An approach to more integrated planning and management of tourism in natural areas: a case study of the Caltins in New Zealand’s wild south east.

Taylor, N & Gough, J

The International Association for Society and Natural Resources, Otago University

2006

Unknown

In relation to Research Project: www.srknowledge.org.nz/research-completed/management-of-tourism-and/

The International Association for Society and Natural Resources: iasnr@psu.edu 

http://www.iasnr.org/

Paper presented to the 12th International Symposium on Society and Resource Management, Vancouver 3-8 June, 2006.

Natural areas attract considerable tourism growth, with increasing public concern about managing the effects of tourism on the natural areas and their host communities. The focus of this research is development of a more integrated approach to planning and managing natural areas for tourism and related activities in New Zealand, adopting a coordinated application of tools rather than the common focus on single tools to solve part of a complex problem. These tools include methodologies, frameworks, and responses to issues that arise in the contexts of integrated planning and management, including social, political and cultural contexts. The Catlins case study is one of four action-research studies used to develop and extend the  integrated approach. The Catlins, encompassing an area in south-east New Zealand, has natural values including indigenous forests, a wild and varied coastline and marine wildlife. The case study analysed the strengths and weaknesses of particular tools, and practical aspects of capacity building relating to use of these tools to help implement a community strategic tourism plan across several small communities. Six sets of tools broadly inform the recognition and setting of limits to tourism growth and activity; processes around community participation in strategic planning; social, biophysical and cumulative impact assessment; valuation and allocation of natural resources for tourism; land-use and tourism planning; and marketing and interpretation to attract and direct visitors, modify their behaviour and enhance their experience. Together, the tools provide the basis for building community, industry and agency capacity to manage natural areas in a more integrated manner for tourism.

Keywords:

Outdoors, Parks, National Parks, Conservation, Environment, Tourism, Natural area tourism, Management strategies, Community planning, Impact, Natural resources

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Case study

Southland

Facilities, Outdoor Recreation

Tourists

Outdoors

Coast and beach, Commercial, Events, Mountains, National Parks, Non-organised, Organised, Rivers and lakes, Travel and Transport

Barriers, Benefits, Impacts - economic, Impacts - environmental, Impacts- social, Management, Planning, Tourism

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June 22, 2012

June 22, 2012