companionship. Prof. Sabine Kienitz, for her enduring support, open mind, and unwavering patience in the prolonged supervision that this work required. The many hitchhikers, who shared their views and wine and journeys with me, allowed me insights into their lives and thoughts, and patiently tolerated my inquisitiveness. My parents, for everything. I could write another 100 pages about how you have sup- ported me. Thank you. My siblings, for keeping my spirits up and my feet on the ground. My grandmother, for tea and talk. And Annette, for always being there for me. Jana, for going through the entire process with me, side by side each step of the way, sharing every eye-roll, whine, and plan doomed to fail. Dominic, who endured us both, and never tired of giving his insightful advice, of making us laugh and of making us food. I could not have done it without you. All friends, for supporting and distracting me. And all the drivers who gave me a ride. ii Table of Contents 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Wildtimes
    The WildTimes NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Meet the Summer Interns We are very excited to have in the last two issues! as well as my father, Issue 89 14 interns this Summer. Two who directs the NEW of them are continuing from Zoo, inspired me to in‐ August 2015 Hello, my name is Zack An‐ the Spring Semester, and one tern here assisng with edu‐ derson and I'm currently a of them is returning from last cang the public about ani‐ senior at UW Milwaukee re‐ Summer. We are happy to mals, as well as receiving the have them with us! Make ceiving my bachelors degree opportunity to shadow keep‐ Inside this Issue... sure you stop and say hello in environmental science. As ers as they complete their Conservation Connection 2 when you see them educating a child, I grew up with the daily tasks. the public during our many NEW Zoo literally in my back Animal Collection Report 3 exhibit chats and presenta- yard. Therefore, I was con‐ We are currently accepting tions this summer. They will stantly exposed to this tre‐ applications for our Fall N.E.W. Zoological Society 4 Internships! Check out be identified by their bright mendous AZA accredited pro‐ blue shirts that say EDUCA- www.newzoo.org/get- 2015 Volunteer of the Year 5 gram and the amazing things TION on the back. Here’s a involved for more infor- the keepers would do for our bit more about the remaining mation or to apply. Calendar of Events 6 NEW Zoo. This program, intern you didn’t get to meet Something NEW for Zoo Pass Members this Summer: Early Admission on August 5th The August 2015 This summer, Zoo Pass Members have an opportunity to BEAT THE HEAT during the first Wednesday of every month in June, July, and August, because the NEW Zoo will be Paws & Claws open from 8:00 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Learning, Overnight
    summer 2012 Volume 37, Issue #2 UnderstoryTHE NEWSLETTER OF IRVINE NATURE CENTER New!.Camping.at.Irvine.is.a.chance.to.gain.an.understanding.and.appreciation.of.the.environment.beyond.Baltimore’s.suburbs.and.streets. IN THIS ISSUE Learning,By Beth Lacey Gill, Irvine’s Director Overnight of Marketing Ask the Naturalist ..................... 3 In fourth grade, my classmates and I CHILDREN & CAMPING Signs of the Season ................... 4 hopped out of our school bus, grabbed Research supports exactly what I found as several wee sleeping bags and headed a nine-year-old: Camping is a great way for Funder Focus ............................. 4 into the woods for an overnight on youngsters to get in touch with nature, and Volunteer Spotlight ................... 5 Assateague Island. for them to get back to basics. In the great Welcome New Members ........... 6 outdoors, kids can revel in the simplicity of Wish List ................................... 7 Most of us had understandable fears – just being kids. And they love it! ghost stories. Non-existent grizzly bears. What’s New in the Nature Store .. 7 Running out of s’mores... But after a night Adult nature enthusiasts report that they Your Irvine at Work .................. 8 listening to spring peepers and muffled learned some of the most important life Spring 2012 Programs .............. 9 pony sounds, we all left with a true skills while camping as young children. appreciation of and excitement for being Most noted patience, respect, and the Kids.................................................9 outside. The whole lot of us nearly had to ability to function alone or in groups. Families.......................................... 10 be cattle-prodded back onto the bus, since And all agreed that camping can amplify a Adults............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Survey Guidelines for Australia's Threatened Fish
    Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened fish Guidelines for detecting fish listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Authorship and acknowledgments This report updates and expands on a report prepared in May 2004 by Australian Museum ichthyologist John Pogonoski and approved by AMBS Senior Project Manager Jayne Tipping. The current (2011) report includes updates to the 2004 report and additional information regarding recently listed species, current knowledge of all the listed species and current survey techniques. This additional information was prepared by Australian Museum ichthyologists Dr Doug Hoese and Sally Reader. Technical assistance was provided by AMBS ecologists Mark Semeniuk and Lisa McCaffrey. AMBS Senior Project Manager Glenn Muir co- ordinated the project team and reviewed the final report. These guidelines could not have been produced without the assistance of a number of experts. Individuals who have shared their knowledge and experience for the purpose of preparing this report are indicated in Appendix A. Disclaimer The views and opinions contained in this document are not necessarily those of the Australian Government. The contents of this document have been compiled using a range of source materials and while reasonable care has been taken in its compilation, the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the contents of the document. © Commonwealth of Australia 2011 This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules
    UNIFORM BAIL AND PENALTY SCHEDULES California Rules of Court Rule 4.102 333333 January 2005 Edition _________________ TRAFFIC BOATING FORESTRY FISH and GAME PUBLIC UTILITIES PARKS and RECREATION BUSINESS LICENSING THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA Administrative Office of the Courts 455 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, California 94102-3688 Rule 4.102. UNIFORM BAIL and PENALTY SCHEDULES TRAFFIC, BOATING, FORESTRY, FISH and GAME, PUBLIC UTILITIES, PARKS and RECREATION, BUSINESS LICENSING The Judicial Council of California has established the policy of promulgating uniform bail and penalty schedules for certain offenses in order to achieve a standard of uniformity in the handling of these offenses. In general, bail is used to ensure the presence of the defendant before the court. Pursuant to Vehicle Code sections 40512 and 13103, bail may also be forfeited and such forfeiture may be had without the necessity of any further court proceedings and treated as a conviction for specified Vehicle Code offenses. A penalty in the form of a monetary sum is a fine imposed as all or a portion of a sentence imposed. To achieve substantial uniformity of bail and penalties throughout the state in traffic, boating, fish and game, forestry, public utilities, parks and recreation, and business licensing cases, trial court judges in each county, in performing their duty under section 1269b of the Penal Code to annually revise and adopt a uniform countywide schedule of bail and penalties for all misdemeanor and infraction offenses except Vehicle Code infractions, shall give consideration to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules approved by the Judicial Council. The Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule for infraction violations of the Vehicle Code shall be established by the Judicial Council in accordance with section 40310 of the Vehicle Code.
    [Show full text]
  • Stakeholder Perceptions of Ecotourism Impacts and Management Issues in Relation to Private Game Parks: Case Studies of the Ezulw
    STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS OF ECOTOURISM IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN RELATION TO PRIVATE GAME PARKS: CASE STUDIES OF THE EZULWINI PRIVATE PARK AND TALA PRIVATE PARK IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA SUMAIYA AMOD DESAI 9307181 SUBMITTED IN FULFILMENT OF THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) DEGREE IN THE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR U. BOB CO-SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR B. MAHARAJ December 2010 DECLARATION Submitted in fulfilment/ partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD in Geography in the Graduate Programme in the School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work. All citations, references and borrowed ideas have been duly acknowledged. I confirm that an external editor was/ was not used and that my Supervisor was informed of the identity and details of my editor. It is being submitted for the degree of PhD in Geography in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. None of the present work has been submitted previously for any degree or examination in any other university. __________________ ______________ SA Desai Date i DEDICATION FOR MY MOTHER AND MY LATE FATHER ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank a number of people for their contribution to this study: • To Professor Urmilla Bob: my supervisor, mentor and friend, thank you for your constructive criticism, guidance, dedication and encouragement throughout the research and development of this thesis. Once again, I thank you for the many sacrifices and late nights you have put in on my behalf; • To Professor Brij Maharaj: my co-supervisor who has known me from my under- graduate years, thank you for your insightful comments, constructive criticism, guidance and encouragement throughout the study; • The National Research Foundation (NRF); Scarce Skills for funding and investing in my research; • To Dr V.
    [Show full text]
  • International Trails Symposium Program Details
    International Trails Symposium Program Details Sunday, May 7 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM Concurrent Sessions Where Trails Really Take Room Fun fact: The airplane was born in a bicycle shop. Before they became the world’s first airplane pilots, the Wright brothers were avid Flight: Connecting People #302,303 bicyclists. They built and sold their own lines of bicycles, and the bicycle figured in their development of the world’s first successful and Heritage in the airplane. But it’s just one part of Dayton’s bicycle connection. Huffy Bicycles was a major bicycle brand built in the Dayton region and Birthplace of Aviation spurred the region’s interest in bicycling and recreation trails. Today, more than 330 miles of paved trails connect many of our aviation heritage sites, including the Wright brothers’ neighborhood and the flying field where they perfected the airplane. This panel will explain how the bicycle figured in the development of the airplane, how the nation’s largest paved trail network connects several of our aviation heritage sites, and how the Greater Dayton Region is working to connect bicycling with aviation heritage to increase our attractiveness as a tourism destination and make the Dayton region a better place to live. The panel will supplement a mobile workshop being prepared jointly by the National Aviation Heritage Alliance and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Speaker(s): Timothy R. Gaffney, Director of Communications National Aviation Heritage Alliance. Tim Gaffney is a Dayton native and retired aviation writer for the Dayton Daily News. He is the author of 15 books for children and adults, mainly on aviation and space topics.
    [Show full text]
  • 1973 Article Helped Launch Bikecentennial
    1973 ARTICLE HELPED LAUNCH BIKECENTENNIAL National Geographic’s Hemistour story brought bicycle travel to the masses STORY BY JUNE J. SIPLE ➺WHEN 8.5 MILLION National Geographic magazine devotees tore the brown paper wrapper off the May 1973 issue, they discovered 26 pages about bicycling. One article featured the bicycle boom, and the other focused on long-distance bicycle touring. Many readers probably knew about bicycling’s recreational rebirth in the U.S., but few would have been aware of international, extended bicycle touring. “Bikepacking Dan Burden’s iconic photograph of his wife Lys (center), with Greg and June Siple (right) trudging through deep mud in British Columbia became a touchstone for would-be bicycle travelers who were Across Alaska and Canada” focused on introduced to Hemistour in the May 1973 issue of National Geographic. Hemistour, an expedition that promoted bicycle touring and hosteling along a the expedition, riders Dan Burden and manuscript. A rising star at the magazine, 15-country route through the Western Greg Siple possessed photographic skills Grove cycled 145 miles with the group Hemisphere. Stretching over two years, to match National Geographic standards, from Prineville to Eugene, Oregon, as eight months, and nine days, the 18,272- and the two would share the enormous part of his research. He also coined the mile trip — with 30 participants riding thrill of seeing their photos published in term “bikepacking” with its initial use in varying distances — was the first bicycle one of America’s preeminent publications. the Hemistour article. ride from Alaska to Argentina. A potent One of the magazine’s staff writers, Only four other bicycle touring articles publicity machine for bicycle touring, Noel Grove, crafted the lead bicycle piece, had appeared in National Geographic Hemistour generated hundreds of “Bikes Are Back — and Booming.” “Peter prior to the Hemistour story, all focused column inches in the press.
    [Show full text]
  • How the 1929-39 Government Programs Affected Newton County
    Volume 25, Issue One A publication of the Newton County Historical Society, Inc. Winter 2019 $3.00 Newton County: Indiana’s Youngest County How the 1929-39 Government Inside this issue .... Programs Affected Newton County Tribute to Sue Humphrey by David Truby and Beth Bassett End of an Era What became known as the Progressive Era lasted from about 1890 to the outbreak of Neighbors in Profile: World War I in America. In response to the excesses of 19th-century capitalism and political Maude Manchester corruption, a reform movement arose called “progressivism.” The goals of the Progressives were greater democracy and social justice, honest government, more effective regulation of business and a revived commitment to public service. In general, they believed that expand- Salt: Barb Dodge ing the scope of government would ensure the progress of U.S. society and the welfare of its citizens. The years 1902 to 1908 marked the era of greatest reform activity. Many states enacted laws to improve the conditions under which people lived and worked. Child labor laws were Zoro Nature Park strengthened, and new ones adopted, raising age limits, shortening work hours, restricting Stories From the Depression night work and requiring school attendance. After the armistice ending World War I was declared on November 11, 1918, American soldiers returned home and turned their attention to their families and communities, happy The Christenson Family to withdraw from European affairs. For big business, the 1920s were golden years; but the superficial prosperity masked deep G. & E. Christenson Chevrolet problems - as it was also a period of prohibition and intolerance, gangsters and crime.
    [Show full text]
  • ECOTOURISM in the GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION Special
    Page 1 of 25 ADB RETA 5771 Poverty Reduction & Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Subregion Watersheds Project (Phase I) ECOTOURISM IN THE GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION Special Report By Jorma Mattsson CONTENTS 1. Regional Report 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Types of Tourism 1.3 Potential for Ecotourism 1.4 Constraints to Tourism 1.5 Revenues from Ecotourism 2. Country Surveys 2.1 Cambodia 2.2 Lao PDR 2.3 Myanmar 2.4 Thailand 2.5 Viet Nam 2.6 Yunnan (Province of China) 1. REGIONAL REPORT Page 2 of 25 1.1 Introduction This report is an independent component of the project. Its findings are based principally upon desk research that drew on recent trekking-type literature and articles, the Internet and informative material obtained from relevant governmental departments and NGOs. The report has been edited after readings by other project consultants. Because changes in the application of tourism policy and the activities of travel operators change frequently (especially rules and prices) some information in this report may go out of date rapidly. Nature tourism is a fast growing sector of the tourism industry. The countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have long been famous for their cultural heritage sites but also have considerable potential for nature- related ecotourism. The geographical area they cover is vast. There are many aesthetically pleasing landscapes and areas of high scenic amenity and, on a global scale, high levels of biological diversity and endemism. The GMS is home to numerous minority peoples, who have their distinctive languages, cultures and specialised knowledge of the environments in which they live.
    [Show full text]