CAN TOURISM REALLY HELP THE ENVIROMENT?

As you may know, I work as a tour guide and science communicator on The Big Duck here on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Fleurieu has an incredible diversity of wildlife, and the Big Duck has been blessed with the opportunity to take people out and view the wildlife. Now I witness firsthand the excitement and curiosity every individual possesses when we encounter a species – specifically an endangered species. Not only are they learning some amazing facts about each animal, but every individual is also unknowingly building an emotional connection with the animal and environment. This develops an extended awareness and even sparks the want to ask questions and learn more, something that never would have happened without taking the tour. However, it gets even better! Many studies have shown that when people participate in wildlife tours it increases conservation-related behaviors.

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Now, let’s look at some evidence: here’s some research based on the shark cage diving ecotourism industry in Port Lincoln. Following a shark cage diving tour, awareness, understanding, concern, and attitude toward sharks increased. Additionally, there was also an increase in conservation-related behaviors (Apps et al. 2018). This occurs from having an enhanced emotional connection with the animals after witnessing them in their natural habitat (Apps et al. 2018). Now I could guarantee you if I did a similar survey after one of our Big Duck Tours, we would have similar results with our endangered animals.

Of-course negative impacts are inevitable in the realm of living things. But let’s put this into perspective, the possible negative impacts are going to be minimal in comparison to the positive long-term effects and overall survival of a species. If businesses follow the principals of eco-tourism and improvements are constantly being made to help minimize negative impacts, it really can be revolutionary in shaping the role of a more sustainable future. If eco-tourism increases awareness, educates people, and builds an emotional connection, it’s doing a damn good job at building a network of likeminded people to help save our environment. The added bonus is, it even supports local economies and people, but I’m sure I’ll cover that in more blogs to come!