Unit 15: Responsible Tourism Good Practice For Protected Areas In Vietnam

UNIT 15. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GOOD PRACTICES FOR PROTECTED AREAS IN VIETNAM

Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_of_a_Douc.jpg

Unit outline

ObjectivesBy the end of this unit, participants will be able to:• Understand the impacts of tourism in protected areas and the

importance of responsible tourism• Explain how to integrate responsible tourism principles into

protected area planning• Explain how responsible tourism principles should be considered in

protected area infrastructure and services• Describe responsible tourism principles in visitor impact

management in protected areas• Identify financing mechanisms for economic sustainability in

protected areas• Explain how to communicate and interpret natural heritage

responsibly• Identify how to involve local communities in protected area planning

and management• Explain how to monitor and evaluate protected areas for

sustainability

Topics1. Overview of protected areas

and tourism in Vietnam2. Integrating responsible

tourism into planning3. Responsible tourism

considerations in infrastructure & services

4. Responsible tourism approach to visitor impact management

5. Responsible financing of protected areas

6. Responsible communication & interpretation

7. Protected area monitoring & evaluation for sustainability

TOPIC 1. OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS AND TOURISM IN VIETNAM

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GOOD PRACTICES FOR PROTECTED AREAS IN VIETNAM

Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Van_Long_natural_reserve_03.jpg

Defining protected areas

A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values

Source: Dudley, N. (ed.) 2008, Guidelines for Appling Protected Areas Management Categories, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland

The six IUCN categories of protected areas

E. Protect biodiversity and geological / geomorphical features or natural

condition

1. Strict Nature Reserve (a) & Wilderness Area

(b)

2. National Park

3. Natural Monument or Feature

4. Habitat / Species Management Area

5. Protected Landscape / Seascape

6. Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

B. Protect large scale-ecological processes, species and ecosystems

F. Protect a specific natural monument

C. Protect a particular species or habitats

A. Protect significant areas characterised by the interaction of

people and nature

D. Protect ecosystems, habitats and associated cultural values and

traditional natural resource management systems

?

The six IUCN categories of protected areas

E. Protect biodiversity and geological / geomorphical features or natural

condition

1. Strict Nature Reserve (a) & Wilderness Area

(b)

2. National Park

3. Natural Monument or Feature

4. Habitat / Species Management Area

5. Protected Landscape / Seascape

6. Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

B. Protect large scale-ecological processes, species and ecosystems

F. Protect a specific natural monument

C. Protect a particular species or habitats

A. Protect significant areas characterised by the interaction of

people and nature

D. Protect ecosystems, habitats and associated cultural values and

traditional natural resource management systems

!

Vietnam’s natural environment at a glance

128 More than

forested protected areas

15 marine protected areas

of the landunder some form of environmental protection

18%

wetlands of national importance

68

10% about

of the world’s species

Bio-diversity &

ecology

Poverty reduction

Fresh water &

food security

Medicines & genetics

Natural barriers

Regulates climate change

Recreational, spiritual

Traditional lifestyles

Social capital & solidarity

The benefits of protected areas

The key administrators of Vietnam’s protected areas

Ministry of Planning and

Investment (MPI)

Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development (MARD)

Ministry of Fisheries (MOFI)

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

(MONRE)

Ministry of Culture & Information

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)

Provincial People’s Committees (PPCs)

The growing importance of tourism in protected areas

Protected areas play an important role in tourism by offering visitors places for:• Outdoor recreational• Education and learning• Solace, spiritualism,

healing and renewal

FINDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ECOTOURISM SOCIETY

• Ecotourism has been growing 20%-34% per year since the 1990s

• In the international market nature-based tourism has been growing at 10-12% per annum

• Indications that tourism is expanding most in and around the word’s remaining natural areas

• Eco-resorts and hotels are expected to boom faster than traditional forms of accommodation

Source: The International Ecotourism Society 2006, Fact Sheet: Global Ecotourism, Available [online]:

http://mekongtourism.org/website/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/02/Fact-Sheet-Global-Ecotourism-IETS.pdf (accessed May

2013)

The three key tourism market segments to protected areas

Mass tourism

• Largest component of international tourism market

• Seek ‘sun, sea, sand’ and entertainment

• Often on holiday packages

• Take excursions to local attractions

• Visit protected areas for soft leisure activities

• Growing demand for excursions

Adventure tourism

• Growing segment• Involves strenuous

outdoor activities• Often in protected

areas• Adventure rather than

nature• Potentially damaging

activities

Ecotourism / Nature-based tourism

• Want to see attractive natural environments and their wildlife

• Undertake specific nature based activities

• Relatively high social bracket, well-educated, over 35, more women than men

• A key segment that can benefit conservation

International vs. domestic markets to protected areas in Vietnam

INTERNATIONAL MARKET

DOMESTIC MARKET

Travel independently, any group size

Motivation is soft leisure activities

Popular with ‘Phot’

High visitation rates

Travel in small groups and / or organised tours

Motivation is adventure and eco-tourism

Stronger for first time visitors

Mainly stick to 5H’s

Source: Grunz, S. 2012, Responsible Tourism in and Around Protected Areas in Vietnam – Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses and Protected Areas

[unpublished], GIZ/MARD Project “Preservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems in Vietnam”, GIZ

The benefits of tourism in protected areas SOCIAL

Supports revival and maintenance of local cultureSupports cross cultural empathyPromotes preservation of historical heritageTraining for communitiesOthers?

ECONOMICEconomic incentives for habitat protectionRevenue raising for community projectsEmployment for local peopleSelling of local productsDiversified livelihoodsFunding for protected areas managementOthers?

ENVIRONMENTSupports conservation of biodiversityAwareness raising for tourists and locals on importance of conservationOthers?

Negative environmental impacts of tourism in protected areas (example)

ACTIVITY ISSUE RESULT (WHY IT’S A PROBLEM)1. Vegetation removal

Tourists picking flowers to take home

Interrupts reproduction processes of plants; Removes a food source for insects and other animals; Diminishes aesthetic values of protected area…

2. Trekking … …3. … … …4. … … …5. … … …

Negative environmental impacts of tourism in protected areas

• Vegetation removal• Animal disturbance• Elimination of animal habitats• Pollution• Changes to drainage patterns• Firewood over exploitation• Trampling / damage to vegetation• Introduction of alien species• Destruction of flora and fauna• Animal “road kills”• Changes to geological processes• Others?

-VE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Negative economic impacts of tourism in protected areas

• Conflict over control of land• Conflict over control of resources• Conflict over tourism profits• Others?

-VE ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Negative social impacts of tourism in protected areas

• Threats to indigenous culture• Changes to social values• Changes to traditional livelihood practices• Loss of access to resources• Degradation of cultural sites• Visitor-host cultural conflict• Others?

-VE SOCIAL IMPACTS

Responsible tourism: Building a sustainable future for protected areas

Uses natural resources optimally whilst still

conserving the natural heritage and biodiversity

Respects and conserves socio-

cultural authenticity including built and

living cultural heritage and

traditional values

Ensures viable, long term economic benefits to all stakeholders including fair

distribution of benefits

The responsible tourism approach

ENVIRONMENT

SOCIAL ECONOMIC

SUSTAINABLETOURISM

1. BEACCOUNTABLE

3. TAKEACTION

2. HAVECAPACITY

RESPONSIBLETOURISM

We must accept that every decision and action we make

in our daily lives has an impact.

We must take responsibility for our actions and acquire the knowledge, skills and resources to make change.

Being responsible is not just an intent. It requires action. And that action must be

for good - based upon the law, our ethics and

morals.

More satisfied visitors

The benefits of adopting a responsible tourism approach in protected areas

Picture source:Pixabay, www.pixabay.com

Greater ownership and accountability

Enhanced biodiversity &

ecosystem health Empowerment of local residents

Enhanced contribution for conservation

TOPIC 2. INTEGRATING RESPONSIBLE TOURISM INTO PLANNING


Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phong_Nha-K%E1%BA%BB_B%C3%A0ng_National_Park

What is the issue?

• Many PAs in Vietnam have do not have comprehensive and up to date master plans

• PA plans help ensure areas retain their values and benefits

• PA plans address environmental compatibility, product quality and business aspects

The importance of effective PA planning and implementation

“If there is no general managementplan, preservation, development and use

activities in a park will occur in a haphazard basis, often in response to political pressures with little

consideration as to the implications for the future. The result is likely to be lost opportunities and irreversible

damage to park resources and values.”Young & Young, 1993

Source: Young, C. & Young, B. 1993, Park Planning: A training manual (Instructors Guide), College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, Tanzania

The challenge in protected area planning

CONSERVATIONGoal: Preserve

biodiversity

LOCAL PARTICIPATION

Goal: Empowerment,

poverty alleviation

TOURISM BUSINESS

Goal: Customer satisfaction, profitability

- Preventing local development

- Loss of financial resources

- Environmental degradation

- Exploitation- Unprofessional enterprises

- Unsustainable use of natural

resources

+ Joint product development &

marketing

+ Joint ventures

+ Sustainable use of natural resources

Source: Strasdas, W. 2002, The Ecotourism Training Manual for Protected Area Managers, German Foundation for International Development (DSE) & Centre for Food, Rural Development and the Environment (ZEL), Germany

Benefits of PA plans that follow responsible tourism principles

• Better ensures objectives of all stakeholders can be met and funded

• Fosters greater respect, co-operation and support• Creates a common understanding for the PA set

within the broader framework of plans and policies• Fosters transparency and public accountability• Enables continued improvement

PROTECTED AREA

PLANNING

1. Be guided by a comprehensive PA management

plan 2. Embrace participation

3. Adopt a regional

ecosystem approach

4. Plan zones for effective

management

Principles of good practice in PA planning and responsible tourism approaches

Principle 1: Be guided by a comprehensive PA management plan

Develop a PA management plan that contains as a core:• Conservation targets• Vision, management

objectives, and principles• Opportunities and

constraints• Management zones• Monitoring and evaluation plan

Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_areas_of_Vietnam

Key inclusions in protected area management plans

Description Summarises natural, cultural, historical and socio-economic features, how it is used, and its legal and management framework

Evaluation Identifies why the protected area is important. Explains the values associated with it.Issues & problems

Analyses the constraints and opportunities affecting the area, in particular focusing on principal internal / external threats to conservation, management and maintenance

Vision & objectives

The broad, long-term vision for the protected area. May take the form of goals, and a vision statement. Objectives should be listed as specific statements outlining what is to be achieved within the plan’s timeframe. Objectives can be Limits of Acceptable Change (LACs).

Zoning plan A summary of the more detailed Zoning Plan that illustrates the boundaries, classification and management and other activities allowed or prohibited in areas of the reserve.

Management actions

The specific actions to be carried out in order to achieve the objectives including: list of management actions required; action / activity plan (what, who, when), priority activities, and; staff and finances required

Monitoring & review

Outlines how implementation of the plan will be monitored (including indicators and targets), and when and how a review of the plan will be carried out.

Legislation

Agency policies,

strategies

Regional plans, broad-scale land

management plans

Management plans for protected areas / reserves

Subsidiary plans

Operational / action plans, work programmes

Ensure plan is integrated into broader context to ensure sustainability

• The plan will not be sustainable unless it fits in with relevant higher level plans and policies

• Critical to review legislation / formal agreements designating the area (e.g. IUCN category) and confirm their meaning

• These set the overriding purpose and goals of the management plan

Protected area management plans fit here

Principle 2: Embrace participation

• Involving key stakeholders critical to success of PA plans

• Key stakeholders may be external (local people, visitors, others) or internal (staff involved in implementation of the plan)

• Participation creates sense of ownership and is more likely to generate action

• The opportunity for the general public and stakeholders to review the draft Management


Key stakeholders in protected area planning

STAKEHOLDERS

Government authorities

Protected area planners

Businesses

Community leaders &

groups

Nearby residents

OccupiersResearchers

Methods for involving stakeholders in PA planning

METHOD TYPE OF INVOLVEMENTPress releases /advertisements inviting submissions InformingRadio / TV appearances to discuss planning issues InformingPublication of specialised pre-planning pamphlets / brochures which provide detailed discussion on specific issues

Informing

Publication of draft plans of management InformingOpen forum public meetings to present and discuss planning documents ConsultingPre-arranged meetings of special interest groups to resolve conflicting requirements

Deciding together

Consultations between planners and individuals / organisations ConsultingAnalysis of written public submissions by agencies and third parties Deciding togetherReferral of public submissions to external advisory groups e.g. committees comprising community leaders / representatives

Consulting

Formal involvement of independent statutory advisory committees in assessing plans and public submissions

Deciding together

Input through political processes, particularly in regard to more difficult issues Deciding together

Source: Thomas, L. & Middleton, J. 2003, Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected Areas, IUCN Gland, Switzerland & Cambridge, UK

Guidelines for consultation on PA management plans

Adapted from: Phillips, A. 2002, Management Guidelines for IUCN Category V Protected Areas Protected Landscapes/seascapes, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, & Cambridge, UK

Record and document all comments and contacts

Produce materials that are informative, clear and user-

friendly

Obtain comments using a variety of culturally appropriate methods

Be open to revisiting any proposal

Identify all stakeholders and approach them on the basis of

equality and transparency

Promptly respond to all requests for meetings,

materials etc

Consider every view - whether it is adopted or not

Give stakeholders adequate time for input

Feedback the results of consultation to all

Treat stakeholders as respected and essential partners


Involving the local community

• PA authorities have a responsibility to support local communities because of socio-economic restrictions PA often place on them

• Moreover, helping local communities in and around PAs can also help PA management by:– Decreasing destructive or

damaging effects of natural resource extraction / use

– Drawing on their local knowledge of the environment for planning

– Promoting the development of sustainable tourism products


Tips for involving the local community in PA planning

Implement a participatory assessment of socio-economic development needs

Ensure the local community is fairly represented in stakeholder forums

Assist the local community develop a formal destination management organisation

Train key community representatives in PA management and conservation

Types of local participation for consideration in PA planning

Type of participation Level of skill required

Level of empowerment

Security of return (risk)

Direction of benefits Contribution to local development

Reception of PA user fees

None None Secure Community as a whole Low

Sale of land to investor None Low Very secure Individuals or community as a whole

Low

Rent of land or delegation of user rights

None Low Secure Individuals or community as a whole

Low

Employment by outside investor

Low to moderate

Low Fairly secure Individuals (can include poorest)

Moderate

Supply of goods and services

Low to moderate

Low to moderate

Fairly secure Individuals (favours more active members)

Moderate

Community – private sector joint venture

Moderate Moderate to high

Fairly secure Active individuals and community as a whole

High

Independent community enterprise

High High Insecure Active individuals and community as a whole

High

Individual local enterprise

High High Insecure Active individuals High


7 tips for increasing “ownership” of PA management plans among staff

1. Secure a strong public commitment from senior personnel 5. Allocate members of staff with

activities identified in the plan

2. Ensure real and visible linkages between plan and budgetary allocations 6. Provide work plans for staff

3. Hold meetings to inform staff about the plan at the outset and identify how staff can participate

7. Link the plan to annual performance assessments

4. Involve staff at key stages in the formulation of the plan

Source: Thomas, L. & Middleton, J. 2003, Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected Areas, IUCN Gland, Switzerland & Cambridge, UK


Principle 3. Adopt a regional ecosystem approach

• Protected areas are impacted upon by external decisions, activities and ecological processes

• PA management plans must consider resource use and impacts outside its boundaries

• Particularly important when other administrations manage outside areas

• For success, PA planning see itself as aiming to build more sustainable patterns of development in general


Three focus areas for regional integration

Integrate or link PA management plans with local development processes and the activities of other agencies and organisations working in the area.

Identify and address the aspirations and needs of the local communities around the protected area (as well as those living in it) in the PA management plan

Incorporate regional stakeholders in the planning of buffer zones and compatible uses, and in educational, interpretive and community involvement programmes

1 23

Principle 4. Plan zones for effective management

• Zoning defines what can and cannot occur in different areas of a PA including:– Natural resource management– Cultural resources management– Human use and benefit– Visitor use and experience– Access– Facilities and park development– Maintenance and operations

• Zones establish limits of acceptable use and development

Picture sources:Pixabay, http://pixabay.com/

Typical functions of zones

Separate conflicting human activities

Enable damaged areas to be set aside to recover or be restored

Provide protection for critical habitats, ecosystems and ecological processes

Protect the natural and / or cultural qualities while allowing a range of reasonable human uses


Types of protected area zones

Non-use zones•Extremely sensitive eco-systems•Closed to visitors or use not encouraged

Backcountry / wilderness•Pristine, sensitive ecosystems•No infrastructure except for primitive trails•Low visitor numbers•Guides may be required

Moderate / quiet zone•Moderately sensitive ecosystems•Basic infrastructure possibly including improved trails, viewpoints and simple campgrounds at some places

•Moderate visitor numbers

Intensive use zone•Less sensitive ecosystems•Hardened surfaces and improved infrastructure including roads, trails, viewpoints and rest areas

•High visitor numbers, adjacent to infrastructure zone

Infrastructure zone•Less sensitive ecosystems•Concentrating buildings, services, parking lots and general park maintenance

•Located on the periphery or outside of parks and not too close to non-use or wilderness zones

Sports fishing and hunting zones•Fishing may be allowed through a special licence in some of the zones (except for non-use zones)

•Hunting is not compatible with other types of tourism and has to be restricted to specially managed hunting blocks, often in buffer zones adjacent to the actual PA


Example of a protected area zoning plan

Ocean

Attraction

Guard post

Walking trail

Ocean

Ocean

There are 4 zones in this plan. What are

they?Ocean

Road, entrance

1.

2.

4.

3.

Ocean

Ocean

BUFFERZONE

INTENSIVE USEZONE

NON-USEZONE

WILDERNESSZONE

Ocean

Road, entrance

Attraction

Guard post

Walking trail

Example of a protected area zoning plan

Guiding principle: Keep zoning plans simple

1. Don’t create too complex a pattern

of zoning

2. Using multiple zones with only

slight differences between them can

be confusing to the public and

management

3. The aim is to use the minimum number of zones needed to achieve the management objectives

4. Zones should be able to be easily identified by visitors and enable them to know what zone they are in and therefore what constraints apply


TOPIC 3. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM CONSIDERATIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES


Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Timber_Trail_at_Parwanoo,_Himachal_Pradesh.jpg

What is the issue?

• Many PA’s in Vietnam lack, or have insufficient or low quality infrastructure and services

• Trails, signs, roads, and services are generally limited or low quality

• As a result:– More adverse environmental impacts

from limited visitor and business controls– Compromises to visitor health and safety– Low visitor satisfaction resulting in less

revenue from entrance fees and use of services

Poor / limited infrastructure &

services

Visitor has unsatisfactory

experience

Unlikely to return; Negative word of

mouth

Less visitors and revenue from

visitor fees

Less finance for conservation and

management

The effect of poor infrastructure and services in PAs

VICIOUS CYCLE


The link between infrastructure and services and responsible tourism in PAs

SOCIAL

• Compromises visitor health and safety

• Less ability to inform and educate visitors on importance of PAs

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Restricted controls over visitor and business impacts on the environment

ECONOMIC

• Less revenue for conservation and management – PA is not economically sustainable

RESPONSIBLETOURISM

Impact of limited or inadequate infrastructure & services = Compromised social, economic & environmental sustainability

RT Pillars

The importance and benefits of providing adequate infrastructure

Visitor satisfaction, referrals, repeat visitation

Reduced health and safety incidents

Healthier ecosystems

Better managed

tourism behaviour

Opportunities to increase fees and

revenue


INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES

1. Reflect PA values and

policies

2. Situate strategically

3. Design appropriately

Principles of good practice in infrastructure & service provision in PAs

Principle 1: Reflect PA values and policies in infrastructure and services

• Infrastructure and services must be consistent with protected area values

• Infrastructure and services must also be appropriate to the zone it is situated in

• General principle: All facilities must provide a net benefit for conservation

What is appropriate and why?


Attractiveness of protected areas as perceived by visitors

Natural attractions•Grand / diverse landscapes (mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls etc)

•High biodiversity•Interesting flora and fauna•Pristine ecosystems

Accessibility•Proximity to major transport hubs (airport, bus, train, highway)

•Ease of travel (e.g. condition of roads)

Accommodation and F&B•Adequate lodgings•Adequate quality meals

Recreation•Opportunities for:

•Swimming•Hiking•Climbing•Kayaking•Picnicing and camping

Cultural attractions•Archaeological or historic sites•Traditional cultures•Paleontological sites•Complementary attractions nearby

Ancillary services•Information centre•Emergency services•Medical care•Toilets

What infrastructure and services are required to help meet the visitor needs above?

Principle 2: Situate infrastructure and services strategically

• Infrastructure must be situated appropriately in order to not compromise the ecological processes and to have best use and effect

• Zoning system should provide guide on what should go where

• The location of infrastructure and services can also be a strategy to manage visitor and business impacts


Infrastructure and service types, functions, impacts and location considerations

INFRASTRUCTURE / SERVICE

FUNCTION IMPACTS LOCATION

Paved roads Enables good accessibilityShould be kept to a minimum

Impacts on peace and tranquillity, safety, harm wildlife / habitats

Intensive use zone

Trails Provide a range of trails to facilitate visitor enjoymentRequires careful grading, maintenance, careful siting, supported by good and available maps and directional signs

Impacts on safety, harm wildlife / habitats, litter, fires

Intensive use zone, Wilderness zone (more basic, difficult trails)

Waterway facilities Piers and jetties facilitate enjoyment of water areas and are needed for boatingShould only be provided in accessible transport hub locations

Impacts on peace and tranquillity, safety, harm wildlife / habitats

Intensive use zone

Information and interpretation

Facilitate learning about the PA values, and communicates rules and regulationsShould be located beside various attractions / features

Large facilities can impact on peace and tranquillity, effective use and impact if located in high traffic areas

Entrance to PA, Buffer Zone, at attractions

Recreational facilities

Facilitates leisure needs of visitors, toilets, picnic areas, taps, shelters etc Should be located away from wilderness areas

Impacts on peace and tranquillity, safety, harm wildlife / habitats, litter, fires

Intensive use zone

Accommodation, F&B

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafes etc increase length of stay, visitor spend, and increase enjoymentShould be situated away from sensitive areas

Impacts on peace and tranquillity, harm wildlife / habitats in construction, environmental, affects visual aesthetics

Outside the PA or in Buffer Zone

Principle 3: Design infrastructure and services appropriately

• The objective in the design of infrastructure is to:– Provide a variety of attractive opportunities to experience nature– Respect the natural environment– Be practical and user-friendly

• Should also be continually improved according to visitor feedback


Good design principles for trails in PAs

Should access the PA’s most interesting features

Should avoid highly sensitive

ecosystems / habitats

Should use good design to reduce impacts (e.g. boardwalks, steps)

Should incorporate loops / circuits to manage traffic and maintain interest

Should have a range of difficulty levels and

durations Should be kept simple, natural and easily

identified

Should be widened and hardened in high use areas


Good design principles for buildings in PAsSiting should consider construction impacts

on ecosystem processes and wildlife habitats

Should create a ‘sense of place’, reflect the

surrounding nature and create a unique

experience

Should reflect local culture / architecture

Should incorporate green principles

Should be open to the natural environment

Should not be higher than surrounding trees

Should use colours that blend with surrounding environment

Should involve respectfully preserving, restoring or repairing any existing built heritage


Good design principles for gardens and grounds

Should use natural materials for any

constructed facilities

Should integrate prominent trees, rocks,

waterways

Gardens should use native plants

Should use natural barriers rather than man-made barriers


TOPIC 4. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM APPROACH TO VISITOR IMPACT MANAGEMENT


Picture source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TOURISTS_COOL_OFF_AT_HAVASU_CREEK._OWNED_BY_THE_NATIONAL_PARK_SERVICE,_THOUGH_IT_IS_ON_THE_HAVASUPAI_RESERVATION_THIS..._-_NARA_-_544334.jpg

What is the issue?

• Protected areas can only achieve their purpose if the natural features and processes of the reserve remain in good condition

• However, impacts on the natural environment can occur even under relatively low levels of use

• Effective tourism impact management is therefore critical to the sustainability of PAs

Picture source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Damage_to_All_Ability_Trail_caused_by_logging._-_geograph.org.uk_-_1192344.jpg

Managing visitor impacts is also about managing visitor safety

Recreation

Personal injury

Potential claims and pay outs


Causes of tourism impacts in PAs

• Visitor activities and associated infrastructure

• Transportation• Operation of

tourism service providers

• Accommodation, F&B operation

• Associated infrastructure

• Indirect developments


Factors which affect the level of tourism impact

Characteristics of the site

Intensity and type of

use

Interactions of PA

management



Benefits of effective tourism impact management

Safeguards the health of

important ecosystems Gains the

support and participation of

the public

Controls and contains visitor and tourism business

activities

Reduces the number and extent

of health and safety incidents


Impacts of tourism in PAs

TYPE ACTIVITY ISSUE IMPACT

Tourist activities

Hiking / walking Construction of trails, trampling

Destruction of vegetation, damage to vegetation, soil erosion and compaction

Boat / canoe / kayak trips

Camping / picnic

Sale / extraction of souvenirs

Mountaineering / trekking

Diving

Hunting

Sport fishing

Tourism services & infrastructure

Infrastructure construction

Vehicles

Boats

Accommodation, F&B

Building construction

Accommodation & F&B operation


Impacts of tourism in PAs

TYPE ACTIVITY ISSUE IMPACT

Tourist

activities

Hiking / walking Construction of trails, trampling Destruction of vegetation, damage to vegetation, soil erosion and compaction

Boat / canoe / kayak trips

Physical presence Disturbance to sea life, damage to aquatic vegetation

Camping / picnic Construction of camp sites, noise, litter, fires, trampling Soil erosion and compaction, damage to vegetation, disturbance to wildlife, pollution, risk of bush fires

Sale / extraction of souvenirs

Sale of animals / animal parts, extraction of coral, shells etc

Decimation of rare species, damage to reefs, species decimation

Mountaineering / trekking

Physical presence, trampling, spike fixing Trample damage to vegetation, disturbance to animals, damage to rocks, visual pollution

Diving Breaking coral, underwater hunting Damage to reefs, decimation of certain species

Hunting Infringing ethical hunting principles Decimation of certain species, disturbance, affect food chain

Sport fishing Over fishing, fishing with dynamite, cutting new trails Decimation of species, disturbance, affects food chain, destruction of entire ecosystems

Tourism

services &

infrastructur

e

Infrastructure construction

Land consumption, logging Deforestation, damage to vegetation, splitting up integral ecosystems

Vehicles Driving off road, noise, pollution Soil erosion and compaction, damage to vegetation, road kills, air / soil / water contamination

Boats Noise, pollution, wave impacts Disturbance to wildlife, air and water pollution, shoreline erosion and damage to vegetation and nests

Accommo

dation, F&B

Building construction Logging, noise, drainage, exposed sites, inappropriate architecture

Deforestation, animal disturbance, impairment of landscape

Accommodation & F&B operation

Presence of people, power use, water consumption, poor waste disposal, untreated sewage

Animal disturbance, land / water / air contamination, lowering of water table, litter


TOURISM IMPACT

MANAGEMENT

1: Enforce PA zones

2: Offer incentives

and enforce regulations

3: Inform and educate

4: Implement visitor safety

provisions

Principles of good practice in tourism impact management in PAs

Principle 1: Enforce PA zoning system

• Ensure the PA zoning plan is effectively implemented

• The zones will allocate geographical areas for specific levels and intensities of activities and of conservation

• Zones can also be implemented temporally

• Further formalise zones by developing and implementing policies

• The policies should detail:– Use of natural and cultural resources– Access– Facilities– Protected area development– Maintenance and operations

Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendjari_National_Park

Principle 2: Offer incentives and enforce regulations

INCENTIVES Encourage appropriate behaviour in PAs by offering rewards

REGULATIONS Enforce acceptable behaviour in PAs by giving penalties for doing the wrong thing

Regulations to minimise impacts by reducing tourism volume

Access

Number of visitors

Length of stay

Tour group size

Skills and / or equipment

Extent of facilities

Timing

Barriers


Regulations to minimise impacts by changing tourism behaviour

Types of activities

Frequency of use

Impact appraisals

TravelConditions of use

Park rangers

Guides

Information and education

Qualifications and standards


Incentives to minimise impacts

• Offer specific benefits for communities and businesses operating in the protected area to behave in an environmentally / socially / economically sensitive way.

• Two examples are:

VISITORS

• Provide a gift / souvenir for visitors who donate to a PA environmental project

• What else can you think of?

SERVICES

• Develop a “preferred supplier” scheme for suppliers that meet sustainability goals which offers benefits such as: higher rates, longer-term contracts, committed guarantees, joint marketing agreements, more brochure space, joint promotional activities

• What else can you think of?

Principle 3: Inform and educate to minimise tourism impacts

• “Soft” management tools• Aim to reduce negative impacts of tourism by:– Educating tourists and tourism businesses– Influencing behaviour

• Two key options are:

A. Educating visitors about importance of

the natural environment

and ecosystem processes

B. Communicating expected

codes of conduct on visitor and business

behaviour in the PA


A. Educate visitors about the importance of the natural environment

• Most visitors mean well but simply do not know what the problem is

• Providing simple information about the values of the protected area, important species, and important ecological processes can be enough to encourage sensitive behaviour in PAs

• Communicating PA values, and management’s goals and policies can be achieved through well-placed signs, brochures, posters and flyers

• Visitor information centres / interpretation centres are also very effective

Examples of interpretation of natural values

Good practice tip: Interpretation should engage

1. Visitors enjoy activities requiring some

form of participation

2. People remember activities with

interactive elements

3. Make the experience more meaningful by enabling visitors to smell, taste, feel, explore, lift, push

4. Provide field guides, photographs of local events

or interesting people; or plant and animal specimens


Examples of engaging interpretive displays

B. Communicate tourism codes of conduct

• Voluntary principles and practices that visitors are requested to follow

• Codes of conduct can be developed to both limit negative impacts of tourism activities and also enhance positive impacts

• Codes of conduct must be well-communicated in order to be effective


Example of a visitor code of conduct 1/2

Source: VNAT, Do’s and Don'ts in Vietnam for Community-based Tourists, VNAT, Vietnam

Example of a visitor code of conduct 2/2

Source: VNAT, Do’s and Don'ts in Vietnam for Community-based Tourists, VNAT, Vietnam

Good practice in developing effective tourism codes of conduct

Sustainability. Do the criteria consider the environment, economy and people?

Equity. Do the criteria reflect the interests of everyone?

Efficiency & effectiveness. Are the criteria practical and follow best practice in sustainable management?

Relevance. Do the criteria directly connect to the destination’s own sustainability goals?

Responsibilities of businesses and host communities in local tourism destinations

AS THE HOST COMMUNITY WE AGREE TO:• Provide quality tourist products and

experiences• Provide a safe and secure environment for tourists to

visit• Be welcoming and friendly to visitors• Protect local cultures and traditions • Raise local awareness about the importance of

balancing conservation and economic development• …what else?

AS A TOURISM ORGANISATION WE AGREE TO:• Employ local staff and local guides• Patronise small locally owned businesses• Discourage our customers offering money to beggars• Discourage our customers from littering• Discourage our customers from damaging the natural

environment• Discourage our customers from purchasing protected

animals• Support local social and environmental projects• Respect local and provincial laws, rules and regulations

affecting business operation• Interpret the environment and culture authentically

and accurately• …what else?

The responsibility of visitors in local tourism destinations

As a visitor I agree to:Help the local economy by…

• Using accredited operators• Buying locally made souvenirs• Eating at local restaurants• Staying in locally-owned places• Purchasing fair trade products• Supporting responsible tourism

operators..

Help the local environment by…

• Not littering• Avoiding excessive waste• Leaving nature as it is• Not disturbing wildlife• Putting out cigarettes properly• Carbon offseting• Saving energy• Not purchasing or eating endangered species…

Help the local people by…

• Being considerate of the communities I visit

• Donating via reputable institutions

• Not giving money to children and beggars

• Respecting cultural difference• Not supporting the illegal

drug or sex trade• Using responsible travel

providers• Using operators with

responsible tourism policies.


Principle 4: Implement visitor safety provisions

• Recreation carries risks to the health and safety of the visitor and may indirectly impact on the PA authority

• Visitor safety, accidents, liability and search and rescue must be considered

• Staff should be trained in how to react to accidents and other emergency situations

• A risk and emergency management plan should be developed


What is a risk?

Risk Frequency of incident

Severity of consequences

Guidelines for the risk management process

Is the process working effectively to identify and manage risks? - Develop a list of risks associated with an area or activity; Develop checklists to use when inspecting the area; Inspect the area and talk to visitors; Record all risks identified

Have the control measures eliminated or reduced the risks to an acceptable level? Have the control measures introduced any new risks? - Gather information about each risk identified; Think about the likelihood of an event (e.g. frequency of exposure to risk and probability that an accident will occur); Assess probable consequences (number of people at risk and likely severity of an injury); Use exposure, probability and consequence to calculate level or risk

Determine control measures - Eliminate risk; Transfer risk; Reduce risk probability; Reduce risk impact; Accept risk

Assess effectiveness of control measures - Review proposed measures; Apply control measures; Monitor effectiveness through regular assessments and documentation

1. IDENTIFY THE RISKSIdentify all risks associated with an area or activity

2. ASSESS THE RISKSAssess the level of each risk

3. MANAGE THE RISKSDecide on and use the appropriate control measures

4. MONITOR & REVIEWMonitor residual risks and review

Source: Eagles, P., McCool, S. & Haynes, C. 2002, Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Planning and Management, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland & Cambridge, UK

TOPIC 5. FINANCING PROTECTEDAREAS FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY


Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Greater_Rufous-headed_Parrotbill_(Paradoxornis_ruficeps).jpg

What is the issue?

• Around the world government funding of PAs is becoming increasingly limited

• With out adequate funding for PAs: The ability of authorities to maintain the

PA’s natural values is compromised Alternative land uses and even destructive

practices may become more prevalent Livelihood options for communities will

become even more limited

• To achieve economic sustainability public funding needs to be supported by a diverse mix of supplementary revenue raising strategies

Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Maky/ProjectRosewoodLogging/Archive1

The evolution of protected areas: Increasing value but increasing pressure

Before Now

• Funded by governments• Maintained as assets for the

nation• National populations relatively

small• Accessibility limited• Limited population pressure

• Government funding more limited• Recognition of importance of

biodiversity• Large population• Highly accessible• Increasing pressure on environment

and wildlife• More competing interests on

exploitation of natural resources


Typical economic model of tourism in PAsGovernment

funding

Entrancefees

Return of income over

budget

Departure &hotel taxes

Business &sales tax

Employment &income tax

Employment & wages

Licences &user fees

Infrastructure & management

costs

Employment & wages

Paymentsfor goods &

services

TouristsNational government –Local government

Businesses

Local communities

Protected areas

Source: Font, X., Cochrane, J., and Tapper, R. 2004, Tourism for Protected Area Financing: Understanding tourism revenues for effective management plans, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK

Benefits of supplementary revenue raising strategies in PAs

Better enable the implementation of prioritised protected area management

activities

Provide increased stability and confidence in budgeting

Reduce the potential for conflicting or damaging forms of resource use such

as logging and hunting

Reduce the financial strain on provincial and national budgets


RESPONSIBLE FINANCING

1. Review financing

mechanisms to identify

opportunities

2. Implement innovative fund

raising strategies

3. Support the local economy

Principles of good practice in responsible financing of PAs

Principle 1: Review financing mechanisms to identify opportunities

• Existing funding and revenue making structures and systems may be inefficient or ineffective providing

• Analysing current financing systems can sometimes reveal opportunities to cut costs or increase revenue


Four areas to look for financial opportunities

1 FINANCIAL PLANNING Consistencies / inconsistencies with government financial planning timeframes. Ensure up to date. Specification / allocation of funding requirements. 3 BOARDS

Role and responsibilities. Financial autonomy.

2 REVENUE GENERATION Range of user charges. Account for inflation, current day costs, changes in disposable income, increasing demand. Examine opportunities for non-tourism charges. 4 INVESTMENT

Range of existing incentives. Examine opportunities to implement new or increase existing incentives.

Source: PARC Project 2006, Policy Brief: Building Viet Nam’s National Protected Areas System – policy and institutional innovations required for progress, Creating Protected Areas for Resource

Conservation using Landscape Ecology (PARC) Project, Government of Viet Nam, (FPD) / UNOPS, UNDP, IUCN, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Principle 2: Implement innovative fund raising strategies

• Reducing reliance on government funding by generating revenue from additional fund raising strategies is an increasing worldwide trend

• To be most effective a range of strategies should be pursued to target different stakeholders and generate the maximum amount of revenue

• Strategies may include entrance fees, user fees, concessions and leases, taxes and donations

Entrance fees

Fees charged to visitors to enter the PA CHALLENGES

• Inefficient fee collection resulting in losses of entrance fee revenue

• Scarce human resources for fee collection / reducing conservation activities

• Corruption / bribery

CHARACTERISTICS

• Fees charged to visitors to enter the PA• Most effective in high visitation PAs or where

unique species or ecosystems can be found• Rate should aim to cover capital and operating

costs, reflect quality of service and product offering, and market demand / willingness to pay

• Visitors pay more if they know the money will be used to enhance the experience or conserve nature

• Tiered pricing can maximise revenue

Source: Font, X., Cochrane, J., & Tapper, R. 2004, Tourism for Protected Area Financing: Understanding tourism revenues for effective management plans, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK

User fees

Fees charged for undertaking specific activities or using PA facilities CHALLENGES

• Maintaining fee collection system

• Political and socio-economic factors

CHARACTERISTICS

• Examples include parking fee, camping fee, fishing fee, hunting fee, boating fee, diving fee, hiking fee

• Willing to pay if they know funds are used for conservation and management of PA

• Common with diving, e.g. $2-3 / dive


Permits, leases and licences

Contracts between PAs and businesses allowing them to operate a commercial activity in exchange for a fee CHALLENGES

• Unsuccessful businesses = less revenue

• Business not respecting contractual obligations

• Business not controlling visitor behaviour

• Profit made by business = income lost by PA

CHARACTERISTICS

• Private sector more critical due to limited government funding

• Examples: tour guiding, trekking, diving, accommodation, restaurants, boating

• Requires good control• PA benefit: business has the knowledge, experience,

equipment etc• Business benefit: access to attractive location,

limited competition


Direct commercial operation

PA authority provides commercial goods and services CHALLENGES

• Human resources, knowledge, skills, financial resources

• Ensuring businesses are not owned by PA personnel who receive all the profits and no benefit to the PA

CHARACTERISTICS

• Can cover same activities as private sector• Can be wholly-state owner or Public-Private

Partnership (PPP) / joint venture• Ensures all / more money is obtained by the PA• Should include local labour and goods / services


Taxes

Charges on goods and services that generate funds for the government and can be used to support PA management CHALLENGES

• Not popular with locals or visitors

• Ensuring money goes back into conservation

• Costs of managing the system

• Hard to manage “small” taxes (same administration as larger taxes)

CHARACTERISTICS

• Allows for generating funds nationally and on a long-term basis and to use the funds to suit needs

• Examples: Local tax on users of a protected area or use of equipment, bed levies on accommodation


Donations

Gifts of money, goods or services, offered free of charge to support PAs

CHALLENGES

• Requires good communication to visitors by guides and print material etc

• Good transparency and accountability in management and use of money

CHARACTERISTICS

• Can use trust funds to hold and manage the donations

• Can encourage businesses to donate a small % of sales to support a PA project (e.g. developing trails, bridges, environmental research)

• Can use donation boxes


WCPA recommendations for reducing public resistance to fees

1 Use fee revenues for quality improvements to trails, toilets, maps, and other facilities 4 Retain and use money for specific,

known, park purposes, rather than for general revenues

2 Make small fee increases rather than making them in large jumps 5 Use extra money for conservation

of the area visited

3 Use money for operational costs rather than as a control mechanism for visitor entry 6

Provide abundant information to the public about the income earned and the actions funded through it

Source: Eagles, P., McCool, S. & Haynes, C. 2002, Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Planning and Management, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK

Principle 3: Support the local economy

• Responsible tourism requires socio-economic benefits are received by the local people

• If local communities only see the cost of the PA and no benefits, they are unlikely to support PA management or tourism


The PA’s obligation to help local communities in and around PAs

Local communities in and around PAs are relatively poor

PAs sometimes ask local communities

to relocate

PAs often require restrictions on

traditional livelihoods

Local community livelihoods

disrupted and restricted

Diminished local community support

for conservation

PA authorities have obligation to help

Understanding the local communities’ views of tourism in PAs

Create incomeCreate employmentCreate opportunities for

local businessesAssist community

developmentProtect cultureAccess to better services

Source: Eagles, P., McCool, S. & Haynes, C. 2002, Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Planning and Management, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK

Six simple opportunities to support the local economy in and around PAs

Provide product development

assistance

Facilitate CBT joint ventures

Introduce local investment incentives

Implement responsible employment & supply

chain policies

Build capacity and provide occupational

skills training

Establish a community fund


TOPIC 6. RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATION & INTERPRETATION


The role and importance of communication and interpretation in PAs

• Communication mostly relates to the delivery of information about PA facilities, features, accessibility and codes of conduct

• Interpretation relates to informing about the PA’s natural and cultural heritage (species, ecosystems, people) and issues around it to raise awareness and appreciation for conservation

• Good communication and interpretation greatly increases visitor satisfaction

What is the issue?

Limited or poor communication of the PA increases the chance of

disturbance and damage to the PA

Limited or poor interpretation of natural values and its

importance to visitors and residents reduces support and

action in conservation

The objectives of communication and interpretation in PAs

COMMUNICATION

• To increase awareness about the resources and attractions in the PA

• To alter behaviour of visitors and residents in the PA

• To orient visitors to the PA• To explain about the community and

PA authority’s goals and objectives

INTERPRETATION

• To increase understanding about the role and importance of special species in the PA and issues in conservation

• To increase understanding about the role and importance of important ecosystems in the PA and issues in conservation

• To increase understanding and respect for local culture and heritage sites in the PA and socio-cultural issues in sympathetic preservation and promotion

The benefits of responsible communication and interpretation in PAs

Builds understanding and support for conservation

Increases repeat visitation and positive referrals

Increases visitor satisfaction and reduces complaints

RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATION & INTERPRETATION

1. Inform and educate visitors

about the importance of

the PA2.

Communicate messages

accurately and authentically

3. Raise awareness of PA zones and

facilities

Principles of good practice in responsible communication and interpretation

Principle 1: Inform and educate visitors about the importance of the PA

• The tourism code of conduct is central

• Ensure the code of conduct is based upon the objectives of the zoning system

• Ensure codes of conduct are developed for both visitors and business operators (services)

• Ensure codes of conduct are easy to understand and easily accessible

• Ensure regulations and associated penalties for breeches are also clearly stated and easily identified / accessible

The key steps in developing tourism codes of conduct

Get support• Who will the

code affect?

Identify issues• What are we trying

to protect or promote?

Define responsibilities• Who will do

what?

Draft codeof conduct• What will we

communicate?

Communicating codes of conduct to visitors

VISITORS SERVICES• Before booking

– What? Destination’s people, culture and environment

– Where? Website, social media, brochures…

• Between booking & arrival– What? How to prepare– Where? Tour pre-departure packs

• During the visit– What? Print information and displays

about destination’s people, culture and environment

– Where? Meet and greet, signs / displays in prominent places, tour guides

• What? Expected operational behaviour including that of guests

• Where? Formal licencing contracts, agreements, permits.. Strategically located warning / penalty notices around PA


Interpretation through signs and exhibits

• Interpretational signs and exhibits use stories and messages to inform visitors about places, objects or events

• Properly planned and designed interpretive programs relay a theme / message to visitors

• Common topics can include unique animal species, unique flora, important ecosystems, built heritage, local culture, activities, events

• Interpretation principles can also be applied to communicating codes of conduct

• Interpretation should incorporate 3 components: education, emotion, behaviour

Educational component

Emotional component

Behavioural component

Examples of interpretive exhibits

Three tips for detailed interpretive signs

1 Deliver information using themes that are strong and provocative. 3 Structure theme into

topics easily identified by sub-headings.

2 Create titles that are eye-catching and interesting.

Examples of detailed interpretive signs

Eye catching title (theme)

Sub-headings (well structured) Good use

of images

Principle 2: Communicate messages accurately and authentically

• Poor marketing of PA values can result in loss of meaning and significance and erosion of the integrity of the natural (and cultural) heritage

• Communicating messages accurately and authentically promotes greater understanding and respect

Picture source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mynameisharsha/4344995931/

Authenticity in tourism experiences

• As with tourism in general, promotion of messages in PAs is often based upon selling “authentic experiences”

• While authenticity is perceived it remains highly connected to marketing and should display asaccurately as possible meanings that reflect the reality

• If messages are exaggerated in order to make them more attractive to consumers they will become disappointed when their expectations are not met

Examples of inauthentic advertising from around the world

Picture sources:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2128151/France-tourism-advertising-campaign-left-red-faced-allegations-using-false-photos.html

http://www.adnews.com.au/adnews/tourism-australia-s-250m-push-labelled-false-advertisinghttp://travel.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=335279&showcomments=true

Sharing a bottle of wine on the beach…really?

Are we in Spain or theCarribbean!?

The Mediterranean Sea has never looked

this good!

Cultural commodification in PAs

• Communication about the culture of local communities and cultural heritage sites in PAs should be respectful and accurate

• Commercialisation and commodification of the local culture should be avoided not only in the products sold but in the language used and messages communicated

• Cultural commercialisation and commodification may result in the loss of original meaning

• The involvement and determination of local people of how to interpret their culture is critical

4 examples of cultural commodification in tourism

Redeveloping places to make them more attractive for tourist consumption

Creating staged and reshaped traditional performances for tourists

Adaptive reuse of historical buildings without interpretation

Sale and / or reproduction of artefacts of cultural or spiritual significance as souvenirs

Picture sources:http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelf2sea/6125215016/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kangeelu_Kunita.jpg\http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremylim/4263274405/sizes/m/in/photostream/

http://blog.mailasail.com/kanaloa/104

Principle 3: Raise awareness of PA zones and facilities

• Services and infrastructure is of no benefit if visitors don’t know about what is available, where to find it, and how to get there

• Visitors exploring PAs will also continue to cause damage if they don’t know where they can / cannot go and why

• Visitors need information about what is available, where to access it, and how to interact with the PA in a sustainable way

Picture source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharpteam/2783062374/

Basic requirements for communicating how visitors should interact with the PA

• Visitors should have access to a protected map at a minimum

• The map should details the trails, roads, facilities, attractions etc

• Zones should be clearly identified and terms of use explained

WHERE? PA website Print brochures /

leaflets at entrance, Information centres, local tourism service providers

Large fixed signs at key locations in PA

Example of PA visitor map

Facilities and locations clearly identified

Trails, roads, parking marked

Non-use areas, boundaries clearly

indicated

Example: Zoning map for Great Barrier Reef MPA (Townsville)

Each colour represents a different

zone

Example: Zoning guide for Great Barrier Reef MPA (Townsville)

ACTIVITY GUIDE

General use zone

Habitat protection zone

Conservation park zone

Buffer zone

Scientific research zone

Marine national park zone

Preservation zone

Aquaculture P P P

Bait netting

Boating, diving

Crabbing

Harvest fishing for aquariums P P P

Limited collecting P P

Limited spearfishing

Line fishing

Netting

Research P P P P P P P

Shipping P P P P P

Tourism programme P P P P P P

Traditional use of marine resources

Trawling

Trolling P = Permit

TOPIC 7. PROTECTED AREA MONITORINGAND EVALUATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY


Picture source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayetteville,_North_Carolina

The role and importance of monitoring and evaluation in PAs

• Monitoring is the routine process of data collection and measurement of progress toward programme objectives

• Evaluation is the use of social research methods to systematically investigate the achievement of programme results

• Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) provides the information needed to guide and prioritise PA management activities to accepted standards

What is the issue?

• Without data of PA tourism conditions and trends that monitoring provides, planners and managers:– Cannot assure stakeholders of the

reliability of their decisions;– Cannot respond to public concerns and criticisms; and– Cannot properly fulfil their responsibilities or judge the

effectiveness of their actions.

• Moreover, if planners and managers do not undertake the monitoring, someone else will – and such monitoring may well be biased

Adapted from: Eagles, P., McCool, S. & Haynes, C. 2002, Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas: Guidelines for Planning and Management, IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK

Picture source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4605621230/

The benefits of monitoring and evaluation of PAs for sustainability

Provides data on management progress

and effectiveness

Improves conservation management and decision-making

Allows accountability to stakeholders, including funders

Provides data to plan future resource needs

Provides data useful for policy-making and advocacy


Monitor tourism impacts because prevention and early intervention is always better than cure!

In tourism, symptoms of negative impacts can be gradual…

After a negative impact has been identified opportunities to manage become more limited…

…and problems can be difficult to spot.

…and in many cases returning to the original state can be impossible

“Gosh where did all these tourists come

from?I don’t remember seeing so many a few years ago!”

“I thought we were able to handle all the

tourists unit I saw some kids acting like

foreigners and it occurred to me just

how much our culture has changed!”

“When we started running tours to the nearby cave some tourists damaged the beautiful rock formations. Now we have lost them

forever”

“We really have too many tourists here but with so many businesses now

depending on them reducing the volume

would never be supported”

MONITORING & EVALUATION

FOR SUSTAINABILITY

1. Ensure integration of sustainability

criteria indicators 2. Evaluate indicators using

baselines, benchmarks and

limits of acceptable change

3. Ensure results are clearly

communicated

Principles of good practice in monitoring and evaluation for sustainability in PAs

Principle 1: Ensure integration of sustainability criteria

• In PA’s there is a tendency to focus most attention on environmental impacts and management related impacts

• To ensure comprehensive sustainability of the PA social and economic impacts must also be considered

Environmental

impacts

Economic impacts

Social impacts

Experiential

impacts

Managerial /

infrastructure

impacts

Examples of key issues to consider when scoping PA sustainability

Gender equity & social inclusion• Family well-being, equal employment

opportunities, gender roles in traditional communities, access to loans and credit, control over tourism-related income…

Poverty reduction / economic development• Income, employment,

entrepreneurship, quality of life…

Capacity development• Tourism awareness, tourism business

training, local control of tourism operations, participation in local governance…

Environmental protection• Endangered species, water quality,

litter, loss / changes in vegetation structure, habitat loss, erosion, disturbance to animals, trail widening / changes…

Cultural preservation and promotion• Preservation of traditions and values,

maintenance of cultural significance and meaning, maintenance of cultural heritage sites…

Social gains• Quality of life, crime, access to

resources, access to heath care, access to education, limitation of rural to urban migration…

Turning sustainability impacts and issues into monitoring indicators

• An “indication” of the state of a particular issue

• Formally selected and used on a regular basis to measure changes

• Conventional tourism indicators include arrival numbers, length of stay, and expenditure

• Sustainable tourism indicators focus on the link between tourism and sustainability issues

FOCUS OF INDICATORS FOR MONITORING SUSTAINABLE

TOURISM

• Issues concerning the natural resources and environment of a destination

• Concerns relating to economic sustainability

• Issues relating to cultural assets and social values

• Broad organisation and management issues within the tourism sector and broader destination

Types of indicators

• Early warning indicators• Indicators of stresses on the

system• Measures of the current state

of industry• Measures of tourism

development sustainability impacts• Measures of management effort• Measures of management effects

INDICATORS MEASURE

Impacts

Outcomes Outputs

Impact type vs. Indicator type

Environmental impacts

Social impacts

Economic impacts

Quantitative indicators

Qualitative indicators

IMPACT

Category indicesNormative indicatorsNominal indicatorsOpinion-based indicators

Raw dataRatioPercentage

TYPE OF INDICATOR TYPE OF MEASURE

Dissection of an sustainability issue into indicators

ISSUE COMPONENT

A

ISSUE

COMPONENT

F

ISSUE

COMPONENT

B

ISSU

E CO

MPO

NEN

TC

ISSUE

COMPONENT

D

ISSUE COMPONENT

E

ISSUE

COM

PON

ENT

GISSUE

COMPONENT

H

ISSUE COMPONENT INDICATOR E1ISSUE COMPONENT INDICATOR E2ISSUE COMPONENT INDICATOR E3….

SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE

Example of tourism indicator development process for sustainability

INDICATORSCOMPONENTS OF ISSUE

KEY SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE

Environmental protection

Waste management

Number hotels with a recycling programme

Biodiversityprotection

Number of threatened or extinct species as

percentage of all known species

Perceived value of forest resources to

tourism

Don’t reinvent the wheel! Use and / or adapt existing indicators

Many organisations have already developed and refined useful indicators for monitoring tourism impacts on sustainability

World Tourism Organisation Indicator Guidebook

Pressure, State, Response Indicators

UNEP Environmental Indicators

IUCN Indicators of Resources Management

Example of environmental and economic sustainability indicators in tourism

ENVIRONMENTAL Number of threatened or extinct species as percentage of all known speciesPerceived value of forest resources to tourismNumber of days tourists spend on nature tourism activities out of total number of days Number of hotels with environmental policyEnvironmental awareness campaigns conducted Number hotels recycling 25% or more of their waste productsDemand/supply ratio for waterNumber of hotels with 50% or more of total toilets as dual flush% of energy consumption from renewable resources

ECONOMIC Average wage rates in tourism jobs rural/ urbanNumber of local people employed in tourism (men and women)Revenues generated by tourism as % of all revenues generated in the community% of visitors who overnight in local tourist accommodation% of hotels with a majority local staff% of GDP provided by tourismChange in number of visitor arrivals Average tourist length of stay New tourism businesses as a percentage of all new businesses

Example of social and project / business sustainability indicators in tourism

SOCIAL % of tourism operators who provide day care to employees with children % of tourism operators who have commitments regarding equal gender opportunityWomen/men as a % of all tourism employment % women/men employees sent on training programmesSatisfaction with volume of tourists visiting the destination

PROJECT / BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

PA Management Plan existsAll personnel receive periodic tourism impact management training% of purchases of services and goods from local providers % of purchases that are fair trade purchases Number of facilities built using local material Code of conduct developed with local community% of women and local minority employees

Good practice in setting effective tourism indicators

Ensure indicators identify conditions or outputs of

tourism development

Ensure indicators are descriptive rather than evaluative

Ensure indicators are easy to measure

Ensure you start with only a few key variables

Principle 2: Evaluate indicators using baselines, benchmarks and limits of acceptable change

• The first “foundation” study from which future studies follow

BASELINES

• Comparison of data against baseline

• Can also use industry averages

BENCHMARKS• Helps establish if

results are positive or negative in local situation

LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE

(THRESHOLDS)

Effective monitoring systems often incorporate at a number of different tools to assist in the analysis of results:

Examples of baselines, benchmarks and thresholds

Establishing a baseline• A survey was conducted in 2014 which

established that 15% of households in a village had running water

• This forms the baseline for household access to running water in the destination

Using a benchmark• In 2015 a repeat survey was conducted

which recorded that 25% of households had running water

• This shows a positive change of 10% against the Year 1 baseline

Comparing to thresholds• In terms of access to running water,

anything less than 100% requires action• If however, the study was of the amount

of protected forest in a community, 40% might be an acceptable target depending on the year 1 benchmark

Limits of acceptable change process and guidelines 1/2

STEPS GUIDELINES COMMENT ON PURPOSE1. Identify special values, issues, and concerns attributed to the area

Citizens and managers:• Identify special features or qualities that require attention• Identify existing management problems and concerns• Identify public issues: economic, social, environmental• Identify role the area plays in a regional and national context and political/institutional constraints

Encourages a better understanding of the natural resource base, a general concept of how the resource could be managed, and a focus on principal management issues.

2. Identify and describe recreation opportunity classes or zones

Opportunity classes describe subdivisions or zones of the natural resource where different social, resource, or managerial conditions will be maintained• Identify opportunity classes for the natural resources• Describe different conditions to be maintained (Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex case study, Box

6.2 below illustrates the opportunity classes used there)

Developing classes (or zones) provides a way of defining a range of diverse conditions within the protected area.

3. Select indicators of resource and social conditions

Indicators are specific elements of the resource or social setting selected to be indicative of the conditions deemed appropriate and acceptable in each opportunity class• Select a few indicators as indicative measures of overall health• Use economic, social, environmental, political indicators• Ensure indicators are easy to measure, relate to conditions in opportunity classes, and reflect

changes in recreational use

Indicators are essential to LAC because their condition as a group reflects the overall condition of the opportunity class and guides the inventory.

4. Inventory existing resource and social conditions

• Use chosen indicators to guide the inventory of resource and social conditions• Use inventory data to provide a better understanding of area constraints and opportunities• Map inventories to establish status (location and condition) of indicatorsBy placing the inventory as step 4, rather than the first step as is often done, planners avoid unnecessary data collection and ensure that the data collected is useful

Inventory data are mapped so both the condition and location of the indicators are known.Helps managers establish realistic standards, and used later to evaluate the consequences of alternatives.

Limits of acceptable change process and guidelines 2/2

STEPS GUIDELINES COMMENT ON PURPOSE5. Specify standards for resource and social conditions in each opportunity class

• Identify the range of conditions for each indicator considered desirable or acceptable for each opportunity class• Define conditions in measurable terms, to represent the maximum permissible conditions allowed (limits)• Ensure conditions are attainable and realistic

Provides the basis for establishing a distinctive and diverse range of protected area settings, serving to define the “limits of acceptable change.”

6. Identify alternative opportunity class allocations

This stage identifies alternative allocations of opportunities• Identify different types/location/timing of alternatives, using steps 1 and 4 to explore how well

the different opportunity classes meet the various interests and values

Provides alternative ways of managing the area to best meet the needs, interests, and concerns.

7. Identify management actions for each alternative

• Analyse broad costs and benefits of each alternative• Identify the kinds of management actions needed to achieve the desired conditions (direct or

indirect)

This step involves an analysis of the costs and benefits of each alternative.

8. Evaluation and selection of a preferred alternative

• Review costs vs. benefits of alternatives with managers, stakeholders and public• Examine the responsiveness of each alternative to the issues• Explicitly state the factors considered, and their weight in decision-making• Select a preferred alternative

Builds consensus and selects the best alternative.

9. Implement actions and monitor conditions

• Develop implementation plan with actions, costs, timetable, and responsibilities• Develop a monitoring programme, focusing on the indicators developed in step 3• Compare indicator conditions with standards to evaluate the success of actionsIf conditions do not correspond with standards the intensity of the management effort might need to be increased or new actions implemented

Ensures timely implementation and adjustment of management strategies. Monitoring ensures that effectiveness of implementation is known. If monitoring shows problems, actions can be taken

Example: Acceptable thresholds of change for a national sustainable tourism programme in Samoa

INDICATOR RESULT THRESHOLD PERFORMANCEENVIRONMENTAL

% of new hotels undertaking environmental impact assessments 33% 90-100% V.POOR

% of hotels using secondary or tertiary sewage treatment 8% 30-50% V.POOR % of tourists participating in nature tourism 8% 20-40% V.POOR% of tourist sites passing water quality tests 50% 70-90% POOR

% of hotels composting their biodegradable waste 76% 60-80% ACCEPTABLE

Water usage per guest night in hotels (in litres) 928 500-1000 ACCEPTABLE

ECONO

MIC

Contribution of direct tourism businesses to GDP 4% 10-20% POOR

Proportion of new businesses focused on tourism 4% 10-20% POORProportion of hotel jobs in rural areas 48% 40-60% ACCEPTABLE

SOCIAL

Hotel staff participating in training courses 27% 25-50% ACCEPTABLE

Villages included in tourism awareness programmes 28% 25-50% ACCEPTABLE

Proportion of traditional events in Tourism Festivals 50% 50-70% ACCEPTABLEProportion of handicraft stalls out of all stalls in markets 21% 20-40% ACCEPTABLETourism operators informing visitors of village protocol 72% 50-70% GOOD

Source: SNV Vietnam & the University of Hawaii, School of Travel Industry Management 2007, A Toolkit for Monitoring and Managing Community-based Tourism, SNV Vietnam & the University of Hawaii, USA

Principle 3: Ensure results are clearly communicated

• There is no point in doing a monitoring programme if no one finds out about the results

• Stakeholders and decision makers need to hear about the results so they can take action

• Results should presented to help stakeholders reinforce positive actions or remedy problem situations

Consider the needs of the

potential user

Portray the results as simply

as possible

PRINCIPLES IN COMMUNICATING RESULTS

Options for getting the message out

Meetings and workshopsProvide an analysis of the monitoring programme results in a practical and “hands-on” workshop or meeting. It also in-depth analysis and detailed clarification of issues.

Newsletters & reportsProvide details of the results within the organisation newsletter or alternatively create a newsletter specifically for communicating the results. Include results in the organisation’s annual report.

WebsiteCreate a section on the organisation’s website that provides details of the progress being made in sustainability performance.

EmailDeliver information about the sustainability monitoring program directly into the mailbox of the stakeholders. Coming from senior management can add a level of authority. Quick and direct.


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