An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning
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Ecotourism Development A Manual for Conservation Planners and Managers VolumeVolume ll An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning Andy Drumm and Alan Moore ALEX C. WALKER EDUCATIONAL & CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Ecotourism Development – A Manual for Conservation Planners and Managers Volume 1 Copyright © 2002 by The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA. All rights reserved. Editing: Alex Singer Design/Layout: Jonathan Kerr Cover Photography: Ecotourists at Yaxchilan Mayan site, Chiapas, Mexico © Andy Drumm; Jaragua National Park, Dominican Republic © Andy Drumm; owl-eye monkeys, Panama © Marie Read Production: Publications for Capacity Building, The Nature Conservancy, Worldwide Office, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, USA. Fax: 703-841-4880; email: [email protected]. This publication was made possible, in part, through support provided by the Office LAC/RSD/, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development, under terms of Grant No. LAG-0782-A- 00-5026-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for International Development. This publication was also made possible, in part, thanks to the vision, trust, and support of the Alex C. Walker Charitable and Educational Trust. For further information on Ecotourism projects or to provide feedback, please contact: Andy Drumm Director, Ecotourism The Nature Conservancy Worldwide Office 4245 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 USA Phone: 703-841-8177 Fax: 703-841-4880 Email: [email protected] printed on recycled paper Preface to the Ecotourism Development Manual cotourism has become an important economic tion to natural areas which, in many cases, is under- Eactivity in natural areas around the world. It pro- mining the values that make these areas attractive. vides opportunities for visitors to experience powerful manifestations of nature and culture and to learn about Because of their ecological value, protected areas, the importance of biodiversity conservation and local especially those found in the tropics and in less-devel- cultures. At the same time, ecotourism generates oped countries, contain many of the world’s greatest income for conservation and economic benefits for ecotourism attractions. These attractions may consist of communities living in rural and remote areas. one or a combination of rare or endemic species of flora or fauna, abundant wildlife, high indices of species The attributes of ecotourism make it a valuable tool diversity, unusual or spectacular geomorphological for- for conservation. Its implementation can: mations, or unique historic or contemporary cultural manifestations in a natural context. ❖ give economic value to ecosystem services that pro- tected areas provide; Protected area managers, then, are faced with the chal- ❖ generate direct income for the conservation of pro- lenge of controlling and limiting the impacts of unfettered tected areas; nature tourism while at the same time deciding where and how to plan adequately for the development of eco- ❖ generate direct and indirect income for local stake- tourism as a compatible economic development option. holders, creating incentives for conservation in local communities; By integrating ecotourism development into a sys- ❖ build constituencies for conservation, locally, nation- tematic approach to conservation using The Nature ally and internationally; Conservancy’s Conservation By Design1 framework we can ensure that ecotourism is only initiated when it is the ❖ promote sustainable use of natural resources; and most effective strategy to achieve tangible, lasting results ❖ reduce threats to biodiversity. at scale. These distinct but intimately interrelated aspects of ecotourism — conservation management and business Some areas have greater potential for realizing the development — must be fully understood by ecotourism benefits of ecotourism than others. In areas with low planners and protected area managers before moving visitation, the potential is not usually clear. In others, ahead with plans to implement ecotourism activities. tourism may already be an important factor. In both Conservationists have typically approached ecotourism cases, the ecotourism planning process is critical to with a limited understanding of business issues and an achieving ecotourism’s potential as a powerful conser- incomplete understanding of the management mecha- vation strategy. nisms that are available and necessary to ensure the sus- tainability of tourism in protected areas. Typically, starting Of course, not all tourism to natural areas is eco- points for an ecotourism initiative have been guide train- tourism. Nature tourism, as opposed to ecotourism, ing programs or lodge construction. This approach is may lack mechanisms for mitigating impacts on the almost guaranteed to end in failure. It has led to: environment and fail to demonstrate respect for local ❖ the creation of high expectations in communities culture. Economically, nature tourism is also booming. which are seldom fulfilled; Consequently, we are witnessing an onslaught of visita- 1 Conservation by Design: A Framework for Mission Success. 2001. Arlington, Virginia: The Nature Conservancy. Volume One: An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning 3 ❖ ecotourism activities becoming a drain on scarce An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning, Part I initially NGO and protected area resources as projects struggle for a brief overview. to reach break-even point; For those who seek fuller understanding of the eco- ❖ NGOs and protected areas being pulled away from tourism management planning process or decided that their central conservation mission; and ecotourism may be right for their site, Volume I, Part II ❖ tourism destroying the natural attractions that should be consulted. Part II: “Ecotourism Planning and originally drew visitors. Management” explains the process for ecotourism develop- ment and management planning from Site Conservation On the other hand, nature tourism operators have Planning and Preliminary Site Evaluation to Full Site typically carried out their initiatives with an incomplete Diagnostic, participatory ecotourism management plan- understanding of conservation issues and consequently ning and implementation of a plan. operate in an unsustainable fashion. Volume II, The Business of Ecotourism Development We now recognize that in order for ecotourism to and Management provides orientation and guidence on be successful, conservationists need a greater under- both key conservation management and key business standing of business considerations; likewise, developers development strategies. Part I: “Key Strategies of need a greater awareness of the management mechanisms Ecotourism Management,” is an introduction to the that are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the critical elements of ecotourism management planning activity. Combining both perspectives is essential for a including zoning, visitor impact monitoring, visitor site successful ecotourism program. design and management, income generation mechanisms, infrastructure and visitor guide-lines, and naturalist Protected areas may be state, private or community guide systems. This volume may be usefully consulted owned or administered, or any combination thereof. to review options for mitigating tourism threats that Funds for protected area management of all types are may already exist at a site. usually scarce in developing countries. As a result, these areas often lack the capacity to ensure that Volume II, Part II: “Business Planning for Conservation tourism generates the full range of benefits it should. Managers,” outlines the business planning process. It Hence, in many areas opportunities for income genera- will allow conservation managers and planners to devel- tion for site conservation and local communities are op an understanding of business planning and be able under exploited and tourism may in fact pose a threat to promote viable business partnerships with communi- to conservation. ties or private tourism operators, and to contribute to the preparation of business plans. For ecotourism to fulfill its potential and generate sustainable benefits, protected areas must implement a Most chapters end with a References and Resources planning framework to guide and manage the activity. section that includes publications, organizations, insti- tutions and useful web sites for investigating these This manual focuses primarily on providing a set of themes further. criteria to ecotourism planners and managers at conserva- tion NGOs to facilitate decisions with respect to eco- Acknowledgements tourism management and development. However, it The authors are extremely gratefull for the enourmously should also be helpful to protected area specialists and valuable input provided by collegues on earlier manu- managers of state-owned and community-owned reserves, scripts. Jim Rieger and Connie Campbell’s contributions as well as to other actors in ecotourism including tour were notable. Jeffrey Parrish provided excellent feed- operators and hotel developers who seek greater orienta- back, especially in the chapters on Site Conservation tion in understanding the conservation implications of Planning. Special thanks to Liz Boo who provided an proposed activities. Additionally, it will be of use to original manuscript the authors drew from. Great appre- investors considering ecotourism development proposals. ciation also to: Marie Uehling, Bill Ulfelder, Andrew