The increase in wildlife tourism around the world has been substantial. With advances in transport technology, there are not that many pristine areas left that tourism hasn't touched. Even the once remote Galapagos Island, which is 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and where Charles Darwin studied "this little world within itself", is becoming an increasingly popular ecotourism destination, although thankfully it is now more strictly managed than it used to be. Darwin might shudder at the thought that tourists might be interacting with some of the most unique wildlife found on the Planet. But, if this interaction is properly managed and is respectful to all forms of life, can't there be some benefits in facilitating tourism that allows people to witness something so wonderful and to learn from it?
There is no doubt that tourism has contributed to some of the world's major environmental problems, especially when it has involved massive land clearing to cater to sprawling and high impact tourism-generated development. But ecotourism done properly can have a positive impact on the natural environment:
* it can help preserve much of the natural area being visited by managing access to only certain parts of it and prohibiting access to the most pristine and valuable elements of the area. Tourism-generated income can also go back into researching and better protecting the area.
* it can educate people to the unique value of the Planet's natural environment. It can help you try to understand how our every day actions can impact on the fragile importance of the world's natural wonders. I mean, how can you not try to be a little more sustainable at home after you've witnessed the Great Barrier Reef's coral bleaching and observed how lifeless the immediate environment becomes as a result. It could be one of the best (worst) global examples of the immediate impact climate change is having.
It is a no-brainer to suggest that companies that offer wildlife viewing (including sealife) on their tour should manage their tour in a responsible and low impact way so as they not only achieve an overall postive sustainability benefit but to enhance their reputation for doing so. Companies that operate under strict management guidelines, are accredited by the Government or an ecotourism agency, have all the relevant permits, and adopt a no touch/leave-no-trace philosophy will generally deliver some of the sustainable benefits that ecotourism can bring. But even with this approach, humans need to be continually mindful about the impacts they are having on the natural area and wildlife they are experiencing. A recent article in the UK's The Guardian newspaper highlights this issue well.
The article, Stingrays suffering from contact with wildlife tourists, is worth reading if you are a wildlife viewing tourist. It states that "swimming with stingray may not be the life-enhancing experience expected – at least not for the animals." The article suggests that this is a common theme with all types of wildlife viewing. The article also refers to other studies on tourist-related interaction with "...grizzly bears, penguins, dolphins, sharks and lizards - the majority of these studies have looked at changes in the animals' behaviour or their stress responses (and) each has suggested that wildlife tourism should be both continually researched and managed". And it's not just physical interaction - changes to the natural ways of all creatures can occur just through observing them in their everyday life.
But, as with many sustainability issues, there are pros and cons that need to be considered. As the article states, "if the tourists aren't there then these animals could just be hunted or eaten. The best way is to educate the operators and the customers." The article also suggests that "while most wild creatures react as if the humans are predators, some see tourists as beneficial, either because they reduce the risks of predation by others, or because they supply food. This can allow the animals to dedicate more valuable energy supplies to rest and reproduction."
So, the key is to be careful and mindful of the impact you might have by viewing wildlife on your tour. If you decide to go ahead with a tour, choose eco-accredited and experienced tourism operators to guide you, trust that your guide knows their stuff, and follow their direction intently.
There is no doubt that tourism has contributed to some of the world's major environmental problems, especially when it has involved massive land clearing to cater to sprawling and high impact tourism-generated development. But ecotourism done properly can have a positive impact on the natural environment:
* it can help preserve much of the natural area being visited by managing access to only certain parts of it and prohibiting access to the most pristine and valuable elements of the area. Tourism-generated income can also go back into researching and better protecting the area.
* it can educate people to the unique value of the Planet's natural environment. It can help you try to understand how our every day actions can impact on the fragile importance of the world's natural wonders. I mean, how can you not try to be a little more sustainable at home after you've witnessed the Great Barrier Reef's coral bleaching and observed how lifeless the immediate environment becomes as a result. It could be one of the best (worst) global examples of the immediate impact climate change is having.
It is a no-brainer to suggest that companies that offer wildlife viewing (including sealife) on their tour should manage their tour in a responsible and low impact way so as they not only achieve an overall postive sustainability benefit but to enhance their reputation for doing so. Companies that operate under strict management guidelines, are accredited by the Government or an ecotourism agency, have all the relevant permits, and adopt a no touch/leave-no-trace philosophy will generally deliver some of the sustainable benefits that ecotourism can bring. But even with this approach, humans need to be continually mindful about the impacts they are having on the natural area and wildlife they are experiencing. A recent article in the UK's The Guardian newspaper highlights this issue well.
The article, Stingrays suffering from contact with wildlife tourists, is worth reading if you are a wildlife viewing tourist. It states that "swimming with stingray may not be the life-enhancing experience expected – at least not for the animals." The article suggests that this is a common theme with all types of wildlife viewing. The article also refers to other studies on tourist-related interaction with "...grizzly bears, penguins, dolphins, sharks and lizards - the majority of these studies have looked at changes in the animals' behaviour or their stress responses (and) each has suggested that wildlife tourism should be both continually researched and managed". And it's not just physical interaction - changes to the natural ways of all creatures can occur just through observing them in their everyday life.
But, as with many sustainability issues, there are pros and cons that need to be considered. As the article states, "if the tourists aren't there then these animals could just be hunted or eaten. The best way is to educate the operators and the customers." The article also suggests that "while most wild creatures react as if the humans are predators, some see tourists as beneficial, either because they reduce the risks of predation by others, or because they supply food. This can allow the animals to dedicate more valuable energy supplies to rest and reproduction."
So, the key is to be careful and mindful of the impact you might have by viewing wildlife on your tour. If you decide to go ahead with a tour, choose eco-accredited and experienced tourism operators to guide you, trust that your guide knows their stuff, and follow their direction intently.
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