Ecotourism Interpretation

Introduction

Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Australia with the majority of growth occurring in natural areas (Dowling and Charters, 2000). Now more than ever, people are becoming aware that the world’s natural resources are finite with previously pristine, natural environments shrinking at an alarming rate. Ironically, as our interests in these areas grow, they seem to be disappearing.

Therein lays the challenge: how to manage a tourism industry to the most ecologically sensitive natural areas of the world, which are the most sensitive to outside entities, whilst ensuring sustainability?

There has been extensive research into this question, with many case studies conducted and opinions from experts given over the decades. Research seems to indicate that whilst environmental interpretation is effective in increasing and re-enforcing environmental knowledge both in the short and long-term, it may not be as effective in changing or influencing the behaviours and attitudes of visitors.

This essay will look at environmental interpretation within ecotourism, and its effectiveness in changing or influencing the behaviour or attitudes of visitors. Firstly, definitions of ecotourism and interpretation will be provided which will set the tone for the essay. Then, two case studies involving environmental interpretation will be presented and discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn in terms of the effectiveness of interpretation in relation to knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of visitors to natural areas.

Ecotourism

It is interesting to note that since the beginning of the 1990’s the global ecotourism industry has been growing at the rate of 20 to 34% dependant on the country, location and type of operations. In 2004, ecotourism/nature tourism was growing globally more than three times faster than the entire tourism industry itself. It is also predicted that sustainable tourism will account for over 25% of the world’s travel within the next six years, with a boom expected in eco-type resorts and hotels with substantial gains expected by early entrants to the market (International Ecotourism Society, 2008).

But what is вЂ?ecotourism’? Ecotourism Australia (2008), defines ecotourism as "Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation” (http://www.ecotourism.org.au/).

Dowling and Charters (2000) go further and define ecotourism as nature based tourism that is ecologically sustainable, that involves education and interpretation of the environment, whilst providing an appropriate return to the local community along with long-term conservation of the resource itself. Here, the educative and conservationist elements are characterised.

As Newsome, Moore and Dowling (2002) have discussed, there are differing types of tourism, with ecotourism falling in the alternative tourism vein, the opposite of �Mass Tourism’. Here, there is a perception that ecotourism has a differing relationship with the tourist, where the intention is more �for the environmental relationship’, rather than just �there’ as a tourist might be at a theme park, or in a foreign country shopping mall.

Newsome et al (2002), also goes on to point out that for ecotourism to be authentic, it must contain five interrelated parts which all need to be present. These include:

1. It must be nature-based;

2. Be ecologically sustainable;

3. Be environmentally educative;

4. Benefit the local community; and

5. Be able to satisfy the tourist.

With all the different definitions given, there is a common theme of �sustainability’ and �education’. In terms of ecotourism, these two factors are interdependent on each other, which ecotourism operators throughout the world rely on to achieve ecotourism certification, which is paramount to the ongoing operations of their businesses in nature-based and protected areas.

Orams (2000) suggests ecotourism operators should use education-based management strategies to encourage visitors to adopt more environmental savvy attitudes and, more importantly, move towards behaviours that are more environmentally positive.

Interpretation

For this essay, the primary theme is positioned around the educative element of ecotourism and its relationship in whether it is effective in changing or influencing the behaviours of visitors to ecotourism locations. It is therefore necessary to define �interpretation’ in relation to ecotourism, as its importance in successful ecotourism operations is essential.

According to Moscardo and Woods (1998), “Interpretation can be defined as the process of explaining to people the significance of the place they have come to see, so that they enjoy their visit more, understand their heritage and environment better, and develop a more caring attitude towards conservation” (p. 307).

In some ways interpretation is a lot like marketing, where to be effective and successful, it is imperative to understand your audience (Youngentob and Hostetler, 2003).

One of the main goals of environmental interpretation is to help humans understand the natural world, assisting them to form positive, sustainable relationships with the environment, ultimately, in which they are part of. Interpretive programs can be targeted at differing audiences, and be individually designed to meet the specific needs of each experience. Quite often interpretation can take the form of a simple, informative kiosk or nature walk with simple, informative signage. Then again they can be much more complex and extensive as in the promotion of a community based recycling program, or a guided hands-on tour of the rainforest (Youngentob and Hostetler, 2003).

With tourist audiences often ranging in age, education, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic status, there is a need for interpretation delivery to be broad if it is to be understood effectively. On average it is generally agreed that interpretation should be aimed at an 8th to 10th grade reading level. This range ensures that the delivery is neither too simple nor too difficult for the majority of tourists.

Whilst interpretation is a process of simplifying complicated ideas and sharing them with a more general audience, that are tourists, it is much more than just rewording ideas. Good and effective