TOURISM AND RECREATION SYSTEM PLANNING IN ALBERTA PROVINCIAL PARKS Paul F.J. Eagles The objective of this research is to fi ll this policy gap Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies through the development of the tourism and recreation University of Waterloo components of the system plan for Alberta Parks and Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1 Protected Areas.
[email protected] Angela M. Gilmore 1.0 INTRODUCTION University of Waterloo Adrian and Adrian (1998) defi ne system planning as Luis X. Huang “an organized approach to macro-level planning. It is Sun Yat-sen University not a new concept, but builds on existing knowledge and approaches. System planning is a framework for Denise A. Keltie understanding and using systems ideas. It is also a University of Waterloo vehicle for convincing others. It is much more than data Kimberley Rae gathering. It must be a dynamic process.” Generally, University of Waterloo a system plan provides direction and guidance for all components within a protected area’s organization and Hong Sun the coordination of protected areas with other aspects of University of Waterloo land use, resources management, and social development Amy K. Thede in the region. A system plan includes the history, present University of Waterloo condition, and future plan for the protected areas (Adrian Meagan L. Wilson & Adrian 1998). University of Waterloo System planning is important to the management and Jennifer A. Woronuk development of broad geographical areas. When applied University of Waterloo to parks and protected areas, system planning provides Ge Yujin guidance on mechanisms, institutions, and procedures to University of Waterloo coordinate the balance of land use and social development across a system of protected areas (Adrian & Adrian Abstract.—Traditionally, system planning in parks and 1998).