ECOTOURISM: A Case Study. Video Support Notes

Transcription

1 ECOTOURISM: A Case Study Video Support Notes Following many requests, these notes have been printed on A4 size sheets for easy photocopying Produced by Video Education Australasia Commissioning Editor: Christine Henderson Teacher notes by Tom Trikojus - Producer 111A MITCHELL STREET, BENDIGO, VIC 3550 TELEPHONE (03) , FAX (03) IN NEW ZEALAND FREECALL PHONE FREECALL FAX Duration 29 mins WARNING This program is protected by copyright laws both in Australia and overseas. The penalties for unauthorised copying of this program include a $50,000 fine for individuals and a $250,000 fine for institutions. These notes can be freely copied for classroom use only

2 Ecotourism: A Case Study Overview of video: Ecotourism is a very young industry. In fact, fifteen years ago the term 'ecotourism' and its principles didn't even exist! Despite this, ecotourism is growing rapidly. While the annual growth rate of tourism overall is only 4%, ecotourism is growing at around 15%! And the ecotourism model that has been developed in Australia is now being used a model for the development of ecotourism internationally. The Ecotourism Association of Australia defines ecotourism as "ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation". A recent study concluded that there are almost 3000 nature and ecotourism operators in Australia, offering as many as 10,000 ecotourism products. An ecotourism product in Australia is assessed using the Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP). The three levels of accreditation under NEAP are; Nature Tourism, Ecotourism, and Advanced Ecotourism. There are eight principles used for assessment: 1. Focus on personally experiencing nature in ways that lead to greater understanding and appreciation. 2. Integrate opportunities to understand nature into each experience. 3. Represent best practice for environmentally sustainable tourism. 4. Positively contribute to the conservation of natural areas. 5. Provide constructive ongoing contributions to local communities. 6. Be sensitive to, interpret and involve different cultures, particularly indigenous culture. 7. Consistently meet customer expectations. 8. Be marketed accurately and lead to realistic expectations. This program uses the Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP) as a case study to explore and illustrate the principles of ecotourism. The Phillip Island Nature Park is an excellent example because it has tours and attractions at all three levels of accreditation, and has been involved in ecotourism for many years. The staff are also involved in the Nature and Ecotour Guide Certification Program (NEGCP), which we discuss at the end of the program. We follow Andrew, our presenter, as he travels to all the attractions of the Phillip Island Nature Park, and meets a wide variety of people from rangers to marketing executives. Other Relevant Programs available from VEA Ecotourism An Experience with Nature Rising Waters: Global Warming and The Fate of the Pacific Islands Blockade: Anti-Logging Protest at Errinundra The Ecology of Fraser Island Please visit our website for more relevant programs 2

3 Student Response Sheet: Ecotourism: A Case Study Video: "Ecotourism: A Case Study, published by VEA, 111A, Mitchell St, Bendigo, The Phillip Island Nature Park covers hectares on Phillip Island. 2. The travel and tourism industry contributes about % of the world s GDP, and about % of the world s total employment. 3. Around % of international tourism is ecotourism-oriented, and the annual rate of growth of this type of tourism is around %. 4. The Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP) was launched in. 5. The three levels of accreditation under NEAP are: 6. There are principles used for assessment under NEAP. 7. To be eligible for Nature Tourism accreditation, a product is assessed using of the eight principles. 8. To be eligible for Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, Interpretation must be a element of the experience. 9. There are almost nature and ecotourism operators in Australia, delivering around ecotourism products. 10. Probably over a birds nest on Cape Woolamai. 11. Almost % of the Phillip Island Nature Park s budget is spent on scientific research. 12. One of the motto s of the Phillip Island Nature Park is, Don t what you come to enjoy! 13. The existence of the Koala Conservation Centre has ensured the of the koala population on Phillip Island. 14. The money the Penguin Parade raises helps to fund the control of and on Phillip Island. 15. The Phillip Island Nature Park is one of the biggest on Phillip Island. 16. The traditional people of Phillip Island are the. 17. Churchill Island was discovered in. 3

4 Ecotourism: A Case Study 18. The visual and written material that is used to market Churchill Island has a strong focus on. 19. An Ecoguide must; a) be sensitive b) observe impact standards c) conduct, well interpreted, and tours. 4

5 Exercise for students: Ecotourism: A Case Study 1. a) Ask students to research another ecotourism product, and find out how this product fulfils the eight principles of NEAP. b) They could then compare the ecotourism product they researched to the Phillip Island Nature Park, and discuss the similarities and differences. Additional Resources The Ecotourism Association of Australia The Phillip Island Nature Park The Department of Industry, Tourism, and Resources The Australian Tourist Commission The Ecotourism Explorer The World Tourism Organisation 5