Tourism and Wildlife Conservation

[planeta]

Tourism and Wildlife Conservation

Ronda Green, owner of Proprietor Araucaria Ecotours and Vice-president Wildlife Tourism Australia, proposes the following topic for discussion:

Wildlife tourism and wildlife conservation – how can they work hand in hand?

There are many ways to use wildlife tourism to contribute to wildlife conservation, including financial contributions by the businesses themselves or their customers for habitat enhancement, conservation breeding, research etc., regeneration of habitat on their own properties, supply of facilities or labour for conservation projects, lobbying governments for protection of wildlife and their habitats, documenting information on wildlife numbers and behaviour, notifying authorities on suspicious behaviours (possible bird smugglers etc.).

How can we best reward those businesses that do so contribute? The very knowledge that we are contributing is its own reward, and many wildlife tour operators started out in the wildlife tourism or ecotourism industry precisely because of their interest in wildlife and their habitats, and concern for their conservation. Sometimes though it can be a struggle to keep going financially, and if others are finding it easier by doing the ‘wrong’ things it can get a bit dispiriting.

If some kind of reward (e.g. ability to use it in marketing, or in grant applications or for accreditation or providing a special experience and satisfaction for customers) motivates others to get into conservation measures, even for what some purists would criticize as the ‘wrong’ reasons this, if done properly with up-to-date information on the needs of wildlife (not only the target species but others they share the habitat), should also have a positive effect on conservation.

REFERENCES

Tourism and Wildlife
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/wildlife.html

Tourism and Biodiversity
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/biodiversity.html

[Carol Patterson]

Ronda raises some great questions. Many people enter the nature tourism industry out of desire to spend more time watching wildlife and/or contributing to its conservation through responsible tourism activities. Often though it is difficult to separate the responsible tourism operators from the not so diligent businesses. I have yet to meet the tourist who wants to harm wildlife through their travel activities and yet, few check the environemental credentials of the tour companies they travel with. So how does a tourism business distinguish themselves in the market and how do they charge a premium for their services/products?

I'm gathering more information on this topic to share with tourism operators so if you would like to fill out a short survey on the topic please click
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=102643567852

Carol Patterson, author of The Business of Ecotourism and president of Kalahari Management
http://www.kalahari-online.com

[RondaGreen]

Ecotourism Australia has taken some useful steps towards accrediting ecotourism operations, including nondisturbance of wildlife - the hard part is checking that operators really do what they say they do. There are also many who continue to call themselves eco- without seeking accreditation and, as you implied, there is not really enough incentive in terms of pricing and marketing to encourage many to do so.

The eco-accreditation also doesn't normally apply to captive wildlife, so other forms of accreditation etc are needed there (there are some very good captive-breeding-for-release of endangered species and some excellent interpretive displays at some of the captive wildlife centres, plus donations to wildlife conservation in developing countries and basic research on ecological needs, so they deserve to be considered in the topic of eco-friendly wildlife tourism as well as true ecotourism. There are also of course some terrible examples of captive wildlife, and as it is so expensive to do it well it would be great to somehow give more of a competitive edge to those who do it right.

Cheers

Ronda

[Carol Patterson]

In a recent survey I did on wildlife watchers, I was surprised to find that guides were ranked the lowest as a criteria in selecting a travel destination. While my study was very small, this information causes me some concern. Guides are very important in explaining what is acceptable behavior for travelers so that wildlife and habitats are not harmed. With all the information available to travelers and the steady diet of travel shows with average people seemingly doing amazing things, perhaps people think they can dispense with a guide and strike out on their own.

Other studies support this trend and show an increase in self-guided trips. This creates many concerns including the difficulty in educating travelers on responsible travel practices and in engaging them in the environment in a meaningful way. Accreditation can be a great way to ensure guiding consistency, but maybe we need to give some thought as to how we can market guide services so people are getting the orientation we want them to.

If you want to see more results from my survey on wildlife tourism it is available at no cost in my latest newsletter online http://www.kalahari-online.com/sum07.pdf

Cheers,
Carol Patterson
Kalahari Management

[planeta]

Administrative note. This topic has now received more than 1,200 views.

Also, many thanks to Carol Patterson who is taking part in a current online Q&A
viewtopic.php?t=1052

[RondaGreen]

That is a disturbing trend. Barry Davies of Gondwana Guides gave a very good talk at last year's Ecotourism Australia conference, pointing out that tour guides are often the people that travelers spend most of their time with when visiting a country, so that in addition to being responsible for peoples' safety, comfort, education and entertainment, they are important ambassadors for their country.

Perhaps some of the dismissive attitudes about guided tours is through bad experiences. I have been on a number of tours, as have various friends and relatives, where the guide just tells a few corny jokes, rushes you through the interesting places to get you to where you can spend your $$ in souvenir stores, and in response to questions either bluffs with some ridiculous answer or shows no interest at all. People may also think of the really big tours where you stop for 40 people to get out of the bus to take a photo, drive on to the next stop to do the same, etc. Perhaps we need to get the message out there that there is a tremendous variation amongst guides.

There is also a problem that a lot of the big tourism organizations are geared only to the fun-and-sun, and still think of ecotourism as such a niche market that they needn't really bother about promoting it. When someone wanting a good ecotour comes to such an establishment's info centre it's hardly surprising if they are told there aren't any tours like that. or get booked into a tour that really doesn't satisfy.

[RondaGreen]

Another quick note: I'm heading to Kruger NP in October, fulfilling a lifelong dream. I'll mostly be hiring a 4WD and doing my own wildlife spotting (with my son), but also going on some guided tours. Why? The reason I want to do my own is that I want to be able to spend as long as I want quietly observing animals while other tourists may just want to check them off or photograph them and then move on. Why the guided tours then? Because I recognize that I can't do the nocturnal tours on my own and also that the local guides will have a lot of knowlegde of the animals' ecology and behaviour, and where to find them. I've had a number of people on our own tours tell me there is no way they could have seen as many species by doing it themselves in such a short time, and many others thank me for what they've learned. Perhaps it should be these two aspects that we most emphasize, and also encourage more obviously-placed education on traveling lightly for those going solo

[planeta]

I'd like to chime in on the topic of guides. I would be the first to rank the 'value' of guides as one of the lowest criteria I have in choosing a place to visit. I want to visit a place first and foremost. That said, once a place is chosen selecting a guide or guides is top of the list in making the most of the journey.

That said, a few questions:

What are the ways we have to select good guides? To rate trips? Most wildlife and ecotourism associations have indices (the same with Planeta.com's World Travel Directory) without a rating system that allows clients to chime in on what they liked and did not like about specific tours.

During my visit to Australia earlier this year, Ronda and her son Darren -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/398819788 -- were superb guides. They knew where to find the wildlife, they knew how to make the approach. They provided caveats ('don't swing on the vines, there may be snakes above') before possible injury.

Speaking of good guides, I'd also give high marks to Tom Walter -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/1036807839 -- who joined me last month on a trek along New Zealand's ridiculously beautiful West Coast.

What makes a good guide in my book? Someone who knows the ground, the people, the wildlife and a good place for a pint or coffee. Sometimes these are paid professionals. At other times they're good friends. In this category I'd include Marcus Endicott -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/388986174 -- who knew me well enough to escort me to the Channon Market. Ultimately a good guide is someone who has invested time in a particular place and is willing to impart this information.

My questions - where do I post or send a testimonial? Also, what if I have a bad guided tour? Where is this shared? In this age of Web 2.0, there should be a number of options at our disposal.

Ron Mader

PS) After Ronda's post I sent an email greet to Barry Davies, who sent a copy of his talk. If he lets me, we will publish this on Planeta.com.

[planeta]

The article by Barry Davies from the Ecotourism Australia event in which he won the Rainforest Habitat 2005 EcoGuide Australia Award is now online
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/austra ... guide.html

We invest a huge amount of responsibility in our guides. According to figures published by Tourism Australia in 2003, 1.2 million overseas visitors took part in guided activities in Australia in that year and there are no figures available for the number of Australians. Tour guides had more contact with these visitors, and therefore more influence on their experience, than any other Australians. We expect guides to interpret our environment, wildlife, culture and history, to be responsible for visitor safety and welfare by providing first aid, emergency care, resolving conflicts, facilitating friendships and, in some cases, to feed and drive the visitors as well. We expect guides to be all things to all people, to stay calm, to keep smiling, to know everything, to be a friend and to consistently provide an unforgettable experience. Yet we reward them with poor training, few incentives to improve their skills, no career structure, and remuneration so low that it doesn't allow guides to stay in the industry long enough to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to do the job well.

[planeta]

New group on Flickr

NZ Wildlife
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nzwildlife

[RondaGreen]

Thanks Ron for your comments - I don't recall saying anything about snakes on vines: I guess there is a small possibility of that (and spiders, ants etc.), but there are other reasons not to swing on them too readily

Anyway, we have some exciting wildlife workshops about to start happening over here in southeast Queensland, culimnating in a month-long willdife festival in September 08

Cheers

Ronda (see below)

Wildlife Festival and Workshops
8 Dec 07 to Sept 08

Australia harbours a wonderful diversity of wildlife different from anywhere else, and our own district (Border Ranges and surrounds) has the third highest diversity anywhere within Australia, including icons such as platypus, kangaroo and koala as well as many species unknown by most residents and visitors. A series of free workshops, beginning December 2007, will celebrate our wildlife and its fascinating behaviours, ecological interactions and great beauty, and discuss how we might best conserve it well into the future. The series will culminate in a month-long Wildlife Festival in September 2008, including a 2-day Wildlife Expo, a final workshop, and many events for all ages.
Hosted by Logan and Albert Conservation Association and Wildlife Tourism Australia, sponsored by Beaudesert Shire Council through Community Environmental Assistance Grants Program and Community Events Program


Saturday 8 December 2007: 10.30am to 5.00pm. Wildlife of the Scenic Rim
The Centre, adjacent Shire Council,
Brisbane St., Beaudesert
10.00am to 1.00pm. Background to biodiversity (the geological and climatic events that led to such a diversity of habitats and wildlife), the mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and other wildlife species that live here, ecological interactions between species (fascinating in themselves and important for conservation)
2.00 to 5.00pm. Wildlife as an asset for the region (ecological roles, passive recreation and lifestyle, educational value, sustainable tourism), National Landscapes, Tourism Australia (the potential for this region as a major tourist destination while retaining its character and not threatening its wildlife), overview of conservation issues to be discussed in future workshops. Paintings by wildlife artist Andy Reimanis on display. Lunch is available at several venues nearby.

Saturday 23 February 2008 130-5.00pm
Who y' gonna call? Injured and orphaned wildlife, prevention and care.
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert.
Care of injured and orphaned wildlife, value of wildlife care for conservation, welfare and education, courses in wildlife care, prevention of roadkill and illegal activities. Plans for the future – what is most urgently needed? Bring your ideas ready for the open discussions following introductory talks.

Saturday 29 March 20 08 1.30 – 5.30 pm. Wildlife on private lands
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert
Detecting and identifying wildlife, conservation status of species, habitat needs. Wildlife as controllers of pest species and pollinators of flowers. Eco-friendly ways of coping with problem animals. Feeding of wildlife. Potential passive income from wildlife tourism for land-holders (and public liability problems).

Saturday 19 April 20 08 1.30 – 5.30 pm . Wildlife Tourism
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert
Using wildlife to add value to tourism operations, the importance of good wildlife interpretation, minimizing disturbance to wildlife, positive contributions wildlife tourism can make to wildlife conservation Introductory talk followed by open discussion of ideas.

Saturday 7 June 2008. 1.30 – 5.30 pm The role of amateur naturalists in Conservation
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert
It’s hard to stay bored with life once you start observing and thinking about the many creatures we share our planet with, perhaps also sketching or photographing them. Wildlife observation (including birds) as a hobby, and as a contributor to scientific understanding and conservation management.
Saturday 26 July 20 08 1.30 – 5.30 pm Wildlife Corridors that really get used by wildlife
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert
A corridor for one species may not be a corridor for others. Where are the Shire's current corridors, on private and public land, which animals do they serve, and where are the gaps? What do we know, and what are the most pressing questions? What political and other problems might complicate ecological solutions? Bring your ideas ready for the open discussions following introductory talks.

September 2008 –The Festival!

Various special activities, displays and wildlife tours throughout the region during September 2008 – details to be announced
Anyone interested in contributing further events or displays, please contact Ronda Green: 5544 1283 or platypuscorner@bigpond.com

Friday and Saturday 12-13 September 2008 Wildlife Expo
Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre,
Brisbane St., Beaudesert
2 days of exhibits and activities both indoors and out – conservation organizations, natural history associations, wildlife artists, wildlife tourism, government departments, retailers (books, binoculars etc.), wildlife carers, environmental consultants and other wildlife and other wildlife themes, plus food and beverage stalls, children’s activities, wildlife films, display of results of any photo or art competitions etc. (A small fee to be charged for each exhibit different levels for commercial operations and community groups etc. to be donated to wildlife conservation:

Saturday 27 September 2008
10.30 – 4.30pm
Our wildlife, past, present and future
The Centre, Brisbane St., Beaudesert.
A final celebration of our local wildlife, a summary of previous workshops and discussions on the outlook for the future.

Workshops are free, but numbers will be limited, so RSVP to
Ronda Green at platypuscorner@bigpond.com or 5544 1283
Watch for further details: www.laca.org.au www.wildlifetourism.org.au

[planeta]

Thanks for sharing the upcoming schedule, Ronda. Will there be any opportunities for you to document the events via Flickr or YouTube?

Regarding

I don't recall saying anything about snakes on vines: I guess there is a small possibility of that (and spiders, ants etc.), but there are other reasons not to swing on them

The warning was given by your son when we were hiking into the Border Ranges National Park -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/391638957 -- and the advice was sound though I wasn't even contemplating playing 'man versus wild' in the park.

[RondaGreen]

There will be a workshop on wildlife tourism in Beaudesert, southern Queensland, Australia, on April 19,
covering: using wildlife for value-adding to tourism, minimizing effects on wildlife while providing great experiences, eco-accreditation, and examples of good sustainable wildlife touirsm. More details on upcoming events and details of past workshops on www.wildlifetourism.org.au, follow links on left to events

[planeta]

Thanks for posting the update, Ronda

Question - Have you been able to document the previous workshops/events via Flickr or YouTube? We'd love to see what you're doing via Web 2.0.

If that's not possible, please provide direct links to the resources on your own website.

Also, if you would, please ask WTA to add a link to Planeta.com. We're pleased to establish reciprocal links. In the past year we haven't heard much from WTA since the Web Workshop, but hopefully we can make some improvements in 08!

Ron

[planeta]

Gambia: on the trail of the green monkey - Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/afric ... onkey.html

In Bijilo Forest Park in Gambia, a depressing pattern of exploitation and development is threatening the local green monkey population