euroeco2010 richard denman

Global perspectives on ecotourism in Europe

Richard Denman

What I will be covering

What is ecotourism – a reminder Global and European policy context Key challenges and opportunities

Ecotourism

“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wellbeing of local people”TIES, 1990

Relationship with Sustainable Tourism

Business tourism

Beach tourism

Rural tourism

Cultural tourism

Nature tourism

ECOTOURISM

IUCN Parks for Life 1992

The Ecotourism Society + National Ecotourism bodies –developing principles, codes

International Year of Ecotourism and Quebec Summit 2002 (UNWTO and UNEP)

WSSD Johannesburg 2002

CBD Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism 2004

Global Ecotourism Conference, Olso 2007 (TIES+UNEP)

International Year of Biodiversity

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Lanzarote Conference on Sustainable Tourism 1995

UNWTO Code of Ethics 1999 C

Emphasis on MDGs and poverty

UNWTO work on poverty alleviation; destination management; indicators

UNWTO+UNEP Making Tourism More Sustainable 2005

Mainstreaming sustainability

UN Task Force on Sustainable Tourism

Tourism Sustainability Council

The sustainable tourism agenda

1. Economic viability2. Local prosperity3. Employment quality4. Social equity5. Visitor fulfilment6. Local control

UNWTO/UNEP 2005

1. Community wellbeing2. Cultural richness3. Physical integrity4. Biological diversity5. Resource efficiency6. Environmental purity

Current global sustainability priorities

Economic viability Climate change – mitigation and adaptation Poverty alleviation Resource use Biodiversity loss

Specific requirements of Ecotourism

In NATURAL AREAS

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM principles/aims + Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and

cultural heritage, Includes local and indigenous communities in its

planning, development and operation, and contributes to their well-being,

Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to visitors,

Lends itself better to independent travelers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups.

Quebec Declaration, 2002

Ecotourism in Europe – history and position ‘Ecotourism’ – less used as a term Long established concept and practice of

rural tourism Links with agrotourism – Eco-Agro Tourism Stronger take up in Central/Eastern Europe Some focus on areas of wilderness and

indigenous communities – e.g. Arctic Ongoing interest in tourism in Protected

European policy position

European Commission – Tourism Sustainability Group: Action for More Sustainable European Tourism 2007

Key challenges: Seasonality; transport; job quality; local communities; resource use; conserving cultural and natural heritage; holidays for all; global responsibility

European Commission – New Political Framework for Tourism in Europe 2010 Sustainable + Competitive Tourism

Key challenges: product diversification/ innovation; skills; seasonality; sustainable destinations; European market profile/image; coordinated funding.

Moving forward

Future strategic approach for Ecotourism Continue to champion, embrace and lead the

sustainability agenda Maximise benefits from nature based tourism,

to deliver: Positive contribution to nature conservation Improved rural economy/ local livelihoods Support for local rural heritage A fulfilling visitor experience, providing

understanding of nature and associated cultures

Some key issues, opportunities and approaches

Addressing climate change and transport Understanding markets Working with protected areas Using standards and certification positively Positively supporting the conservation of nature Delivering benefits to rural communities Pursuing innovative products Sharing knowledge

GLOBAL EUROPE

EUROPE GLOBAL

SUSTAINABILITY ECOTOURISM

ECOTOURISM SUSTAINABILITY

Addressing climate change and transport A major challenge for

(eco) tourism Transport a key issue Reduce total carbon and

also offset Change travel modes Inform and facilitate

travellers Change travel patterns

Understanding markets

Desire for experiences Activity + adventure +

nature Growing wildlife interest Small niche markets Far bigger general

markets responding to nature

Using standards and certification positively Debate on certification Provides good guide for

operators Travel trade take up Needs more promotion Tourism Sustainability

Council and Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

European Ecotourism Standards

Working with Protected Areas

Key destinations for ecotourism

Provide brand awareness

Need partnership structures

PANPARKS and EUROPARC

Positively supporting the conservation of nature Active support - an

ecotourism requirement Encouraging nature to be

valued Revenue raising -

operator sponsorship; concessions; entrance fees; ‘visitor payback’

‘Volunteering’ tourism Managing visitor pressure

and impact on wildlife

Delivering benefits to rural communities Developing countries but

also in Europe Poverty alleviation models -

Value Chain Analysis Developing local supply

chains Community Based

Ecotourism Private sector investment

and engagement with communities

Pursuing innovative products

European product lags behind?

Accommodation – Ecolodges and small scale units

Visitor attractions offering access to nature

Promoting packages and local guiding

Sharing knowledge

Indicators, monitoring and informal feedback

Linking research knowledge to industry

Global and European knowledge networks, portals and websites

Consolidating and expanding the European Ecotourism Conference