Tourism and the Environment PART 1

There is a fundamental relationship between the environment and tourism. The environment attracts the toursit in the first place because of the scenery or historical heritage. In theory, the relationship should be mutually beneficial. Tourists enjoy the beautiful environments, and the revenue generated by tourists is used to maintain their quality


Much depends upon the nature of the tourist and the sttle/type of tourism.

Increased tourist flow can cause pressure on the environment which results in further problems and can lead to conflict.


TASK 1 Make notes on the IMPACTS OF TOURISM from this link
http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/envi/one.html



National Parks in England and Wales - an example of conflict managed -

ASPECTS OF GREEN TOURISM

National Parks are often cited as examples of how tourism and the environment can be managed together. An estimated 110 million people visit the national parks of England and Wales each year. Recreation and tourism bring visitors and funds into the parks, to sustain their conservation efforts and support the local population through jobs and businesses. These visitors also bring problems, such as erosion and traffic congestion, and conflicts over the use of the parks' resources. The national funding offered to National Park Authorities is partly in recognition of the extra difficulties created in dealing with these conflicts.
Each park is operated by its own National Park Authority, with two 'statutory purposes'.


1. to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, and

2. to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the park's special qualities by the public.

These purposes can conflict: in such cases, under the 'Sandford Principle', conservation normally comes first. This principle was given statutory force by section 62 of the Environment Act 1995. In pursuing these purposes, National Park Authorities also have a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of their local communities.



Click on the image for detailed information about the new Management Strategy for the Yorkshire Dales.

TASK 2:

i)Give reasons why MAIN MANAGEMENT POLICIES and STEWARDSHIP SCHEMES employed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are essential in managing the impact of tourism.

ii) Evaluate the success of the main policies

You also need to download the PDF documents on Tourism in the Yorkshire Dales from the Document Library (click here)

TASK 3: Comment on the likely differences and causes of conflict between valley floor and fell top tourism in two named areas of the Yorkshire Dales.

The following document gives a detailed insight into the guiding principles of Mountain Tourism.