The aim of wildlife tourism “is to visit a destination in order to see and gain an understanding of the local fauna without harming the natural environment“ (Mintel, 2006). Duffus & Dearden (1990) developed three dimensions of wildlife – human interaction which are illustrated in Figure 1. This study focuses on non-consumptive wildlife tourism. This form of niche tourism includes observing and interacting with animals without harming them with a special interest in wildlife conservation (Higginbottom 2004, Duffus & Dearden, 1990). The future for wildlife tourism is predicted to grow rapidly within the next 10 years. A shift away from the single adventurers to a more general target group is forecasted (Mintel, 2006) leading eventually to mass tourism and more negative impacts.
The question is where the desire, to be close to nature, comes from. One view is, that “humans evolved in the natural environment, changing in response to it” (Knopf, 1987). Animals have provided much of the food supply for most societies (Orams, 2002). Furthermore, the every day life of the human being demands directed attention and full power. There is the desire to be ‘free’, unconventional and enjoy life (Newsome, 2005).
Furthermore, Kim & Jamal (2007) introduce that the today’s society is inauthentic and isolated, driving people to travel in search for an authentic experience. This could take the form of staged authenticity - making a product out of it (Goffman, 1963 cited in Kim & Jamal, 2007). The desire to experience nature is stimulated through the media (Orams, 2002). In addition a growing concern for the environment, visible e.g. through the Kyoto protocol, enhances this phenomenon (Mapleweb, 2005). Fredrickson & Anderson (1999: 30) found that a close relationship to animals leads to a decrease in depression and stress enhancing social interaction as the natural experience enables the tourist a “step away from the stresses of life.”
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Discussion of positive impacts
- Discussion of negative impacts
- Possibilities to alleviate negative environmental and social impacts
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study examines non-consumptive wildlife tourism, focusing on its positive and negative impacts. It explores the motivations behind wildlife tourism, the relationship between humans and animals within this context, and the economic and environmental consequences of this growing industry.
- The motivations of wildlife tourists
- The environmental impacts of wildlife tourism
- The socio-economic impacts of wildlife tourism
- The human-animal relationship in the context of wildlife tourism
- Strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of wildlife tourism
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of non-consumptive wildlife tourism, defining it as observing and interacting with animals without harming them, with a focus on conservation. It discusses the predicted rapid growth of the industry and explores the underlying motivations driving this trend, touching upon the human desire for connection with nature, escape from modern life, and the search for authentic experiences. The chapter also briefly addresses the philosophical question of the human-animal relationship, considering anthropocentric and ecocentric perspectives. This sets the stage for exploring the positive and negative impacts of wildlife tourism on various stakeholders.
Discussion of positive impacts: This section details the numerous benefits of wildlife tourism. It highlights the positive emotional experiences tourists derive from wildlife encounters, emphasizing potential health benefits and increased environmental awareness. The economic advantages are also discussed, including revenue generation for tourism operators and contributions to local economies, with specific examples like whale watching in the UK and the Galapagos Islands. The role of wildlife tourism in supporting conservation efforts and community projects in developing countries is further examined. The section emphasizes the potential for positive human-animal interactions to foster conservation awareness.
Keywords
Wildlife tourism, non-consumptive tourism, conservation, environmental impact, socio-economic impact, human-animal relationship, ecotourism, sustainable tourism, stakeholder analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview of Non-Consumptive Wildlife Tourism
What is the overall topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a study on non-consumptive wildlife tourism. It covers the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the study?
The study examines the positive and negative impacts of non-consumptive wildlife tourism. It explores the motivations of wildlife tourists, the environmental and socio-economic consequences of this industry, and the human-animal relationship within this context. Strategies for mitigating negative impacts are also investigated.
What topics are covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction defines non-consumptive wildlife tourism, discusses its predicted growth and underlying motivations (connection with nature, escape, authentic experiences), and briefly touches upon anthropocentric and ecocentric perspectives on the human-animal relationship. It sets the stage for exploring the positive and negative impacts.
What are some of the positive impacts of non-consumptive wildlife tourism discussed?
The positive impacts include positive emotional experiences for tourists (with potential health benefits and increased environmental awareness), economic advantages (revenue generation for operators and local economies), and support for conservation efforts and community projects, particularly in developing countries. The potential for positive human-animal interactions fostering conservation awareness is also highlighted.
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While the preview doesn't detail specific negative impacts, it indicates that the full study will address this crucial aspect. The table of contents explicitly lists a chapter dedicated to "Discussion of negative impacts."
What strategies for mitigating negative impacts are mentioned?
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What are the key words associated with this study?
The keywords include: Wildlife tourism, non-consumptive tourism, conservation, environmental impact, socio-economic impact, human-animal relationship, ecotourism, sustainable tourism, stakeholder analysis.
What is the structure of the full study?
The study is structured into chapters including: Introduction, Discussion of positive impacts, Discussion of negative impacts, Possibilities to alleviate negative environmental and social impacts, and Conclusion.
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This document is intended for academic use, allowing for the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
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- Citar trabajo
- Janine Paul (Autor), 2007, Positive and Negative Impacts associated with Non-Consumptive Wildlife Tourism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/92283
